Chapter 571

Thalia soon picked Eric up from school, and the family of four enjoyed coffee together. After eating and drinking, Tiffany took a half-hour nap. Refreshed, she changed clothes and left the house.

Meanwhile, June was hospitalized in Lovell City, where Sidney personally treated her injuries. The injury, while not life-threatening, was serious and required care.

Tiffany drove straight to the hospital. Entering June's room, she found Sidney reviewing medical records and instructing June. "The wound is healing quickly," Sidney said, "but you need to avoid certain foods and drinks for the next few days. If all goes well, you could be discharged in about a week."

"I'm fine; I want to be discharged today," June insisted, but fell silent when she saw Tiffany.

Tiffany approached and said, "No one is discharged after an injury like this. It's not a minor wound. Besides, Miracle Healer doesn't have that many orders, and even if it did, I'd handle them. You need proper rest, June."

"Miss Kelley…" June began, but Tiffany interrupted.

"It's settled. I'll pick you up in a week," Tiffany declared firmly.

June reluctantly agreed. Tiffany then asked Sidney for a detailed update. Sidney explained that the spirit herbs had significantly accelerated healing; June's wounds were healing well and were not life-threatening.

Relieved, Tiffany stayed for about half an hour before leaving. Her one-week school suspension had ended the previous day, and she knew tardiness would bring repercussions from the director of teaching and discipline.

Arriving at Lovell School, she noticed a crowd of students in the playground. Ignoring the commotion, she headed toward the classroom.

Overhearing nearby students animatedly discussing the playground scene, she heard one sneer, "It's great our school's little devil got punished, but that one-week suspension was too lenient. Expulsion would have been better. Let's see if she dares bully anyone again."

Another added, "That's right! I wish she'd never come back! She's ruining our school. Even her little lackey acts high and mighty. No wonder he was taught a lesson!"

Tiffany stopped, spun around, and grasped a student's shoulder. "Are you talking about me?" she asked, her voice cold.

Startled, the students froze.

"N-no, we didn't say anything…" one stammered.

Tiffany raised an eyebrow and casually dug at her ear, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Funny, because I heard it. What was that again?"

Her smile sent a chill through them, but her aura made them sweat. Before they could respond, her smile vanished, replaced by an icy expression. "Was that my 'little lackey' you were talking about? Zoe Stevens?"

Under her gaze, they nodded. "Y-yes…"

"What happened? Speak," Tiffany demanded.

"Zoe… violated school rules. She's being expelled," one blurted.

"What rule?" Tiffany asked calmly.

"Same as you—fighting," they answered in unison, their eyes implying Zoe learned it from Tiffany.

"Scram," Tiffany snapped, releasing her grip.

The students scattered. From a distance, Tiffany saw Zoe surrounded and being forced out of the playground. Her belongings were scattered; a black footprint marred her backpack.

Tiffany's heart sank. So this was how Zoe had been bullied while she was suspended?

A girl with a black eye emerged, holding a grease-stained lunchbox. She aimed it at Zoe's face, but an orange, thrown by someone, struck her hand. The lunchbox spilled, splattering its greasy contents on the girl's face, ruining her makeup and dress.

Silence fell, then laughter erupted.

"Jessica, are you okay? Splashing soup and hitting your own face—are your hands shaking?" someone said.

Jessica, furious, demanded, "Who threw this? Step forward!"

Tiffany stepped out from the crowd, her fair skin glowing. Her elegance was striking.

Gasps of surprise filled the air. "Tiffany?" "Tiffany is back?" "She hasn't been expelled yet?"

Tiffany glanced up nonchalantly. "I threw it. Got a problem with that?"

Someone tugged Jessica's sleeve. "Jessica, let it go. You can't win against her."

Jessica Simpson, a wealthy new student, had heard about Tiffany's reputation and tried to steal her spotlight, constantly disparaging her. This led to a fight with Zoe, resulting in Zoe's expulsion.

Jessica glared at Tiffany, gesturing to her oil-stained dress. "Do you even know how much this dress costs?"

Tiffany nodded. "I know. It's just an off-season item, worth much less." She emphasized "off-season."

Jessica's expression froze. "W-What are you talking about? This is the latest model! It cost tens of thousands of dollars! Shame on you for talking nonsense!"

Tiffany stepped forward, smiling coolly. "I heard you beat up my friend?"

Jessica sneered. "So what? What can you do about it?"

Tiffany glanced at her black eye and rolled up her sleeves. "Only one black eye? That's not a good look. Don't be shy—I'll help you even it out."

(The final characters "鱼 SEND GIFT ୦" appear to be unrelated and were omitted.)