Tiffany Kelley waited all night, but received no calls or messages. As a result, she was in low spirits in class. Zoe Stevens overheard her mutter, from time to time, "So cold-hearted Scumbag!"

Zoe leaned closer, her gossipy instincts piqued. "Tiffany, who are you talking about? A big shot? Or a certain scumbag?"

Before Tiffany could answer, Kenneth Harper entered the classroom with Melody Princeton. Tiffany turned her back, refusing to look at them.

Over the past two days, Kenneth and Melody had been constantly in the public eye. Since the real murderer in the recent case was Melody's brother, Kenneth was publicly supporting her.

This, interestingly, infuriated Alexia Harper. She ran to Tiffany and demanded, "Tiffany, aren't you angry?"

Tiffany replied nonchalantly, "I'm not angry. Does that make you angry?" Alexia stormed off in a fury.

Many students were fawning over Kenneth and Melody. Their sycophantic praise was overwhelming. Tiffany tried to ignore them, but their voices droned on until she almost fell asleep.

"Tiffany? Tiffany?"

A commotion nearby roused her. She yawned. "Hmm?"

Opening her eyes, she saw Ged Moody's fawning expression. It was so comical, she smiled and teased him, "Ged, you should become a comedian."

Ged slapped his thigh. "What a coincidence! I've been thinking the same thing! Tiffany, you're sharp!"

Tiffany was speechless. Compared to Ged, the other bootlickers paled in comparison. She laughed, her unhappiness dissipating. Life was more fun with a clown around.

Ged leaned closer, asking mysteriously, "Tiffany, what kind of gift do you like? Cosmetics? Perfume? Bag accessories?"

"Why are you asking?" Tiffany was puzzled.

"Tell me quickly!" Ged stomped his feet anxiously. His sissy manner was comical. Tiffany laughed until tears welled up.

Zoe, also laughing, took the opportunity to tease him. "Didn't you always say you know Tiffany best? Why don't you know what gift to give?" She then advised, "Tiffany doesn't like those things. Forget cosmetics, perfumes, or bag accessories."

Tiffany had a large walk-in closet and wasn't interested in such things.

Ged asked sullenly, "Then what else?"

Zoe raised her eyebrows. "If you give her something boys like, she'll probably like it too."

"Hey, that makes sense!" Ged's eyes lit up. "I'll go get it now!"

Before Tiffany could stop him, Ged excitedly scampered off, waving from the doorway. "Tiffany, wait for me!"

His cleanshaven face was probably beaming. Tiffany laughed again, shaking her head. Years later, she would regret this moment. Had she known it would be the last time she saw Ged, she wouldn't have let him go.

Tiffany practically slept through her afternoon lessons. When she woke up, her hair was disheveled. Zoe gestured for her to look behind.

Tiffany saw Melody Princeton, previously composed, now covered in paint. "Who did it?" Tiffany asked, then answered herself, "Alexia Harper, wasn't it?" She was the only one bold enough to defy Kenneth publicly.

"That's right," Zoe said. "You were asleep. Alexia rushed in with two others and attacked Melody. Melody didn't dare say anything! It was hilarious!"

Tiffany yawned indifferently.

The dismissal bell rang. As she was getting up, she received a message: the principal summoned her, Zoe, Kenneth, and Melody to his office.

Zoe was panicky. Tiffany, however, remained laid-back. In the principal's office, she sat without invitation, asking casually, "Mr. Farrell, what can I do for you?"

Zoe was sweating, fearing the principal's wrath. Instead, Mr. Farrell offered Tiffany water before saying the school was making a promotional video and was considering them all for participation.

Tiffany interrupted, "If you need funds, I can donate. But I'm not interested in participating." She checked her watch. "Anything else, sir? If not, I'll leave."

"Alright then," Mr. Farrell shrugged.

Tiffany left with Zoe. Melody and Kenneth arrived later, having to change Melody's clothes. They all met at the principal's doorway. Tiffany walked past them without a word. Melody readily agreed to participate, insisting Kenneth join her.

The meeting was short, but the campus was large. By the time they left, it was dark. Rain started as Tiffany and Zoe reached the school gate.

Tiffany hadn't asked her driver to pick her up lately, sometimes going to Luna Villa by taxi. Now, with the rain and empty streets, she couldn't find a taxi and had to call June Spencer.

As she waited, she regretted not knowing how to drive. June answered with static, then an anxious voice: "Miss Kelley, leave at once! Find a safe place!"

Tiffany's eyes glinted. The surroundings seemed quieter. Five dark shadows appeared in the rain.