Scarlett had no idea any of this was happening. Under Xavier’s watchful eye, she “tutored” Percy through his homework. After what had just happened, Percy was being unusually obedient, even handing over his finished work to Xavier for inspection, his excitement making him seem like a happy puppy wagging its tail. Xavier acted like he didn’t notice Percy’s desperate need for praise. Instead, he turned to Scarlett with a calm smile and said, “Thank you for your help today. If you want anything to eat, just tell the kitchen.” Percy’s proud smile froze, his expression quickly turning pitiful. Scarlett couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. Only then did Xavier glance at Percy, his tone turning cold as he commented, “Your handwriting’s awful. Did you write this with your feet?” Percy was speechless. His face practically screamed injustice. Later that night, Scarlett was about to head to Xavier’s room to help him fall asleep when she spotted him striding out the door. Dressed in a black tactical jacket, his tall figure cut a sharp, commanding presence, every step brimming with the power and intensity of a man marching into battle. It was clear something urgent had come up. His departure was sudden and hurried, but even so, he radiated an unshakable authority that made it impossible to look away. Scarlett stopped in her tracks, quietly watching him and his men leave. It wasn’t until Edmund returned that she finally stepped forward and asked, “Why did Mr. Stroud leave so suddenly?” Edmund shook his head and said in a low voice, “Mr. Stroud’s schedule isn’t something we should question and discuss.” “But—” Scarlett frowned, worry flashing across her face. “—he didn’t sleep at all last night. He worked straight through the night in the study and didn’t rest during the day either. If he keeps going like this, it’ll wear him out.” “Don’t worry. Wherever Mr. Stroud goes, Dr. Gaztrict will be with him.” Edmund reassured her. Ever since the incident ten years ago, Xavier had never traveled without a physician nearby. Though his entourage seemed small, the doctors lived close by, either in Jondalia’s hospital or the nearby villas. If anything ever happened, even something as small as a headache, medical help would arrive within minutes. Even so, Scarlett remained uneasy. She had checked Xavier’s pulse before. She knew how badly his body had been worn down. However, with a genius like Caleb around, maybe worrying about him wasn’t really her place. Pushing her concerns aside, she returned to her room. The next day, the flag-raising ceremony was about to begin. Students from every grade, from freshmen to seniors, were gathering under the flagpole. The top students from the senior Class A were already preparing. Normally, whenever it was the seniors’ turn, Jonah and Lily would be the ones front and center, with Jonah as the flag bearer and Lily as the escort. However, today, someone else was standing there. “Look! It’s the seniors’ turn this week, but Jonah isn’t the flag bearer!” “No way! I finally had an excuse to stare at Jonah out in the open, and now this?” “Blame Mr. Apology! If he hadn’t broken Jonah’s hand, there’s no way they would’ve replaced him.” “Ugh, Mr. Apology is the worst! The school should just expel him already!” “Isn’t he supposed to read his apology later? We should all protest when he does. Let’s make the school kick him out! It’s the only way to get justice for Jonah!” “Count me in! Jonah’s my dream guy. Anyone who dares hurt him needs to pay!” The gossip and complaints spread like wildfire. Soon, Class F lined up as well. Standing at the back of the group, Scarlett kept her hands in her pockets, lazily watching the chaos unfold up front. Percy stood directly in front of her as Stacy shoved an apology letter into his hand. “Take it!”