Chapter 378: Falling for Her Trap

Carlos couldn't think straight; unsure of Penelope's condition, he rushed to her side. However, when he tried to help her up, she sprayed something in his face. As a member of a prominent family, Carlos recognized the tactic immediately. Something was wrong.

As he struggled to his feet, Penelope pounced. The more he fought, the faster the drug took effect, and his clothes were torn in the struggle. "Penelope! You're crazy!" Carlos roared.

Penelope's eyes, swollen from crying, now blazed with madness. "The one who's crazy is you! I'm your beloved student. How can you give me to someone else? Haha, after tonight, even if you don't want to be with me, you won't have a choice."

Carlos shouted, "Penelope, calm down! Do you think sleeping together means I'll take responsibility for you? You're naive! This is a crime!"

"I don't care! You've ruined me, Carlos! You watch me suffer and ignore my wishes. You're my teacher—why treat me like this? You're forcing me to die! Why are you so heartless?"

Carlos couldn't reason with her. Was not fulfilling her desires truly ruining her? In reality, Penelope was trying to ruin him. He could barely speak coherently.

Carlos, dedicated to his music and committed to purity, had never experienced anything like this. The drug overwhelmed him, leaving him uncontrollable. In a sudden surge, he flipped Penelope over and pinned her down.

Just as Penelope thought she'd succeeded, Carlos saw her face clearly. Nausea and revulsion flooded him, restoring his rationality. He headbutted her.

Penelope was dazed. Seizing the moment, Carlos scrambled away, stumbling out. His vision blurred, but he knew he needed to lock himself up and call for help. He found a nearby rehearsal room, locked the door, and tried to send a message, but his consciousness faded. He seemed to hear a girl's voice, but wasn't sure if it was Penelope pursuing him.

Meanwhile, back at the Quirk estate, Isabella and the others remained focused on Janice's situation.

Chapter 378: Falling for Her Trap

Although Isabella knew the gossip, she'd only heard it from Janice. She hadn't met Janice's boyfriend or Cecilia, leaving many uncertainties. However, Isabella remained deeply suspicious.

Half the people present knew the truth; half didn't. When questioned, Janice only called it a classmate's accident. What else could she say? You can't retaliate for an "accident," and you can't report it to the police. Yet, Janice didn't mention how many times she'd experienced such "accidents" over the past year.

Now Janice seemed self-doubting, unable to explain herself because she wasn't sure what had happened. She was strangely reluctant to seek help, perhaps ashamed to air her dirty laundry, or perhaps because past attempts had failed, leading her to avoid seeking assistance.

Isabella thought, Janice, you're right to be suspicious. Ever since Cody confessed, you've been bullied by the "campus hunk's" protectors. This isn't just jealousy; it's bullying! Have you been mistreated by your family to the point you can't recognize bullying? Consider this: first, if you revealed your Quirk family connection, no one would dare bully you. But your family prevents you from doing so—suspicious. Second, since you're being bullied because of Cody, shouldn't he defend you? Is he dead? Why does he just watch?

Isabella harbored countless concerns but couldn't voice them.