Chapter 1196

Screams erupted from the hall, growing louder and more frantic. As Claire sprinted towards the noise, she shouted, "Don't run! Find somewhere to hide!"

Inside, Catherine and Harriet shielded the visibly shaken students. Rosalind and Athena fought desperately with sticks, trying to fend off the men who had stormed in. Rosalind, however, was no match for their strength. Seeing one man approach a terrified Cassidy, she swung her stick with all her might, but he merely grinned and lunged at her.

By the time Claire arrived, the man held Rosalind, leaning in to kiss her. Rosalind struggled violently, scratching at his face, but he overpowered her. Claire's temper flared. She grabbed the man by his coat, threw him to the ground, and delivered a swift kick to his stomach.

Snatching Athena's stick, Claire swung wildly, scattering the men. The man who had assaulted Rosalind was knocked down, the stick breaking across his legs with a sickening crack and a scream.

Just then, the students' families arrived. The onlookers, witnessing the chaos, paled. "What's happened? How did these men get in?" someone cried.

A rush of people crowded into the hall, met by the sight of a fallen man and terrified students. The students rushed to their parents, sobbing. "Dad! Mom! It's awful! They broke in and grabbed Ms. Young!"

All eyes turned to Rosalind, pale, disheveled, and trembling despite Athena's efforts to steady her. Catherine, recognizing the gravity of the situation, knew Rosalind's reputation—and the school's—were at stake.

Stepping forward, she said, "Thanks to Ms. Claire's quick action, no one was harmed. Ms. Young was using a stick to protect the students…" But her voice lacked conviction.

The young women, terrified and recounting their experiences, painted a picture far more severe than it actually was. Some claimed near-abductions; others, tugged sleeves. A few credited Rosalind with saving them.

Catherine and Harriet's attempts to explain were met with deaf ears. The incensed parents demanded answers: Why was the gate open? How did the intruders enter?

The angry crowd forced the teachers back until Zoey arrived. Disregarding formalities, she rushed in, shouting, "This was a targeted attack! One man has been apprehended and will be taken to the authorities. Thankfully, no one was harmed, only frightened. No young lady was assaulted. I urge you not to spread rumors."

Zoey, the Earl of Silverstone's wife, silenced many, but whispers persisted. Claire hoisted the man to his feet, slapped him twice, and demanded, "Who sent you?"

His bloodshot eyes showed no fear. He reached for Claire's face, grinning, muttering, "Pretty girl, let me hold you." Claire punched him, knocking the wind out of him, but his lewd expression remained.

This enraged the parents. "How dare he?" Winifred cried, clutching her trembling daughter. "He looks drugged! How could such a scoundrel get in? We demand answers!"