Chapter 1180

The mention of "severe punishment" caused Halley and the others to recoil in fear. They retreated, creating distance between themselves and Jocelyn.

Jocelyn felt only resentment, her emotions a turbulent mix of frustration and injustice. "I didn't do it on purpose," she sobbed, "but she brought it upon herself! Her aunt made a fool of herself, yet she still defended that old man, Thomas Farrell! Doesn't she feel ashamed?"

Courtney, who hadn't cried when slapped, now wept at Jocelyn's words. She turned away, burying her face in a classmate's shoulder.

The teachers were summoned, including Carissa. The students involved grew nervous, fearing punishment. The tension between the groups had vanished, leaving no trace of hostility.

Once the full story emerged, Rosalind's usually calm demeanor hardened. "She has repeatedly caused trouble and now resorted to violence. She's not here to learn but to disrupt. I suggest we expel her before she damages our reputation."

Jocelyn, already ambivalent about the academy, felt deeply insulted. Expulsion was far worse than leaving voluntarily. Kylie had specifically asked her to stay—she still had goals. How could she be expelled now?

In frustration, she confronted Rosalind, the instigator of her expulsion. "I know why you want me gone. You proposed to Thomas, he rejected you, and now you're jealous of his interest in me."

Catherine frowned. "Is this how the Quintons are taught? To hurl insults and resort to violence? Spreading rumors, causing trouble… You have no shame. I agree with expulsion."

After a pause, Catherine's tone softened. "But I suggest you withdraw before word spreads and jeopardizes your future marriage prospects."

"I agree," Athena stated firmly. As the disciplinarian, Athena knew these young women weren't there to study, but to cause trouble. She'd spared them once after their previous gossip and even disciplined them with a ruler. But resorting to violence had crossed a line. If word got out, Gracewood Women's Academy would appear lawless.

Kyle and Harriet also agreed, making the expulsion unanimous. Carissa nodded and addressed Jocelyn. "For your reputation's sake, I suggest you withdraw." Carissa respected Catherine's opinion; expulsion would ruin Jocelyn's prospects and reflect poorly on the academy.

Jocelyn sobbed, "I won't withdraw! You're all picking on me! Isn't she to blame? She insulted me!"

Carissa knew reasoning was futile. "I'll have both families summoned to settle this. Whether the Earl of Silverstone's family pursues the assault depends on Mrs. Prince's decision."

Carissa then ordered someone to fetch both families. Jocelyn turned to Hailey and Cassidy. "You have to help me! Tell them she insulted me first! She said General Farrell wouldn't be interested in me—she slandered me!"

Hailey and Cassidy hesitated, but pleaded for leniency. "She knows she was wrong. Please, give her another chance, Headmistress?"

Their half-hearted plea was ignored. Carissa dismissed the students, directing Jocelyn and Courtney to the Elegance Grove courtyard to await their parents.

Howard didn't come; Vera arrived instead. Knowing Oliver was out of the capital, Howard expected the Earl of Silverstone's family to send Zoey. Since it involved the women's academy, Howard sent his wife. Vera had hoped to bring Marjorie, but Marjorie claimed illness. Though frustrated, Vera knew better than to press the matter and set out alone with a maid.