Chapter 188
From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots
188 Unmasked
But those eyes–those countless eyes–were like blades, slicing her open again and again.
Her confidence, her pride, everything she thought made her special-
Shattered. Completely, utterly shattered.
“You, you, you…”
Aurora could feel her blood surging to her throat, metallic and bitter.
Sharon lifted her chin with a smirk. “What? Am I wrong? Then go ahead–argue with me.”
“Come on, you’re the prodigy, right? Don’t tell me you’re speechless?”
“Wow, can’t even talk back now? Maybe all that prodigy stuff was just the result of cheating, huh?”
Aurora nearly choked on her rage.
Just as she was about to lash out-
Sharon raised her voice again, drawing even more attention. “Look at that! Still no response ? Guess that means you agree!”
“You eat their food, live in their house, and then go around trashing them behind their backs?”
“Classic. Take the bowl to eat, then smash it when you’re full. I’ve seen it all now–what a class act!”
Aurora’s fury was white–hot. She raised her hand, ready to slap Sharon.
Sharon’s eyes lit up, brimming with anticipation. She had zero intention of dodging. If Aurora dared hit her, she’d go full drama queen–maybe even score a payout.
“Ms. Aurora.”
Christian suddenly stepped between them, grabbing Aurora’s wrist.
Aurora froze.
Then her eyes flicked to Sharon’s face–eager, practically begging for the slap.
She snapped back to her senses.
That was close. Too close.
If she’d hit her, her carefully built image would’ve gone up in flames.
Worse , it would’ve disqualified her from the practical round in the afternoon.
Striking another participant? That was a serious offense. She could be expelled.
“Hey,” someone murmured from the crowd, tone shifting.
“Maybe it really was just a misunderstanding. Ms. Aurora might not be at fault/
188 Unmasked Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ Findnøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
“Yeah, we were all skeptical carlier too.”
+8 Pearl
“Besides, she never actually said anything. That Sharon girl did all the talking. I think Sharon should apologize.
“Right, look at what you’ve done to Ms. Aurora! She’s practically in tears. Just say sorry and let’s move on .
Sharon scoffed. “If anyone can prove a single thing I said was false, I’ll apologize right now.”
But she knew they couldn’t.
The things she’d said–family secrets, subtle digs–no one here had the context to verify any of it .
“Scarlett might be too kind to fight back, but that just makes her an easy target.”
“Well guess what? As long as I’m here, anyone who dares mess with Scarlett will have to deal with me .”
The crowd fell silent, unsure how to respond.
Aurora wiped at her eyes again and turned to Christian with a look of pure innocence.
“I should explain everything, but… the Lane family has done a lot for me. Some things are better left unsaid. Let’s just focus on the practical exam.”
Only four teams had made it to the finals.
This afternoon’s round would be crucial.
Written tests could be luck. But practicals? Those had professionals watching every move.
If she wanted to recover her standing, she had to get it together now.
Sharon let out a cold, sharp laugh. “Oh, so you’ve got nothing left to say, huh? Playing the tragic heroine now?”
“My Scarlett almost got canceled online, and that was just ‘too bad to fix‘?”
Aurora’s face was pale, lips trembling.
She bit her tongue hard, holding down the bile rising in her throat.
Then grabbed Christian’s sleeve.
“Let’s just go. We’ve got work to do.”
She turned and walked away, dragging Christian with her.
Sharon shouted after them. “What, leaving already? Can’t handle being exposed?”
Aurora quickened her pace.
Sharon? Victorious.
The other students were still a little lost, unsure of the full truth.
But after seeing Scarlett’s actual test responses, they knew one thing:
13:47 Tue , 12 Aug
188 Unmasked
She wasn’t a fraud.
If they hadn’t jumped to conclusions, maybe they could’ve learned something from her.
Now? Too late.
One bad move had ruined everything.
* Pears
Scarlett followed Sharon out of the multimedia room. Watching Sharon puff up with rage on her behalf , her own heart felt oddly peaceful.
“Thanks,” she said softly.
Sharon waved it off. “That was nothing. I’ve got enough ammo to go five hundred more rounds if I have to .
“But seriously, you’re the real Lane family heir. And she still dared act like that?”
“With your status, it’d be totally normal to just kick her out.”
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