Linara's smile faltered momentarily, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face. She'd been expecting fireworks—a dramatic scene, maybe even a little chaos—but there was nothing. What a waste—not getting to see her look pathetic, she thought. "I'm just glad she's fine," Linara stated with an air of nonchalance, masking her letdown. Kelly raised an eyebrow. "Fine? Linara, she stole from you. Why are you acting like you care?" Abigail interjected, her tone filled with disdain. "Exactly. She needs to be reminded of her place. Coming back to the Whitewood Family doesn't make her one of us." Kelly sneered. "She might try to act like she belongs, but it's obvious she doesn't. You can tell by looking at her—poverty clings to her like a second skin. No amount of pretending will ever give her the class of someone who's grown up in wealth."As they watched Seraphina from a distance, a nagging truth became clear. She didn't look out of place at all. In fact, she had a quiet confidence that made her stand out—as she belonged in the spotlight, even when they wished she didn't. That realization gnawed at Abigail and her group. To them, someone like Seraphina wasn't meant to shine—she was supposed to be beneath them, trampled underfoot. Linara shot them a look of mild disapproval but said nothing. "Let's go," she stated simply. The four turned to leave, but then Seraphina reappeared, walking purposefully back toward the group. This time, she wasn't empty-handed. Already scheming his next move, Ryder froze when he spotted her heading straight for him. "What's she holding now?" Daxton muttered, squinting at the hose dangling from her hand. His eyes widened. "Wait a second... is she seriously—"Before he could finish, Seraphina twisted the valve. A sharp jet of water shot out, drenching Ryder and his crew. Everyone nearby scattered to avoid the spray. "What the hell! Someone grab that thing!" Ryder yelled, wiping water from his face. Daxton and Seth rushed toward her, but Seraphina shifted her aim to the ground before them. A blast of water hit their feet, and they both went sprawling to the floor with a wet thud. Ryder was left standing alone, an easy target. Seraphina didn't miss a beat. She turned the hose on him, soaking him from head to toe. "You're insane! Stop it, you lunatic!" Ryder shouted, flailing as he tried to dodge the relentless spray. By now, a crowd had gathered, drawn by the commotion. "Is that Ryder?" someone whispered. "Didn't he plan to prank someone? How'd it backfire this badly?""This is priceless—I've never seen him look so pathetic." A few smirks stood out among the onlookers—classmates who had been on the receiving end of Ryder's bullying. "Finally, someone put him in his place." "About time. This reminds me of that old saying—'what goes around, comes around.'" "Honestly? Respect to her. That took guts." "Never thought I'd see Ryder like this. He's always picking on people who can't fight back. Guess he messed with the wrong person this time." "Looks like he messed with the wrong person this time." "That new girl? She's got some serious backbone." Ryder's face burned as laughter rippled through the crowd. Every mocking comment stung like salt in a wound. Humiliation churned inside him, but a dark hatred for Seraphina began to brew underneath it all.He clenched his fists, silently vowing, She humiliated me in front of everyone and made me look like an idiot. I'll make sure she pays for this! Finally, Seraphina turned off the valve. The room fell silent, save for the sound of water dripping from their soaked clothes. She leveled them with a cold, steady gaze and asked coolly, "Still fun for you, Ryder?"