It had been a long time since the Barnet family had gathered together. After breakfast, the entire family set off for Aveline’s school.
The day before, Julian had taken a helicopter to the school in order to quickly assess what had happened. This morning, three black cars drove directly into the school grounds. Due to the incident involving Aveline, the school’s sports day had been completely canceled.
All the teachers and students were gathered on the field, neatly lined up. Such a scene was usually only seen during Monday assemblies. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, the three black luxury cars slowly entered the campus.
The cars stopped at the edge of the field, and the principal hurried over to greet them.
“Good morning, Mr. Barnet.”
But the person who stepped out first wasn’t Julian-it was a small boy, around five years old, with delicate, doll-like features. Nash had a personality that was warm on the inside but cold on the outside. At home, he clung to Aurora and Aveline all day long, often asking his father to carry him and spin him around.
Outside, however, he was a miniature version of Julian. His tiny face was cold and stern. “Who are you?”
The principal immediately recognized the boy, dressed in a small tailored suit. There was no need to check any records-he was clearly a smaller replica of Julian. The principal quickly plastered a smile on his face. “Young Master, I’m the principal.”
It was then that Aveline stepped out of the car. “Good morning, Principal.”
As soon as she got out, she felt the weight of all the students’ gazes on her. This kind of reception, akin to welcoming a visiting dignitary, made Aveline feel very uncomfortable.
Even when she had been at the top of her class in a prestigious elementary school, Aveline had always kept a low profile. At her current school, she had been even more discreet, wearing simple, inexpensive clothes to avoid attracting attention.
But now, all eyes were on her. Initially, she had been hesitant about transferring schools, but thinking about the future after this scene, she decided that transferring might be for the best.
Asher’s car pulled up next, and Joyce hopped out with curiosity written all over her face.
“Aveline, so this is your school?”
Joyce, who attended a prestigious school in New York with far superior facilities, didn’t show a trace of condescension. Instead, she was filled with wonder. Having spent most of her life abroad, she wasn’t accustomed to the architectural style of Clothville.
“Yes,” Aveline replied.
“Where’s the person who put nails in your shoes? I’ll beat her so badly her own mother won’t recognize her!” Joyce said as she rolled up her sleeves, already ready for action.
Aveline quickly grabbed Joyce to stop her. “Don’t cause trouble. The issue has already been resolved.”
Unlike Aveline, who was calm and composed, Joyce was impulsive and acted without thinking things through.
Asher, worried Joyce might actually act on her threats, called her name sharply. “Joyce.”
“Fine, fine! What’s with that grumpy face? You’re so ugly when you do that.” Joyce stuck out her tongue and tugged playfully at Asher’s face.
“Joyce, don’t be so disrespectful,” Aurora said coldly, her gaze sharp.
Joyce usually acted like a friend rather than a niece to Asher. Only in formal occasions like this did she show a bit more decorum.
“Let’s go,” Asher said, steering the conversation away to avoid further tension.
Today’s visit was all about resolving Aveline’s issue, so Aurora chose not to press the matter further.
Orion stepped out of the last car, and the family walked toward the field together.
At this moment, all the students’ gazes remained fixed on the group. Many had already searched for information about Aveline after hearing rumors the day before.
What they found shocked them. Aveline’s background was even more impressive than the principal had described. Compared to the Barnet family, the principal was as insignificant as an ant.
It was no wonder the principal treated them like royalty.
Aveline’s outfit today was something she usually wore at home-clothing most students could only see in high-end magazines.
The entire family looked like they had stepped out of a drama. Each person was strikingly good-looking, as if they were the main character of their own story.
Aveline’s parents, familiar from magazine covers, were now standing before the students for the first time in real life. Many couldn’t resist the urge to take photos.
These were figures more glamorous than celebrities. Orion, who had once been a star in their eyes, now seemed far less dazzling standing among them.
Asher, though thirty-four years old, looked like he was in his late twenties. With his mixed heritage, he was undeniably handsome. Students couldn’t get enough of looking at him.
Beside Aveline stood a stunning young woman, likely her sister, and the small, doll-like Nash.
Many students, especially the girls, were overcome with admiration, wishing they could reach out and pinch Nash’s adorable cheeks.
The scene was interrupted as the principal stepped onto the stage. He began a lengthy speech, nearly thousands of words, expressing his regret and disappointment over the incident.
The first half of his speech was a scathing critique of Lee, urging other teachers to learn from his mistakes. The latter half was mostly a formal apology to Aveline.
Aveline listened with growing discomfort. The issue had nothing to do with the principal, but he somehow managed to deliver such an emotional and lengthy monologue.
After the principal, it was Lee’s turn to apologize. Judging by his expression, he had been forced to do this.
Having committed such a disgraceful act, Lee would have preferred to avoid the spotlight entirely. But under the principal’s orders, he had no choice but to apologize publicly, his face filled with humiliation.
Once Lee’s apology was over, it was Solene’s turn.
Joyce spotted the girl, wearing thick glasses and braids, and looked confused.
“Aveline, is she the one who put the nail in your shoe?”
With her studious appearance, Solene didn’t look like someone who would do such a thing. If she hadn’t admitted it herself, even Aveline wouldn’t have believed it.
“Yes, but it only proves one thing: appearances can be deceiving.”
“Exactly. Looking at her, I don’t even feel like hitting her anymore.”
Solene had written a ten-thousand-word apology letter, which she was forced to memorize and recite in front of the entire school. For her, it was an unbearable ordeal.
Trembling, she stammered through her speech. Only after her lengthy apology did Julian finally let the matter rest.
“Let this be a lesson for everyone. Focus on your studies and stop wasting time on petty schemes,” Julian said firmly.
He turned to Miss Hartwell. “Thank you for taking care of my daughter these past few days. My assistant will handle her transfer paperwork shortly.”
“Aveline is transferring schools?” Miss Hartwell asked, her tone tinged with sadness. Aveline’s brilliance as a student had been an asset to the school.
“Yes,” Julian replied.
“Miss Hartwell, goodbye,” Aveline said. She wasn’t good at goodbyes, but Miss Hartwell was the only person in this school who had made her feel warmth.
“Aveline, I hope you’ll do even better in the future.”
“Thank you. Dad, Mom, I’ll go pack my things now. Please wait for me.”
“Go ahead.”
“I’ll go with you,” Joyce added, eager for a chance to explore the school.
The principal dismissed the students, and Lee and Solene left in shame. Solene’s transfer paperwork was also being processed. Staying here would only deepen her emotional scars, making it impossible for her to continue her education at this school.