The village street lamps offered little respite from the thick night. The dim light at the alley entrance cast a long shadow of Arnold, making him seem imposingly tall. Olivia felt a blush rise on her cheeks. Arnold was strikingly handsome, his bearing elegant and charming; he looked like a nobleman, refined and graceful.

They shared the same circle of friends. Had it not been for her friendship with Kayla, and her knowledge of Arnold's affection for her, Olivia might have considered pursuing him.

With a hint of anticipation, she asked, "Mr. Lawson, you saw what happened. I'm going to find Felicia to settle this. Are you joining us?"

Arnold shook his head.

Confusion, and a bad premonition, clouded Olivia's face. Sure enough, Arnold's gaze shifted to her. His voice was cold, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor. "I saw what happened," he said, "and I don't agree with you causing trouble for Felicia."

Olivia felt a surge of anger. Was Arnold defending Felicia? "Felicia attacked me first! You were there! You saw it! She's a lunatic! She threatened me with red-hot fire tongs! I'm the victim, and you're siding with her?"

"I'm not siding with her," Arnold replied flatly. "I'm stating the facts. Moreover, you provoked her by taking photos first."

Olivia's claim of victimhood crumbled. She became even more indignant. "I was just taking a few photos! It's not like I committed murder! Is that a crime?"

Arnold's words were sharp. "What were you taking photos for? To mock those you look down on? To engage in online bullying?"

Olivia felt exposed, her face burning with embarrassment. "Mr. Lawson, whose side are you on? How can you defend Felicia? If it had been Kayla, would you still say the same?"

Arnold looked at her calmly. "First, I'm addressing the issue, not the person. Second, you're not Kayla. Third, Kayla is kinder than you. She wouldn't do something like this."

Olivia was incredulous. In Arnold's eyes, Kayla was pure, incapable of wrongdoing. Agitated, she blurted out, "If Kayla were truly so innocent, why would I help her? And Mr. Lawson, aren't you the master of manipulating public opinion? Don't forget how you spread Felicia's information on the school forum, inciting the entire college to ostracize her! You were ungrateful after I helped you, and now you're backstabbing me?"

With a cold laugh, Olivia declared, "Fine! You're all saints, and I'm the only bad one? I'm not playing along!"

She turned to leave. Her companions exchanged glances before quickly retreating. They had noticed Arnold's expression darken considerably.