The academic achievers were awed by Seraphina's advanced problem-solving skills, praising her ability to handle questions far beyond the syllabus. Meanwhile, the less academically inclined students buzzed with excitement at the prospect of seeing Linara, Caleb, Dora, and the others running laps with turtle shells strapped to their backs. "Time to honor the bet," Seraphina said, shoving a bright green turtle shell into Dora's arms. Evelyn stepped in to help, handing out the rest of the shells one by one. When Seraphina handed a shell to Linara, the latter looked at her with a pitiful expression. "Sera, do we really have to do this? Can't you let it go… for your sister's sake?" Sister?! The word almost made Seraphina laugh out loud from sheer disgust. A so-called "sister" who had stolen her life and schemed against her at every turn—what right did she have to make such a request? Seraphina had to admit—Linara's audacity was impressive. Maybe being two-faced came with extra-thick skin. Evelyn, however, had no patience for Linara's act. "What's the hold-up? Put on the turtle shell already," she said coldly. Linara's face darkened, but she didn't dare clash with Evelyn, given her standing. Instead, she fixed her pleading gaze on Seraphina, trying to pressure her into letting it slide under the guise of sisterly sentiment. "Call me Seraphina," Seraphina replied, her tone icy. "And we're not close. So just do what you're supposed to do." Abigail couldn't hold back any longer. "Linara, you don't need to stoop to begging someone like her." "Exactly! So what if we have to run? It's no big deal." "Yeah, who cares?" Abigail's words rallied the group, who now directed their resentment toward Seraphina, painting her as a petty tyrant basking in her moment of glory. Seraphina let her gaze sweep over Dora and the others. Impressive, she thought. Linara's talent for manipulation was truly unmatched. With just a few words, she had Abigail, Dora, and the rest practically worshipping her. Such skill at winning hearts couldn't go unappreciated. "I can spare them," she said suddenly. Linara's face lit up with surprise. "Really?" she asked eagerly. "Of course. On one condition, though. Since you're so righteous and protective of your friends, you can run in their place. Just ten laps. That's not too much to ask, is it?" The surrounding students murmured approval. Even Dora and her group nodded slightly, thinking it was a fair compromise. The bet was their loss, after all, and Seraphina was clearly making a significant concession. Linara's smile froze. The thought of running around the track with a turtle shell strapped to her back made her stomach churn. The humiliation would be hers alone, and for someone as vain as Linara, it was unthinkable. So, Miss Righteous, Seraphina thought, let's see you prove your loyalty with actions, not just empty words. Her ultimatum was devastatingly effective, leaving Linara with no easy way out. She had two choices: one, sacrifice her dignity, become the laughingstock of the entire school, and preserve her friendship with Dora and the others; two, refuse, exposing her selfishness to Abigail and the rest, and risk losing their loyalty. Linara knew the consequences of both options all too well. Neither outcome was desirable. Her eyes darted around, hoping for someone to step in and object. Instinctively, her gaze landed on Kelly Thomson. Kelly seemed ready to jump in, but before she could, Carmen discreetly tugged her sleeve, holding her back.