Chapter 753
Chapter 752:
“Frieda, did you forget where you stand? Who do you think you are to speak out here p>
“You should really keep your mouth shut if you know what’s good for you. You’re going to regret this p>
Trinity’s sycophants turned on Frieda without hesitation, their fake politeness now replaced with open hostility.
But Frieda stood her ground, defiant and unshaken. “This is a school, not a private club for spoiled brats. And this country has laws. You don’t get to stomp all over people just because you p>
“Were you born with a silver spoon?” Frieda continued, her voice unwavering. “Do you think money gives you the right to bully anyone who isn’t one of you p>
Elliana watched Frieda quietly, a flicker of emotion crossing her eyes. In that moment, she saw Hailee’s spirit shining through Frieda. Both Frieda and Hailee came from modest backgrounds. Both seemed quiet, even shy, but carried an unshakable core of courage. And both had hearts that were virtuous and unpretentious in a world where kindness was currency no one valued. People like that were hard to come by often.
Elliana felt a quiet surge of gratitude. She had been lucky to meet someone like this again. After a lifetime surrounded by manipulation and masks, she had started to believe that people like Hailee were just a fading memory. But now, here was another.
Trinity and her clique gaped at Frieda as though she had completely lost her mind. Their eyes said it all. Was she really this naive? In their world, knowing when to stay silent and whom to flatter was a survival skill. Aligning with the wrong person could cost one everything. A single word could invite ruin if it offended someone from a more powerful family. It was obvious this bumpkin Frieda had no grasp of the ruthless social game that dictated everything in their world. To them, her outburst wasn’t brave—it was suicidal.
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Dylan sneered and stepped forward. “You’re looking for trouble, you little hick p>
Frieda met Dylan’s glare head-on, her voice unwavering. “Watch your language. What gives you the right to threaten me? Tell me, am I wrong? What harm has Lilah caused by wearing a mask? How does it offend any of you? Why are you so desperate to tear it off her face p>
Mindy crossed her arms, a mocking smile tugging at her lips. “Oh, you poor, clueless thing,” she said with syrupy disdain. “Let me break it down for you.” She pointed straight at Elliana. “Her little act and the whole mysterious mask routine make Trinity look weak. Trinity isn’t just supposed to win the title of ‘Campus Beauty’—she’s supposed to win undisputed. No whispers, no doubts, no comparisons to some girl hiding behind the mask p>
“That’s completely insane!” Frieda shot back, chin lifted in defiance. “Lilah already said she doesn’t care about your precious title. If this contest means so much to you, go ahead—take it. She wants nothing to do with it. So why are you all so obsessed with her mask p>
“I’m done listening to your trash!” Dylan snarled, fury flashing in his eyes. “You clearly don’t get how things work around here. Time to teach you the hard way.” He shoved his sleeves up and lunged, lips curled into a snarl. “You little bitch! I’ll knock your teeth out so you learn to keep that mouth shut p>
Frieda froze in place. Somewhere deep down, she had believed there were still lines people wouldn’t cross— that reason, or at the very least fear of consequences, would stop things before they turned violent. But in this privileged, cruel world, rules meant nothing.
Frieda’s heart slammed against her chest as Dylan’s fist came flying toward her. She shut her eyes tight, bracing for the sharp crack of pain.