Everyone felt a deep sense of injustice on behalf of Aveline. These days, even excelling in academics could get someone driven out of school.
“Good thing I’m a slacker; she won’t even notice me.”
“Women can be terrifying.”
The murmurs on the schoolyard grew louder. Speculations arose about how Aveline’s parents might react once they discovered the truth.
Aveline looked at Solene, whose face was twisted with jealousy. It was astonishing how envy could distort someone so completely.
Solene assumed that Aveline spent every day buried in her studies. In reality, Aveline rarely studied outside of class. Her exceptional memory allowed her to retain everything effortlessly. Back in elementary school, Orion had already started teaching her middle school content. By the time her teachers covered it in class, it was merely a review for her.
The women of the R family were naturally gifted, often skipping grades. With Julian and Aurora’s extraordinary genes, Aveline excelled with minimal effort. After school, while Solene crammed frantically at home, Aveline’s routine consisted of practicing piano, reading classic literature, and occasionally watching TV shows or exercising. She had few friends and led a simple life, never needing to revisit classroom material.
The two girls lived in vastly different worlds. Solene’s obsessive studying, ironically, worked against her. Academic success wasn’t about the number of hours studied but about efficiency and balance.
“So, you’re admitting this was all your doing, and no one else was involved?” Aveline asked.
“Yes, it was me. I acted on impulse. Punish me if you must, but leave my dad out of it.”
Julian regarded Solene with a mix of sympathy and disdain. Though he pitied her for lacking the natural talent to keep up, her attempt to harm Aveline was inexcusable.
“I won’t comment on your sense of morality for now. But as for your father-he’s an adult, a teacher, and the dean of discipline. He should have set an example. Instead, he shielded you and allowed your mistakes to escalate. He bears the greatest responsibility. Principal, you know what needs to be done.”
The principal, finally addressed by Julian, stepped forward. “Mr. Barnet, our school has always been committed to educating and nurturing students. This kind of behavior is unprecedented. Not only is he a disgrace to our school, but also to the education profession. We cannot tolerate someone like him here. Lee, you’re fired.”
The principal, sensing Julian’s intentions, decided to align himself firmly with Julian’s stance. He knew Julian wasn’t going to target the child directly but had no qualms about taking action against her family.
Julian’s expression darkened. “Someone like him should serve as a warning to others. I will ensure this incident is reported across the entire education sector. He will never work in this field again.”
Solene’s face turned pale as she realized the severity of the situation. “It’s all my fault! Punish me instead-just don’t do this to my dad!”
“You are at fault,” Julian said coldly. “However, considering your young age and lack of proper values, I’ll give you one chance. You’ll apologize to Aveline in front of the entire school and write a 10, 000-word reflection to be read publicly. If you do this, the matter will be resolved.”
Though it sounded straightforward, the punishment was psychologically devastating for a young girl. Solene would have to endure the judgmental stares of her peers for years to come.
Aurora gazed at Solene icily. “Maybe you feel this is unfair. You think it was just a small mistake and doesn’t deserve such a severe consequence.”
Solene looked at Aurora in disbelief. How could she read her thoughts so clearly?
Aurora’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Don’t underestimate the impact of small evils. Perhaps your parents never taught you that. A single thumbtack may not be fatal, but it could cause permanent damage. Hard work is commendable, but when ambition becomes jealousy, it’s disgraceful. Trying to drive someone out of school because of envy is despicable. Everyone must face the consequences of their actions. Consider yourself lucky we’re going easy on you. If it were anyone else, you wouldn’t get off so lightly.”
Lee stood frozen, face ashen. Not only had he lost his job, but Solene would also face ridicule from her peers. At that moment, he felt as if his entire life had shattered.
“Aveline, do you have any objections to this punishment?” Julian asked.
“None,” Aveline replied, shaking her head. This lesson would leave an indelible mark on Solene for the rest of her life.
“Good. If Miss Aveline has no objections, Lee, you can proceed with your resignation paperwork,” the principal said, his tone shifting from obsequious to stern.
“Principal, there’s one more thing I’d like to mention,” Aveline said.
“Please, Miss Aveline, go ahead.”
If the principal had a tail, it would have been wagging by now.
“Since the dean position is now vacant, I have an excellent candidate in mind for the role,” Aveline continued.
“Who do you suggest, Miss Aveline?”
“Miss Hartwell. She may be young, but she’s fair, kind, and well-loved by the students. I believe she’s the best choice for the position.” Aveline smiled, recalling how Miss Hartwell had always stood up for her during difficult times.
“Miss Aveline, you read my mind! Miss Hartwell is highly capable. I’ll make the arrangements immediately.”
“Very well. Let this matter be settled. Tomorrow at 9 AM, I’ll expect Solene’s apology on the schoolyard,” Julian said, his tone softening slightly.
“Aveline, you must come home with me now. The private doctor needs to check your foot,” Aurora said sternly.
“Yes, Mommy,” Aveline replied, lowering her head.
The group left the broadcast room. In full view of the students, Orion carried Aveline into a helicopter.
It was a scene straight out of a drama, now unfolding in real life. Aveline wasn’t just a regular student-she was the daughter of an incredibly wealthy family. Even the principal treated her with utmost reverence. This was the life of a true princess.