Chapter 65: Please Don’t Punish Me
Rachel’s POV:
“Young lady, interested in taking out loans?”
My eyes suddenly lit up. “Loans?” I asked. “How do you borrow this? Is it like a credit card? What’s the maximum amount I can borrow?”
The man smiled. “That depends on your needs. No matter how much you need, we can help you solve your urgent needs.”
I felt like this was an angel sent from heaven to rescue me, so I followed the man to learn more about the loan options.
When I returned to school, I threw a bag containing 100,000 in cash before Juliet. “Here’s 100,000. Don’t come looking for me again.”
Juliet looked at me in surprise, clearly unable to believe I had actually managed to gather 100,000 in such a short time. But she quickly took the money without saying anything. “Thanks! If you have any more opportunities like this in the future, don’t forget to come to me.”
I clenched my fists, feeling quite frustrated, but maintained a smile. “I’m telling you, this is the last time. You’d better not threaten me again. Even though you’re an Omega one rank higher than me now, don’t forget your family can’t compare to mine.” With that warning, I turned and walked away.
Hayley’s POV:
Juliet found me and respectfully handed me a bag of money. “This is from her, Hayley. I did what you asked. Can we consider this settled between us?”
“Can you please ask Alpha Benjamin and the Southwells not to punish me?”
I ignored the bag of money, my lips curling into a slight, cold smile. “Rest assured, I’m someone who means what I say. Our grievances can end here, but starting tomorrow, you shouldn’t go to school anymore. The 100,000 is for your travel expenses. Take it. There’s no need to return it.”
Juliet quickly refused. “No, I can’t accept this money. I’ll have my dad transfer me to another school; you can trust me.”
I observed her closely. She still had a chance, but things were no longer in her hands. Knowing Rachel’s character, even if she handed the money to Juliet, she might still do something behind the scenes for revenge.
“Rachel isn’t the type to let things go easily. You can keep the money, but I won’t say anything more. Just be cautious and take care of yourself,” I advised Juliet, feeling it was the right thing to do.
Next, it was time to settle the score with Rachel!
Rachel’s POV:
Hayley hadn’t come to school for two consecutive days, and I felt completely at ease; she should have been locked away in that little dark room in the mountains as planned.
I relaxed and focused on preparing for the upcoming state-level Spanish public speaking competition. The authority of this competition was significant; winning the championship would be advantageous for applying to Emerald Vale League universities in the future. As a low-tier werewolf, I had to seize this opportunity to showcase myself; only then would I have a chance to connect with higher-tier werewolves and perhaps even meet an Alpha. By then, I could ask him to restore my original status.
Held in the largest sports arena in our state, this public speaking competition was a major event of the year. It gathered the best teachers and students from across the state, and the competition for the championship was exceptionally fierce.
“Rachel, once you get on stage, don’t be nervous; just perform at your usual level,” Ms. Anne advised me backstage. It felt great to be valued by the teacher.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Anne. I will do my best and definitely strive for a good result,” I promised her.
As long as Hayley wasn’t around, I would win the championship.
Anne patted my head. “Okay, good luck! I look forward to your performance.”
I smiled confidently and looked toward the shining spot in the center of the stage, where I would soon stand and enjoy everyone’s attention. I could almost envision myself holding the golden trophy.
“Hayley is also supposed to compete in this competition, but she still hasn’t arrived. You sit here; I’ll go look for her outside.”
Anne suddenly mentioned that wretched Hayley, ruining my good mood. She seemed to pay more attention to Hayley than me, thinking she was better than me.
“She might be out there already, Ms. Anne. Why don’t you go take a look? I can handle it on my own.” I clenched my fists in frustration but kept my tone calm as I spoke to Anne.
“Alright, I’ll head over there first. Just relax and give it your best shot!”
As I watched Anne walk away, I let out a cold laugh. Hayley showing up for the competition? I doubted she would have that chance. Maybe Hayley had already been torn apart by some ruthless Rogue in the mountains.
I casually pulled my gaze away and glanced at my reflection in the mirror. My makeup was neat and flawless. I had always been very satisfied with my appearance; while I might not be a stunning beauty, I certainly had a significant advantage over that ugly duckling, Hayley.
Finally, it was my turn to give the speech, and I walked onto the stage with confidence. As I looked out at the judges and audience, I flashed a charming, confident smile at them. Then, I calmly picked up the microphone and spoke fluently.
“Hola, señoras y señores, soy…”
All the audience members focused on me, and even the judges nodded in approval. At that moment, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
But just then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of someone approaching from a distance.
Hayley!
When our gazes locked, she smiled at me with a knowing grin. My body tensed up immediately. Wasn’t she supposed to be stuck on the mountain? How could she be here? What was she planning?