"This is ridiculous! Get her off the stage!" The principal, furious, barked orders. Adam immediately led two teachers over, but two boys blocked their way on the stairs, preventing them from reaching Kelly. Down below, students whistled and turned their curious glances toward Seraphina, unsure who the real victim was in this public showdown. Seeing she'd caught everyone's attention, Kelly readied herself to heap more humiliation on Seraphina. She opened her mouth to speak—only to realize the microphone had gone silent. At that moment, a clear conversation started playing over the school's speakers. "I'm sorry." It was Kelly's voice, the same confident tone she'd just used on stage. "What did you say? I didn't hear you." "I'm sorry.""Oh, so you're apologizing," Seraphina's voice responded. "There, I did it. Satisfied?" This exchange echoed repeatedly, broadcasting every "I'm sorry" through the speakers to the entire school. Each "I'm sorry" was like a slap, hitting Kelly's pride squarely in front of everyone. Her face turned beet red as laughter erupted from the crowd, rising like a wave and reverberating across the field. She was mortified, feeling as though the mocking laughter was stabbing her like a thousand sharp blades, each cutting away at her dignity. "Hahaha, this is priceless!" "She was so adamant about never apologizing, and now? Hearing that apology on repeat? Too funny!" "Kelly thought she'd make a monkey out of us, and now she's the monkey in the center ring." "To think she was so bold, but behind the scenes, she already caved and apologized. What a joke." "If I were her, I wouldn't have the face to show up again. Talk about humiliating." Every taunt, every sneer, drilled into Kelly's ears. Overwhelmed with shame and fury, she dashed off the stage, covering her face as she pushed through the crowd in a frantic escape. Linara and her friends shot Seraphina a glare before running after her. The principal's face turned a sickly shade of green. "Get to the broadcasting room and find out who's behind this! Cut it off now!" he roared. The teachers scurried to obey while the students were abuzz with excitement and amusement. "That was awesome!" Evelyn gave Seraphina a thumbs-up. "How'd you pull it off?" Seraphina, looking as calm as ever, pulled out her phone and tapped a few buttons, and just like that, the broadcast stopped. The teachers, who had just arrived at the broadcasting room, were baffled to find the sound cut off. When they opened the door, they realized the student on duty was missing—only to find him later in the restroom, apparently sick. "Theron, your fiancee's no joke. She's got some serious skills." "She's not my fiancee," Theron replied, irritated. "Don't tell me you're unhappy with your new fiancee? Or are you just head-over-heels for Linara?" "Honestly, she's prettier than Linara. You should be thrilled with the upgrade." Another friend shrugged, not understanding Theron's irritation. Theron sneered. What good is beauty? He led the firm belief that Seraphina was already soiled, having grown up in the slums on the west side, and had no interest in marrying someone like her. Passing by, Seraphina and Evelyn overheard their conversation and exchanged amused, mocking smiles. Listening to them talk, one would think every girl was at their disposal like they were Benjamins—what everyone wanted.