The morning sun had barely risen over Rome, and the campus was unusually quiet. Students trickled in slowly, some still nursing the remnants of last night's coffee or cramming for their first lectures. Scarlett walked across the courtyard, her mind sharp and tense, still simmering with anger from yesterday's test. She could feel every heartbeat in her chest, a steady drum of determination.
Before classes even began, whispers spread quickly — the rumors about the chip, the trap, and how someone had tried to frame Scarlett had already reached almost everyone. But Scarlett didn't need confirmation. She knew the truth. She didn't need anyone to tell her who had orchestrated it. She already knew the culprits: Alisa Meng and Joanna, smug, plotting, and still thinking they were untouchable.
As she entered the classroom, her eyes immediately found Alisa and Joanna. Alisa's smirk was just as infuriating as yesterday, and Joanna was hovering nearby, probably expecting a repeat of Scarlett looking foolish. Scarlett's fists clenched naturally, her pulse quickening.
Lucas was already seated near the back, eyes alert, observing quietly. He hadn't intervened anything yet, but Scarlett had felt his presence like a silent shield. She appreciated it — though she didn't let it show.
Her footsteps were deliberate, each one a warning, a promise. Before anyone else could even speak, Scarlett's voice cut through the hushed classroom. "Alisa Meng… Joanna…" Every word was sharp, deliberate, filled with the fire of someone who would not be humiliated. "You thought you could make me look like a fool? You thought you could trap me?"
Joanna blinked, caught off guard, and Alisa's confident smirk wavered for the briefest moment — enough to ignite Scarlett's courage.
Without hesitation, Scarlett's right hand swung — a sharp, precise slap landed on Joanna's cheek. The class gasped. Scarlett didn't hesitate. She moved to Alisa next, eyes blazing. "This chip, this stunt… it was meant to humiliate me. You underestimated me," she hissed, stepping closer, letting her fury carry her words. "And I don't forgive underestimation."
Alisa laughed, short and nervous, trying to regain composure, but Scarlett didn't falter. Her small hands trembled slightly with the force of anger and determination. "You will not make me cheat. You will not ruin me. I will not let you win."
Lucas remained at the back, a quiet sentinel, ready to intervene if needed. Scarlett didn't need him right now; she needed justice. She needed to show them she was unbroken, fearless, and unstoppable.
Stepping closer, she added, voice low and dangerous: "Remember this day. You tried to play a game with me… and you lost."
The classroom remained silent, tension thick in the air. Scarlett turned, chest heaving, fury simmering but controlled. She didn't need to wait for anyone's reaction. The message had been delivered.
Lucas fell into step beside her quietly as she left the room. "You okay?" he asked, voice soft, almost hesitant.
Scarlett's fists unclenched slowly, though the fire still burned in her eyes. "I'm fine," she said, voice steady, but still charged with the energy of yesterday's betrayal. "But they'll learn — messing with me has consequences. I don't forgive easily."
Lucas nodded, understanding. "Good. Just… try not to start a war in the classroom next time," he teased lightly, though his gaze remained sharp and protective.
Scarlett gave him a glare that could have melted steel. "This isn't a joke," she said, each word deliberate. "I don't forgive. I don't forget. And anyone who tries this again will regret it."
Her storm of emotions had shifted — yesterday's shock had become today's determination. She would protect herself. She would protect her work. And she would not let anyone cross her.