Chapter 32: Do You Think I Will Lose?

Hayley’s POV:

Benjamin’s tone was calm, but I could still sense his underlying frustration. Well, who wouldn’t be upset after being rejected? Not wanting to provoke him any further, I took the USB drive from his hand. “Alright, thanks.”

The moment I accepted it, Benjamin’s expression softened noticeably. He gave a small nod, then finally unlocked the car door. I got out.

“Thanks again. You should head back,” I waved at him before walking away.

As I made my way along the path to the classroom, I held the USB drive in my hand, still trying to figure out Benjamin’s intentions. Doesn’t he dislike me? Why bother helping me like this?

Unable to make sense of it, I decided to stop overthinking. Since Benjamin had offered it in good faith, I reluctantly accepted it. Besides, with the competition drawing near, having detailed information on my opponents could actually be useful.

After that, I didn’t dwell on it anymore. I arrived at the philosophy class a little early. The teacher hadn’t arrived yet, so I opened my laptop, plugged in the USB, and started going through the contents.

“Hey, Hayley! Good morning!” Christine Bush, who had signed up for the same class, greeted me cheerfully as she entered. She pulled out a lollipop and handed it to me. “Here, have some candy.”

I looked up and couldn’t hide my delight. “How did you know this was my favorite flavor?”

“Haha, maybe we’re just like-minded?”

I took the lollipop from her, unwrapped it, and popped it into my mouth. The taste filled my senses instantly. I’d been holding back my preferences for a while, forcing myself to quit my long-standing Jollipop habit. Now, tasting it again made my mood soar.

“I’ve got more at home. I’ll bring you more flavors next time,” Christine said with a playful wink, and we both burst into laughter.

As more classmates began to filter into the room, many of them greeted me warmly. Ever since my victory in the tennis match, I wasn’t as unpopular as I used to be. However, Rachel was also in this class, and the moment she walked in and saw me, she glared at me with clear hostility. I met her gaze and glared right back.

With an irritated huff, she turned her head away and sat near me. Her childish behavior only amused me. I overheard her proudly saying to the girl next to her, “Guess what? My parents are planning to hire Paul Evans as my piano teacher.”

“What? Paul Evans? The famous pianist?”

Chapter 37: Do You Think I Will Lose?

I couldn’t help but smirk. Paul Evans? Heh, it’s been a while since I last saw him.

Rachel’s POV:

Seeing how unfazed Hayley was infuriated me even more. Paul Evans is a renowned pianist, and yet she didn’t even react when she heard his name. Hayley’s just some clueless nobody from Phoenix City. She’s probably never even heard of artists like him.

And yet, this unattractive, oblivious Omega was once invisible to everyone. Inexplicably, she has gained popularity after that lucky win in the tennis match. Now, people who once greeted me are going out of their way to say hello to her. I’ve even heard that on the upcoming campus rankings, where I used to have a secure spot, many people have started shifting their votes to Hayley!

How could an Omega as plain as she possibly compare to someone like me, a Beta? I shot a furious look at her profile, clenching my fists tightly.

During that Spanish class, I’d planned to humiliate her, but she ended up stealing the spotlight instead. But piano playing has always been my strength, ever since I was a child. I’ve never had any real competition in that area.

I’m going to make sure my parents hire Paul as my teacher. With his help, I’ll take my piano skills to the next level. Then, during the school dance, I’ll show everyone who truly deserves their applause – Hayley or…inc.

I scoffed inwardly, silently vowing to outshine her and reclaim my rightful place on the campus rankings.

“Rachel, do you want to come to my place for a party after school?” One of my friends tapped me on the shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts.

But all I could think about was beating Hayley, so I waved her off, uninterested. “Not today. You go ahead.”

Hayley’s POV:

I muttered her name in my mind, digging my nails into my palms. Then, suddenly, an idea struck me. I think I’ve just thought of the perfect way to deal with her…

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