Chapter 59

Stacy’s heart clenched with frustration. Turning away, she helped Maura inside without looking back, avoiding Aurora’s gaze. “You sharp-tongued brat,” she thought, “I’ll let you have your moment of triumph this time. Once Maura recovers, I’ll settle the score.”

The rising sun cast a warm glow as soft morning music filled the air. Mereida High School’s asphalt road was lined with cars, a steady stream of students flowing towards the entrance.

Alison, stepping from her car near the school gate, spotted Aurora ahead. Fearful Aurora might escape, she shouted, “Aurora, stop!”

Aurora briefly turned at the sound of her name, recognized Alison, and continued walking towards Class F.

“Aurora, are you deaf? I told you to stop!” Too anxious to grab her bag, Alison sprinted after Aurora, swinging her hand towards Aurora’s face.

The commotion during peak school hours quickly drew a crowd. Amused smirks spread as onlookers paused to watch. Some even filmed the unfolding drama, eager to share it on school chat groups.

Aurora’s eyes darkened. Swiftly catching Alison’s hand, she flung it aside. Her voice was icy. “Are you a mad dog, biting people in the street?” She thought, I’ve been so preoccupied with the Sunrise Pharmaceuticals deal that I almost forgot Alison existed. Since she’s looking for trouble, I won’t let her off easily.

Alison pointed at Aurora, yelling, “Aurora, answer me! Why hasn’t Maura been coming to school? What did you do to her?”

Alison had been shocked during a video call with Maura last night by her friend's drastic weight loss and fragile state. After much coaxing, Maura had finally revealed the “truth.” Seeing Aurora this morning and recalling Maura’s injuries made Alison's blood boil.

Ignoring the crowd, Alison shouted, “Aurora, you vile woman! You were in that car accident with Maura, yet instead of saving her, you shoved her out of the way! You used her as a human shield! She was covered in blood, cut by broken glass, and you—are you even human?”

The onlookers’ attention shifted to Aurora. One muttered, “I wondered why Maura hadn’t been here. She was in an accident.” Another added, “How disgusting! Using Maura as a shield. Some people are truly selfish.” A third chimed in, “Wow, I thought I’d seen it all.”

Aurora remained calm amidst the judgmental stares and murmurs. Meeting Alison’s fiery gaze, she coolly retorted, “Did your family forget to lock your cage?”

“Bitch, I’ll kill you!” Alison lunged forward, aiming another blow.

Aurora grabbed Alison’s chin, forcing her to look up. Malice gleamed in her eyes. “Look at yourself. Don’t you look just like a mad dog?”

“Aurora…” Alison spat the name through clenched teeth, her eyes blazing. She struggled, but Aurora’s grip was unyielding.

Chapter 39

Luckily for Alison, someone intervened, pulling her away from Aurora.

Damion stood before Aurora, his tall frame casting a shadow. His angry face was set. “Isn’t it enough that you harmed Maura? Do you have to hurt Alison in front of everyone, too?”

Aurora thought, Seriously? Anyone could see Alison threw the first punch, yet I’m the aggressor? Their talent for twisting the truth is unbelievable.

Rolling her eyes, Aurora retorted sarcastically, “What? Are you blind? Didn’t you see Alison attack me first?”

Damion’s contempt deepened. “So what if she hit you first? You could have stepped aside. But no, you had to retaliate. You’re relentless. Your behavior is disgraceful.”

As the school heartthrob, Damion always drew a crowd. His words fueled their judgment.

One girl said, “Yeah, who’d use their own sister as a human shield? She’s vile and cruel.”

Another added, “Let’s keep our distance. Who knows who she’ll hurt next?”

A third girl exclaimed, “How is someone like her still in school? She’s terrifying!”

Emboldened, a girl threw an empty water bottle at Aurora.

Aurora tilted her head to dodge it, then shot the girl a sharp glare that silenced her.

Turning back to Alison, Aurora sneered, “I wasn’t even in the same car as Maura. How exactly did I use her as a shield?”

Knowing Jaxon had spread his version of events to protect his reputation, Aurora played along. “That night, I never went home. Maura’s accident had nothing to do with me.”

“Oh, so we should just believe you?” Alison glared, hands on her hips.

Aurora shrugged, her tone indifferent. “If you see it that way, what can I do?”

Alison, furious, said, “Don’t get cocky, Aurora. Today’s the exams. In three days, you’ll be kicked out of Mereida. Enjoy your last moments.”

Their exams spanned two days; teachers would grade them and post results within two days.

Alison imagined Aurora expelled, a disgraced stray. It’s a pity Maura can’t see this, she thought. I must video it to cheer her up.

“I’ll be waiting,” Aurora replied with a smirk, turning away from the school gates. The crowd dispersed.

The school bell rang. Seats had been rearranged for the exams.

Alison spotted Aurora in the third row. Her mood darkened, and she muttered a curse.

Chapter 59

She took her seat, fiddling with her stationery. “What kind of arrangement is this? Watch your answer sheets, or some shameless person might copy,” she sneered. Reclining, Aurora retorted, “Honestly, this school puts too much emphasis on grades. It’s ridiculous.”