Chapter 610
That angle was so precise that it was almost supernatural–only Tiffany could pull off something like this.
A girl let out a yelp, clutching her chin and lip, where a red mark was quickly forming.
All heads instinctively turned toward the door.
In the soft morning light, a slender figure strode in, her steps unhurried. The sunlight framed her flawless profile–arched brows, bright eyes like clear springs, and an air of effortless elegance that turned heads. Every gaze was drawn to her, breaths catching as if the sight of her left the room momentarily dazed.
No one could tell if it was just their imagination. Each time they saw Tiffany, she seemed even more striking. It wasn’t just her appearance–her entire demeanor seemed elevated, a mix of confidence and refinement that was almost intimidating.
If Tiffany used to keep people in check with her sharp, no–nonsense attitude, now she commanded attention with an innate poise that made her the most radiant presence in any room. Yet, that elegance carried an undeniable edge into the room.
The room fell into a stunned silence, except for the girl nursing her swollen chin, who broke the quiet with a furious outburst. “Tiffany, what the hell? You hit me!”
Tiffany’s lips curled into a lazy smirk. “It wasn’t me. The ruler did it. Not
my
fault.”
“That ruler wouldn’t have hit me if you hadn’t thrown it! You think you can weasel your way out of this?” The girl’s voice rose with anger.
Tiffany shrugged, her tone light. “Oh, really? Did anyone see me throw it?”
“You…” The girl faltered. The ruler had come sailing in from out of the door and, somehow, as if guided by some unerring force, had landed right on her.
Zoe couldn’t help but snicker. “No witnesses, huh? Let me spell it out for you–if you weren’t so busy trash–talking people behind their backs, maybe that ruler wouldn’t have smacked you in the face. Call it karma!”
Zoe’s words stung, and the girl shot Zoe a murderous glare. “Fine. Let’s see how long your smug attitude lasts.” She stormed out of the classroom in a huff.
The brief clash dissipated as quickly as it had begun. Scenes like this were common, and no one paid much attention to it afterward.
Tiffany returned to her seat, nudging Zoe as she sat. “You alright?”
Earlier, Zoe had gotten into a full–blown fight with that girl–hair–pulling, throttling, and all. Neither of them came out of it looking particularly victorious.
Zoe waved a hand dismissively. “I’m fine. No big deal.”
Tiffany nodded, dropping the matter. Her wedding was in two days, and everything was already in place. After today’s class, she wouldn’t be back at school for a week.
Thinking of this, Tiffany leaned toward Zoe. “While I’m out, don’t bother with petty stuff like this. If someone starts -something, let it go. Not worth the trouble.”
“Got it, Tiffany.” Zoe winked and pulled an elegantly wrapped box from her bag, sliding it across the desk. “Here. Wedding gift. But no peeking–you can only open it on the big day.”
Tiffany chuckled, slipping the box into her bag. “Alright.”
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08:16 Mon, Dec 2
Chapter 610
96%
The day passed quickly. By the time school let out, Richard’s sleek luxury car was already waiting at the gate. To outsiders, the soon–to–be–married couple seemed inseparable, their bond the envy of many.
+5
Tiffany’s cheeks flushed as she approached the car, aware of the envious stares following her every move. She turned to Zoe. “Head home safe.”
“Will do.”
Tiffany slipped into the car. The engine purred, and the car sped off, leaving the gawking crowd to slowly disperse.
Zoe, meanwhile, began her walk home, her mind occupied with the growing success of her charity work. The organization had recently received a flood of donations–last month alone, they had directed 6 million dollars toward medical research. This month’s priority would be winter clothes for children in remote communities.
Lost in thought, Zoe almost didn’t notice the group of people blocking her path. Her heart sank as she recognized the girl fighting with her from earlier, now flanked by a group of lackeys
Zoe felt her stomach drop. She did a quick headcount–thirteen, maybe fourteen people on the other side. ‘Nope. No way I can take them all, she thought.
Just as Zoe was calculating her best escape route, Brittany Picaz stepped forward, arms crossed and a smug, icy smirk on her face. “Zoe,” she taunted, her voice dripping with malice. “Weren’t you all tough this morning? What’s the matter? Now that I’ve got you alone, you’re chickening out? Come on, big talker–hit me again if you dare.”
Zoe sighed. “Fine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Before Brittany could react, Zoe’s fist shot out, landing squarely on Brittany’s nose with a satisfying thwack.
The entire group froze, stunned by the audacity. None of them had expected it–despite their overwhelming numbers, Zoe didn’t hesitate for even a second before throwing a punch.
Their reaction was a fraction too slow, and by the time they realized what had happened, Zoe was already bolting, sprinting, away through the alleys at full speed like a rabbit on a mission.
“Get her!” Brittany screeched at the top of her lungs. “I swear, I’m going to kill that bitch myself!”
Her pack of lackeys didn’t need to be told twice. They took off after Zoe like a hunting party, with a few of the taller boys eating up the pavement with their long strides. At this pace, Zoe’s quick reflexes wouldn’t keep her safe for long.
“Are you kidding me?” Zoe muttered under her breath as she sprinted down the street. She reached an alley intersection and hesitated for just a moment.
‘If I go left, I could get home faster. But taking them back home is out of the question–Dad and Mom have always treated me like an afterthought. If it hadn’t been for Tiffany back then, they might have sold me off to some old creep! Bringing this mess to my doorstep would only make things worse,’ she analyzed in her mind.
Gritting her teeth, Zoe turned down the other alley. That brief hesitation gave one of the taller boys just enough time to make a grab for her. His arm swiped through the air and barely missed her collar as she twisted away with the kind of agility born from sheer panic.
Heart pounding, sweat dripping, Zoe darted down the alley, her eyes scanning the street ahead like a hawk searching for an escape route. Then she spotted a familiar face.
No time to second–guess. Without so much as a warning, Zoe leaped into the car. “Drive! Drive! Go, go, go!” she shouted, her voice frantic.
Sidney was stunned. He turned and saw Zoe, a teasing remark already forming on his lips, but before he could say a word, his eyes landed on the mob of furious, hostile faces chasing after her.
08:16 Mon, Dec 2
