The classroom buzzed long after the teacher resumed the lesson. Nobody paid attention to the formulas scrawled across the board; their minds were still stuck on the scene that had unfolded minutes earlier.
Elena sat with her back straight, flipping her notebook open as if she hadn't just shattered Clara's dignity. The tip of her pen glided across the page in neat strokes. She didn't need to look around to know the stares on her back—some curious, some envious, and a few resentful.
"Unbelievable," a girl whispered two seats behind. "Clara got roasted so badly."
"Serves her right," another muttered. "She's always acting high and mighty."
Elena's lips curved faintly. She didn't need their pity or support, but their whispers were like background music to her victory.
Clara, however, sat stiff in her seat. Her fingers dug into her palm beneath the desk, nails threatening to draw blood. Vivienne leaned closer, trying to whisper comfort, but her voice shook with embarrassment.
"Clara, don't… don't let her get to you."
Clara's jaw clenched. "This isn't over."
The words were low, venomous, and filled with a promise of revenge.
From the back of the room, Adrian leaned lazily against his chair, eyes half-lidded as though the entire lecture bored him. But every now and then, his gaze flickered toward Elena. The cool indifference in his eyes was touched with something else—something sharp, almost intrigued.
When the bell finally rang, students poured out with renewed chatter. Clara stormed out first, her heels clicking angrily against the floor. Vivienne scurried after her.
"Elena, wait!"
Elena paused in the doorway. A boy with round glasses and an eager expression jogged up to her. Daniel, the class monitor.
"That was amazing," he said breathlessly. "You really showed her! I mean, everyone knew Clara was scheming, but no one expected you to shut her down like that."
Elena gave him a polite smile. "Thank you."
Daniel scratched the back of his neck, nervous. "If you… need any help, you can count on me. Not everyone in class is on her side."
Her smile didn't falter. "I'll remember that."
With a small nod, she walked past him, her pace unhurried. The crowd parted instinctively as she moved, whispers trailing in her wake.
Just outside the classroom, Clara stood waiting. Her lips curled into a brittle smile, though her eyes burned with fury.
"Elena," she hissed, blocking her path. "You think this changes anything? You humiliated me today, but don't get comfortable. I'll make sure you regret ever stepping foot in this school again."
Elena tilted her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Clara, you really should stop making promises you can't keep. It's embarrassing."
Clara's cheeks flushed red. She took a step forward, but before she could spit another insult, a shadow passed between them.
***Adrian
He walked by without a glance at either girl, hands casually tucked into his pockets, his presence radiating cold authority. But as he brushed past, Elena caught the faintest curve at the corner of his lips—so fleeting she almost doubted it.
Clara froze, her fury momentarily swallowed by the weight of his aura. Elena, on the other hand, felt her own smile deepen.
The tides were shifting. Slowly but surely.
As Clara stomped away with Vivienne at her heels, Elena whispered under her breath, "This is only the second step."
Her eyes gleamed with determination. More humiliations, more traps, more sweet revenge awaited.
And for the first time, someone powerful had taken notice.