bChapter /bb302 /b

    “To be honest, that’s just how people are these days–ready to believe any rumor they hear.” Mia shrugged, finally falling silent.

    “Mia’s words might be a bit blunt, but she’s got a point. Before this gets any bigger, maybe we should clear things up while it’s still manageable?”

    “If you’re going to address the rumors, you’ve got to wait until everyone’s talking about it. That way, the truth makes the biggest impact.” Alessia’s lips curled into a calm, knowing smile, as if everything was unfolding exactly as she’d expected.

    The other three exchanged confused nces, not understanding what Alessia was getting at.

    “Let’s just get to ss. By the time we’re done, things should have yed out.”

    With that, Alessia gathered her books. The others snapped out of their daze and quickly stuffed their things into their bags.

    As they stepped into the hallway, curious nces followed them. People pointed and whispered openly.

    “Mia, you really were right. Look at these people–don’t know a thing but already passing judgment,” Esme said loudly enough for those nearby to hear. A few students, realizing she meant them, awkwardly touched their noses and hurried

    away.

    Alessia watched, a faint smile ying on her lips,pletely unfazed by the gossip swirling around her.

    If anything, she felt she owed Ileana a thank you for stirring things up.

    She was an adult inow/ii, /iindependent from the Tate family, and more than ready to stand on her own. Hiding her real identity forever wasn’t an option–she’d just been waiting for the right moment to go public.

    Ileana’s little stunt was like handing her the perfect excuse on a silver tter. Alessia almost felt grateful.

    Throughout the lesson, Alessia took notes and answered questions as if nothing was out of the ordinary. It was her friends who kept nervously checking their phones: watching the trending topics, scrolling through livements, blocking and reporting nasty messages, and snapping back at trolls.

    They were seasoned veterans from a dozen online fandom wars–masters at

    b09.10 /b

    trading barbs without ever using a foul word.

    “The world’s going downhill. Girls these days are so superficial.”

    “Don’t start with the sexism–like guys are any better?”

    “Seriously, do they just let anyone into our school now?”

    “I used to be jealous, but now I feel like I just swallowed a fly. Absolutely disgusting.”

    “Pretending is one thing, but bullying? That poor real heiress, I feel so bad for her.”

    “Who cares about the real heiress? The fake one stole her life, made her suffer for years, and now that things are finally set right, she’s still being forced to leave the country. My heart breaks for her.” [crying emoji]

    “Why hasn’t she been expelled already?”

    “Can’t even be sure she got in on her own merit.”

    “Expel her! No tolerance for bullying!”

    The online outrage was boiling over, and Esme was beside herself. She nced at Alessia–unbelievable. Alessia was cool as ever, even raising her hand to answer the teacher’s questions.

    “Herposure is unreal,” Joyce whispered, genuine admiration in her eyes. She herself was too sensitive–one minor incident could leave her brooding for days.

    “It’s not easy being the center of attention. She’s probably used to it by nowi,” /iMia muttered, shaking her head in awe.

    “Oh, oh, look!” Esme suddenly squealed, reaching across to nudge the other two. She managed ito /irein in her excitement, remembering the teacher was still there.

    “What is it?” they whispered, leaning closer.

    It was a video, just released by the school, apanied by a statement: “Our institution has never shielded bullies. Out of respect for a student’s own request to transfer, we did not share the full story. Now, with an outstanding student falsely used while the real perpetrator escapes me, I can no longer remain silent as principal. The truth must be made public.”

    The video showed it all–clear as day–Ileana hurling a basketball straight at Alessia.