Scarlett let out a helpless laugh. For someone who practiced martial arts, it was only natural to have a few bruises. They couldn’t even tell the difference between a bruise and a hickey, yet they had the nerve to gossip about her. She walked toward the balcony. The group of girls immediately fell silent. Scarlett turned her gaze toward Nadia, the one who had just accused her of having hickeys. She gave a wicked smile and asked, “Wanna find out how these so-called ‘hickeys’ appeared?” Nadia instinctively stepped back, her face full of wariness. “What are you trying to do? Let me tell you, hanging around Mr. Hayes doesn’t make you special. I’m going to tell the teacher you slept with Mr. Apology—ah!” Before she could finish, Scarlett struck her pressure point with a swift, precise move. The technique was applied just right. Not only did it cause sharp pain, but within seconds, a vivid “hickey” formed on Nadia’s neck. The other girls were stunned into silence. Lily stood nearby as well. Although she hadn’t spoken earlier, she had deliberately steered the conversation in this direction. She hoped that the whole school would believe Scarlett had no self-respect and had slept with Percy. Crossing her arms, Scarlett gave them all a dismissive look. “Anyone else who dares to spread nonsense,” she said icily, “I wouldn’t mind covering them head-to-toe with these ‘hickeys’ too.” Lily pressed her lips together tightly, seething with rage. Scarlett was clearly warning her. Damn it, Scarlett! She was blatantly disregarding her authority. Yet Lily didn’t dare say a word. She was terrified Scarlett might deal with her next. After that, the girls in the dorm became noticeably more obedient. Scarlett finally enjoyed a peaceful and undisturbed nap for once. When she returned to the classroom at noon, the room was still half empty even as class was about to start. Even Percy hadn’t returned as she had instructed. Mike didn’t come by to check the attendance either. Just then, Stacy came running into the classroom, out of breath. “Scarlett, something bad happened!” she cried, panic in her voice. “Percy got into a fight! He hit Jonah!” “Mr. Riggs said he’s going to be disciplined!” Stacy added. Although Percy was known for being late, skipping classes, and writing more disciplinary reflections than homework, he rarely got into serious fights—certainly not enough to warrant formal punishment. It was obvious he had gotten himself into real trouble this time. Scarlett felt a headache coming on. Percy had finally behaved for a day, and now he was causing problems again. “Why did he hit Jonah?” Scarlett asked Stacy. Stacy hesitated, her expression complicated. “They said… they said…” Suddenly, she leaned in close and asked, deadly serious, “Scarlett, did you and Percy sleep together last night?” At once, the entire class turned to look at Scarlett, their eyes brimming with curiosity. Stacy’s face turned red with anger. “Don’t tell me it’s true! How could Percy lower his standards like that? What do you have that I don’t? How could he like a maid like you?” Scarlett knew Stacy had been pursuing Percy. After Percy changed seats to sit beside her yesterday, Stacy immediately moved her own seat next to Percy as well. Stacy even brought her favorite romance novels to Percy, hoping he’d fall for her after reading them. Unfortunately, Percy wasn’t interested in either the novels or Stacy herself. If Scarlett didn’t clear up this misunderstanding now, Stacy would probably hate her forever. “What did Percy say?” Scarlett asked calmly. Stacy huffed angrily. “Of course he denied it! Why else would he get so angry and hit someone? I want to hear it from you!” she demanded. “I used to think you were pretty decent, encouraging Percy to study and all,” Stacy said bitterly. “Now I realize you’re just a backstabbing little snake, stealing him right from under my nose. And to think I even listened to you and did my assignments yesterday!” Scarlett let out a soft laugh. “Relax,” she said lightly. “Percy is just like a little brother to me. I would never be interested in someone like him.” In this lifetime, she had no intention of giving her heart to anyone ever again. She had already learned the painful lesson of having her trust and affection trampled underfoot.