Chapter 25
"I spoke out of turn." Zane bowed his head, but quickly raised it again with a sigh, his tone carrying a hint of provocation. "Ms. Wipere really is everywhere, isn't she? She's taking your place at home, and now she's taking your place at school too. Ms. Windsor, you'd better be careful."
Ondine's fingers clenched the fabric of her skirt.
Zane continued, his voice dropping lower, as though sharing a secret. "She spent twenty years at the Wipere family, endured every hardship. Now that she's back at the Windsor family, she's desperate to reclaim everything she lost. But what she's reclaiming—isn't it all yours? Your identity, your status, your engagement—she's taking them one by one."
Ondine lifted her head and looked at Zane.
His expression remained respectful, but his eyes clearly held calculation and manipulation.
Ondine knew he was stirring the pot.
But she didn't care.
Because the fire was already burning inside her.
"Zane," Ondine's voice was cold as ice, "you're right. What gives Seraphine the right?"
Zane lowered his head without speaking, but the corner of his mouth curved slightly.
Ondine turned and walked to the window, gazing out at the night-shrouded garden.
Moonlight spilled across the flowers, their shadows swaying—beautiful.
But her eyes held only coldness.
"She wants to enroll at Nimbus Design College? Fine," her lips curled into a chilling smile. "Let her come. I'd like to see how long she lasts there."
Zane raised his head, watching Ondine's silhouette, satisfaction flickering in his eyes. "Ms. Windsor is wise."
Ondine didn't turn around. Her gaze remained fixed outside, her smile growing colder.
'Seraphine—Octavius likes you, wants to keep the engagement, and you turned him down. What do you take me for? You think you've already won, so you're playing hard to get? Dream on. I won't let you get away with it. Nimbus Design College will be your downfall.'
Ondine's eyes burned with deep hatred.
Monday morning. Clear skies.
Seraphine rose early. White blouse, dark straight-leg trousers, hair tied in a low ponytail.
No makeup—just a thin layer of lip balm.
The driver was already waiting at the door. "Ms. Wipere, shall we go now?"
"Yes."
The car pulled out of Windsor Manor's gates and wound its way down the mountain road toward the city.
Seraphine leaned back in her seat, her gaze resting on the passing scenery, her expression serene.
Morning sunlight filtered through the car window, casting faint shadows beneath her eyes.
Nimbus Design College sat in the heart of the city's creative arts district—not large, but tastefully arranged.
The academic buildings had been converted from older structures.
Red brick, grey tile, ivy climbing the walls—everything breathed artistic character.
Fashionably dressed students wandered the campus in clusters of two or three, discussing the latest fashion weeks and design trends.
When Seraphine stepped out of the car, it happened to be peak time for morning classes.
She slung her backpack strap over her shoulder and walked at an unhurried pace, each step measured and composed.
The moment she entered the campus, her eyes began to turn.
Students passing by whispered among themselves, their gazes tracking her movements, sweeping over her from head to toe.
"Who's that? Someone new?"
"Never seen her before. She's gorgeous… is she a new student?"
"Her presence is amazing. Look at the way she walks—like she's on a runway."
"Is she some celebrity doing continuing education? I've never seen that face online."
Seraphine paid no attention to the stares. Her pace didn't change. Calm and unhurried, she walked straight toward the academic building.
Her presence was too striking.
Cool, composed—like an orchid in a secluded valley. She didn't fight for attention, yet it was impossible to ignore her.
Among a crowd of trendy, meticulously styled art students, she wore the simplest white blouse and dark trousers.
No accessories—yet she drew more eyes than anyone.
Word spread fast.
Before Seraphine even reached the classroom, someone had already posted on the campus forum: [Mysterious Beauty Spotted at Junior Building!]
The accompanying image was a side profile of Seraphine walking across campus.
Whoever had snapped it hadn't gotten the best angle, but the clean lines of her face looked knife-sharp and flawless.
The thread exploded with comments almost immediately.
[Need a front view! Front view! OP, go get a front shot!]
[Judging by the direction, she's headed to the design department building. Probably a design major.]
[Since when does the design department have someone this good-looking? How did I not know?]
Seraphine remained completely oblivious.
She found the classroom and pushed the door open.
Quite a few people were already seated inside, chatting in small groups.
Nimbus Design College's classrooms were spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in abundant natural light.
Easels, drafting tables, and mannequins were arranged throughout the space.
The walls were lined with outstanding works from previous students—everything exuded the distinctive artistic atmosphere of a design school.
When the door opened, several people reflexively glanced up.
And then those gazes froze.
Seraphine stood in the doorway.
Sunlight poured in from the windows behind her, outlining her silhouette in pale gold.
The classroom went silent.
Seraphine swept her gaze across the room.
Her eyes passed over the faces staring at her without lingering.
She spotted an empty seat by the window and walked over.
Set her backpack on the desk. Sat down. Pulled out a notebook and flipped it open.
Every motion smooth and efficient—nothing wasted.
Eyes still lingered on her, but she seemed entirely unaware. Her expression didn't shift in the slightest.
"Hi, are you new?" A girl with a low ponytail leaned over from the side, smiling as she spoke.
She wore round-framed glasses and had a few freckles on her face.
When she smiled, her eyes curved into crescents. She seemed friendly.
Seraphine looked up at her briefly and nodded. "Yes."
"You're so pretty," the girl's eyes sparkled, her tone genuine. "I'm Sloane Wallace. What's your name?"
"Seraphine Wipere."
"Seraphine—that's such a beautiful name." Sloane settled into the empty seat beside her and asked enthusiastically, "Are you a transfer student or here for continuing education? Where did you study design before?"
Seraphine was about to answer when laughter echoed from the classroom doorway.
The laughter wasn't loud, but it commanded attention.
Ondine walked in.
She wore a pale yellow dress today.
The hem fell just above her knees, revealing slender calves.
Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, the ends slightly curled. Her makeup was flawless, eyeliner drawn precisely.
She carried the latest seasonal handbag from a luxury brand.
She looked radiant.
Three girls trailed behind her, chatting and laughing as they clustered around her like stars orbiting the moon.
"Ondi, your dress today is gorgeous. Is it from the new season?"