Tiffany was temporarily suspended from school. Her classmates' cruel remarks, however, went unheard. Their slander grew increasingly vicious and shameless.

“I knew it! Tiffany always lashed out at us. She must have psychological problems, maybe even murderous tendencies!”

“Who knows what Jade did to offend her? Tiffany didn't hesitate to take a life! Does she think the Kelley family will protect her?”

“Does she have nightmares? Can she eat or sleep? Is she afraid of Jade's ghost?”

“She's shameless! No wonder Mr. Harper broke off their engagement. Look at Melody—so kind and understanding.”

Zoe, furious, felt her eyes burn with unshed tears. Over the past few days, she’d fought numerous battles, sustaining bruises from beatings. Yesterday, several girls, believing themselves to be champions of justice, locked her in a bathroom, tearing her clothes and slapping her face. Only Ged's intervention prevented worse injuries. Despite this, Zoe refused to let the rumors continue.

Without hesitation, she confronted them. “You act like eyewitnesses! Do you have proof? Solid evidence? No? Then stop the noise!”

She detested such people. Their detailed, fabricated stories spread like wildfire, convincing those unaware of the truth. They believed themselves to be fighting for justice, oblivious to the harm caused by their words. Seeing Zoe defend Tiffany, the girls scoffed and clicked their tongues.

One sneered, “You’re Tiffany’s lapdog! Don’t like us insulting your ‘master’? Fight me! I have plenty of friends. Try touching me!”

“Don’t go overboard,” Zoe warned, fists clenched, her face flushed.

The ringleader, Samantha, continued her relentless provocation. “I'm the daughter of StarRise Entertainment's vice president. You can't provoke someone of my status!”

StarRise Entertainment, after reviving Abbie's career, had signed numerous rising stars. Its momentum was unstoppable, boasting incredible benefits and resources, fueled by its mysterious, unseen owner's lavish investments. It had quickly become a major player in Lovell City, poised for even greater success.

This fueled Samantha's superiority complex. Aspiring actresses would curry favor with her, knowing her father's position.

Zoe sneered. “If you feel so superior, why not fly?”

Thinking, What era are we in? This elitism! So what if my family is poor? I'm better than a clueless airhead like her!

“Who are you insulting?” Samantha snapped, her expression fierce.

“You! You big-chested, brainless idiot! What makes you so bitter?” Zoe retorted.

Samantha, speechless, gestured. “Girls, get her!”

The other girls attacked. Within minutes, Zoe's hair was disheveled, her clothes ripped, her face swollen. Yet, she held her head high.

Samantha, feeling confident, taunted, “You think you can compete with me? Tiffany’s a bitch, a murderer! What are you going to do?”

Held back by two girls, Zoe roared, breaking free and charging at Samantha. Someone kicked her with great force, sending her flying into two dining tables. Rice stuck to her clothes as laughter erupted.

“Serves her right!”

“Hilarious! Zoe acts like Tiffany's guard dog, but does Tiffany even care? She’s probably having fun!”

Tiffany, temporarily suspended but worried about Zoe, came to school. She found Zoe in the cafeteria, being stepped on and having soup poured on her head, surrounded by jeering onlookers. She vaguely heard insults directed at her.

Tiffany asked, “Who are you? A judge or inquisitor?”

Samantha, initially speechless, boasted, “I’m the vice president’s daughter. I’m on par with the Kelley family. You can’t lecture me!”

Tiffany smiled. “Coincidentally, I’m your father's boss. He calls me ‘Boss.’ So, what does that make you?”