Chapter 142 Reception Team Leader
"Bianca, was this you?"
Bianca's lips curved slightly. "Melissa, instead of confronting me, maybe you should figure out how to explain those Photoshop marks."
Melissa's eyes blazed. She wanted to lunge forward and tear Bianca apart, but she forced herself to hold back.
She drew in a deep breath, shot Bianca one last venomous glare, and ignored the whispers and mocking stares around her. She stormed out.
The forum post disappeared soon after. The clumsy cover-up only convinced more people the photo was fake.
When Bianca saw Melissa again, the fire in her was gone. She looked like a wolf driven from its den.
But she clearly hadn't learned her lesson. The hatred in her eyes was still there, raw and undisguised.
Bianca found that interesting.
In her past life, Melissa had schemed and plotted until Bianca was drowning in pain and despair. This time, Bianca would return the favor—let Melissa taste humiliation, carry the weight of everyone's scorn, and choke on her own schemes.
Melissa wanted to use Terrence's name? Fine. Bianca would give her that chance.
The higher she climbed, the harder she'd fall.
"Jasmine, do you happen to know anyone who's close to Blair?"
It was during the afternoon break when Bianca suddenly lifted her gaze toward Jasmine.
Jasmine blinked in surprise, then nodded. "Bianca, is there something you want me to do?"
She was quick—instantly catching the hint in Bianca's words.
Bianca crooked a finger at her, leaning in to whisper, "Spread the word that I've joined the reception team. You can exaggerate it a little."
Jasmine nodded eagerly, a trace of excitement flickering in her eyes.
Later that afternoon, back in the classroom.
Spotting Paxton walking past, Jasmine suddenly called out to him.
"Paxton, I've got great news for you! Bianca hasn't just joined the reception team—she's become the team leader!"
The flush on Paxton's face faded. The joy he'd felt at Jasmine approaching him turned to confusion, then irritation.
"Why are you telling me about her? What's that got to do with me?"
"Don't you think Bianca's amazing?" Jasmine raised her voice deliberately, glancing toward the corner.
She confirmed the two people there had heard. She kept going.
"She joined the reception team and became the leader. Bianca's the most impressive person I've ever met. She deserves to lead. Don't you think?"
"Yeah, yeah, Bianca's great." Paxton waved her off, clearly uninterested.
Jasmine didn't care. Once the two in the corner left, she let out a long breath.
That should do it. Mission accomplished.
"Are you serious?" Blair's lazy tone sharpened. Doubt crept into her voice. "She's the team leader? Her?"
"Yeah, we heard it clearly. Jasmine said it herself. It's gotta be true."
Blair's eyes flickered. She remembered the humiliation at the welcome party. A plan began to form.
"Got it. Keep watching Jasmine. Tell me the second you hear anything else."
She hung up, eyes narrowing. After a moment, she pulled up Melissa's number and called.
"You're close with the vice principal. So do me a favor."
Her tone carried the weight of command. Melissa bristled, but unease won out.
If she kept making excuses, Blair would get suspicious. After the Photoshop incident, Melissa had barely managed to convince her it wasn't her fault.
"Why aren't you saying anything? You lied to me, didn't you? And that fake photo—was the forensic report bullshit too?"
"Of course not!" Melissa snapped. "Someone sent me that photo. I'm a victim too. But I do have a connection to Mr. Anderson. Through Barry."
Hearing Barry's name eased Blair's suspicion slightly.
"So can you help me or not?" Blair's patience was wearing thin.
"Help you with what?" Melissa gripped her phone tightly.
"I want the team leader position." Blair's tone was casual, like it was obvious.
"Wait," Melissa's voice sharpened. Confusion knotted in her chest. "Why do you want it?"
"If Bianca can be team leader, why can't I?" Blair's voice was cold.
Melissa froze. Her grip whitened around the phone.
"She's not the leader. I am!" Melissa nearly shouted.
"Are you insane? Why are you yelling?" Blair rolled her eyes. "Even better if it's you. Just give me the position."
"Why should I?"
"Why do you need a reason? You'd look pathetic up there anyway. Besides, I need to beat Bianca. The leader has to be me."
"I'm done talking. I want the notification by tomorrow."
Blair hung up without waiting for a response.
Melissa stared at the dead screen. Hatred churned in her chest. She sucked in a breath, her eyes bloodshot.
Humiliation clung to her like a shroud. She gripped the phone, wanting to call Blair back and tell her she was the one who didn't deserve it.
But she didn't have the guts. Her hand dropped.
She'd have to hand over the position.
Fine. If she couldn't have it, no one would be happy.
On the field, warm sunlight spilled over the crowd. Bianca watched two figures standing side by side. She raised an eyebrow.
Melissa had lost the leader position. And she wasn't even angry. Interesting.
The two seemed to notice Bianca in the corner.
"Bianca!" Blair flashed a polite smile and waved deliberately.
"Why didn't you say you were here? I could've helped you. I'm the team leader now. I can get you a better spot."
Blair tucked her hair behind her ear, lips curving upward.
To anyone watching, they'd look close.
Only Bianca heard the smugness underneath.
"Oh?" Bianca raised an eyebrow. Her gaze shifted from Blair to Melissa. "When I signed up, I'm pretty sure she was the leader."
Both their smiles froze. Melissa's face flushed a blotchy, furious purple.
"Of course it's about merit." Melissa's smile was stiff. She looped her arm through Blair's, forcing intimacy. "Blair's the one who truly deserves it."
Bianca laughed softly, her mocking gaze sweeping over their strained expressions. "Truly deserves it. Right."
Blair's eyes darkened, but she quickly shifted back to smugness. She crossed her arms, lifted her chin, and locked eyes with Bianca. Then she let out a quiet, satisfied hum.