Everyone was satisfied. Looking at Alaricka’s expression, it seemed she was satisfied too.

The only one dissatisfied was Reyna Wright.

Hearing Alaricka’s words, Reyna’s face instantly changed dramatically. She grabbed Alaricka’s hand forcefully.

“Alaricka, have you lost your mind? How could you agree to such a statement?!”

Alaricka raised her hand and patted Reyna on the shoulder, then said to the Dean and others, “I’ll head back first, I need to issue a statement quickly.”

At this moment, the Dean was in a good mood and simply said, “Got it, you can go.”

Alaricka Huston said nothing more, pulling Reyna Wright, who wanted to argue, out of the office.

Throughout the walk, Alaricka remained silent while countless questions swirled in Reyna’s mind.

“Alaricka! Alaricka! Are you listening to me? Can you hear me?”

“Alaricka, I truly don’t understand your thinking!”

Reyna stared at Alaricka’s retreating back, her brow deeply furrowed. Her wrist was gripped tightly as Alaricka dragged her forward. Reyna’s eyes flashed with startled anger and confusion. This made no sense.

Alaricka was the student–slender, her oversized school uniform hanging loosely as if a strong gust might sweep her away. Reyna was the teacher, nearly a decade older with fuller curves and a broader frame. Alaricka even walked with a cane, yet her steps were steady. But Reyna found herself helplessly pulled along, unable to break free. Alaricka marched ahead in silence, ignoring every shout without turning or responding. Frustration and helplessness churned in Reyna’s chest.

Compared to expulsion, an apology seemed the right choice–yet the proposed statement was outrageous. If Alaricka exposed it, it would ruin her Afterlife, haunting her forever. Alaricka had just turned eighteen, her life barely beginning at its most vibrant. Reyna called out several times, her voice growing thick with sorrow until she fell silent.

Only when Alaricka pulled her outside the building did she speak: “Reyna, don’t worry about me.” Her voice flowed calm and unruffled, like clear spring water–melodic yet undisturbed. The sound sparked a flicker of hope in Reyna’s heart. But that hope vanished almost instantly, crushed by sorrow.

“Alaricka, as an outsider, I can’t decide this for you. Whether it’s an apology or expulsion, both are disasters for you.”

“This is your decision,” Reyna said. “I’m sorry for earlier–I spoke without thinking. Please don’t hold it against me. You know I’m just so worried. That statement’s contents are truly…”

Alaricka watched Reyna steadily. She thought Reyna must be heartbroken–the usual warmth in her eyes replaced by grief, her brows drooping, lips pressed thin. Genuine sorrow for her sake. The realization stirred complex emotions in Alaricka.

Softly, she replied, “Reyna, I know you care. So it’s alright–no apology needed.”

“And about this matter, please don’t fret. I have my own plan to protect myself as much as possible…” Alaricka’s lips parted, her plan nearly spilling out before she swallowed the words. Fewer people knowing was better. Especially Reyna–if she knew, she’d oppose the plan and agonize even more over the situation. Recently, Reyna had already been on the verge of getting fired. Last time, Alaricka had dragged Reyna into trouble, and now she absolutely couldn’t let it happen again. So Alaricka silently lowered her eyelids, saying nothing more.

“Anyway, please don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Reyna’s concern didn’t lessen at all upon hearing this. Instead, seeing Alaricka’s mature composure made her heart ache with helplessness.

“Alaricka, when will you post your statement? I’ll go online to support you. It’s the only thing I can do for you now.”

Alaricka replied softly, “Probably tonight.”

Tonight…

Reyna’s lashes fluttered. She darted forward, grabbing Alaricka’s hand as she whispered urgently: