Chapter 38 Targeted, Coming for Her?
"Ronnie needs to apologize to me in front of the whole school and face some disciplinary action."
Emily's demands were firm.
She didn't think she was asking for too much.
Bianca frowned, trying to appear generous. "Emily, isn't that a bit extreme? Ronnie just messed up in the heat of the moment. You weren't seriously hurt. Why not just let him apologize, and we move on? If he gets a disciplinary mark, it could mess up his future. He's so talented; he should be the pride of our school."
Bianca was thinking about the school's reputation.
She didn't believe Bobby would side with Emily.
If Emily didn't agree, she'd look petty.
It would make Bianca seem more reasonable.
Of course, if Emily agreed, Ronnie would be grateful to Bianca, not Emily, raising Bianca's importance in Ronnie's eyes.
"Sure!"
Emily smirked.
There was something unsettling about her smile.
Bianca didn't expect Emily to agree so quickly, without hesitation. She was momentarily surprised but quickly pleased. "That's great! Emily, why don't you shake hands with Ronnie..."
"I agree, but you take the punishment on Ronnie's behalf. How about that?"
Bianca's smile froze.
If she agreed, her academic record would be tarnished forever.
If she didn't agree, Ronnie might resent her over time.
Bianca's mind raced. "If you two can reconcile, I'm willing. But I'm afraid it won't stay hidden. After all..."
She glanced at the students gathered outside the door, as if to say, "Too many people know the truth."
Emily scoffed, cutting off her pretense. "If you can't do it, stop wasting my time. Ronnie, look at the person you're defending!"
"Ronnie, that's not what I meant..." Bianca hurriedly tried to grab Ronnie's hand.
He trembled slightly and stepped back, avoiding her touch.
"Mr. Owens, is my request acceptable?" Emily turned to Bobby, ignoring Bianca.
Kurt gave Bobby a sharp look.
Reminding him to choose his words wisely.
Bobby was amused. Did they really think he was that clueless?
"Yes, that's how it should be handled. You've been wronged, and the school will compensate you accordingly." Bobby nodded.
Emily nodded in agreement, not objecting.
Just then, her phone rang.
Emily saw the caller ID and was a bit surprised, quickly answering.
"Mr. Smith, what can I do for you?"
At that moment, in a Maybach parked at the school entrance, Daniel crossed his long legs, his cold face softening slightly as the call connected.
"Biscuit and Cloudy are sick and need to go to the hospital. I'm nearby, and Violette said you're at school. Do you want to go to the hospital together?"
His deep voice came through the phone.
"Sure, I'll be right there!"
Emily thought of how much Liam trusted her with Biscuit and couldn't let anything happen to them. She quickly agreed.
After hanging up, she bid farewell to Bobby and Kurt.
She left the transfer issue to Kurt.
Kurt had no objections.
Bobby had many things to handle and left after finishing up.
Before leaving, Emily didn't spare Ronnie or Bianca another glance.
Bobby had made the final decision for Ronnie.
Proud as he was, he'd never faced such a situation before.
He was somewhat shaken, feeling dazed.
Bianca, on the other hand, seemed to have heard Emily mention Daniel on the phone.
No, it couldn't be Daniel!
She must have misheard.
Emily, a timid fool, couldn't possibly know someone like him.
Emily was unaware of Bianca's inner turmoil.
It was indeed Daniel.
If he was almost here, she shouldn't keep him waiting.
"...Sorry, Emily!"
Emily had just left the office when someone hurriedly bumped into her.
The person quickly apologized. Seeing it was Emily, she became even more anxious.
She checked Emily up and down, ensuring she was okay before breathing a sigh of relief. "I heard you argued with Ms. Chambers, and Bianca and Ronnie were in the office too. I don't know the details, but anything involving Bianca is usually bad news. Glad you're okay."
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for your concern!"
Emily felt a strange warmth at Sophia's immediate concern.
"No need to be formal. Where are you headed? Want to grab a bite? I have something to tell you."
Sophia waved her hand, her eyes shining with anticipation.
Emily had plans and had to decline. "Sorry, another time. I have something urgent."
"Alright!" Sophia seemed a bit disappointed.
Seeing Sophia still following her, Emily asked, "You mentioned something earlier. What was it? If you don't mind, keep it brief."
Sophia's face lit up with joy. "Thanks to you, my mentor's been guiding me in painting. I've improved rapidly, and Mr. Williams recommended me for the 'Canvas of Dreams' exhibition."
Emily remembered the exhibition from her past life.
It featured works by talented newcomers.
Sophia's participation meant she was truly gifted.
"Congratulations! It's all your talent." Emily didn't take credit.
Sophia felt warm at Emily's words.
She then remembered something, her expression turning serious. "I saw Bianca's name on the list. But Bianca steals other people's work. She's not talented. How could she participate?"
"Maybe it's someone with the same name, or I misread."
Sophia's confidence wavered, considering she only glimpsed the name.
Emily knew Bianca wouldn't miss such an opportunity.
Sophia likely didn't misread.
She pondered for a moment, then asked, "Do you know who's hosting the exhibition?"
"Yeah, it's hosted by Louis Cox." Sophia had heard of the famous art enthusiast.
Emily raised an eyebrow.
It was a coincidence.
Louis often visited John, and she'd met him once. He became her fan after seeing her work.
She hadn't contacted him since her rebirth.
"Alright, you don't need to accompany me. Go handle your own matters. I'll reach out soon and introduce you to some old friends."
Emily noticed someone suspiciously peeking at her from the school gate. She paused and spoke to Sophia.
Sophia didn't doubt her, nodding and bidding farewell before heading back to the teaching building.