Chapter 76 Tough-Toned Remarks

Chapter 76 Tough-Toned Remarks

Cecilia Blackwood's POV

"I just want to focus on my studies and avoid conflict with everyone, but that doesn't mean I'll tolerate this endlessly."

"I also hope you'll all be more mindful—if only for your own sake, so you can stay at Star Ring Academy."

I said everything in one breath. Strangely, this time no one argued back, not even Rowan and her group who were sitting farther away.

I recalled Mr. Crom's warning—that sometimes I had to show my strength, or I'd just keep getting bullied.

After class, the moment I stepped out of the classroom, Kane was already waiting by the door.

Most of the time, he finished his special classes much faster than I did. I wondered if he'd left early again.

It wasn't impossible—if he wanted to leave, no teacher could stop him. More accurately, no one would dare try.

"Did you leave class early again?" I asked.

Kane's eyes shifted away, refusing to meet mine. But I knew—the more he avoided my gaze, the more it confirmed my suspicion.

I sighed. "You really shouldn't do this. If you keep breaking academy rules, you'll face consequences."

Kane shook his head lightly. "I don't care. I just want to see you as soon as possible."

"But... fine, let's not talk about this now. Let's head back to the dorm—I still have things to handle."

I really didn't have time to lecture Kane. The trouble wasn't completely resolved yet—to be precise, only half of it was.

Those online comments still gave me a headache, and Kane could see them too. Who knew when he might explode?

I didn't dare imagine what would happen then, so I had to resolve this quickly.

Kane frowned slightly. "Is it about those online comments? Do you need my help?"

I shook my head quickly. "No, no. We agreed—let me handle it first. If I really can't, then you step in."

"But until then, you can't interfere. You have to promise me!"

Kane exhaled heavily. "Fine."

Back in the dorm, I immediately opened my laptop and posted my response on the school network.

Most posts on the school network were anonymous, but this time I didn't choose anonymity. The impact would be far greater this way.

[My name is Cecilia. I don't know what motivated you all to take these misleading photos.]

[I hope everyone will delete these photos and related comments as soon as possible—within one day would be best.]

[If you're unwilling to delete them, I'll report this to the academy and let them intervene. Even though your comments are anonymous, if the school wants to investigate, I believe no one can escape.]

[One day is more than enough time. I hope you'll seize this opportunity, or I'll have no choice but to apologize in advance.]

After typing everything out, I let out a long breath.

Though my words online were firm—even somewhat aggressive—my heart was racing. I didn't know if I was doing the right thing.

I used to be invisible. I never participated in any activities, let alone publicly voiced my opinions online.

So now I didn't dare look at the screen, much less read the comments below.

I collapsed onto my bed and pulled the covers over my head, hoping time would pass faster this way.

Before long, the dorm door burst open and Jenny rushed in. "Something huge happened!"

My heart instantly sank. I could imagine what the online comments looked like now. I was probably the target of everyone's scorn.

"You're back. I know I'm done for. Who knows how many people will come after me now."

"But what's done is done. I don't regret it. I'm going to report this to the academy now and see if Ms. Moria has any solutions."

Suddenly, something occurred to me. "Wait—before I report it, I need to go to Kane's dorm and somehow calm him down."

"Can you come with me? I'm not confident I can handle him alone."

I invited Jenny along, though even with her there, the outcome wouldn't change much. If Kane wouldn't listen to me, he certainly wouldn't listen to her.

But I had no better options. At least Jenny could be there, and if necessary, I could hold Kane back while she went to find Ms. Moria.

I trusted my friendship with Kane—no matter how angry he got, he wouldn't hurt me.

"Let's go. We can't waste any more time here. If Kane acts first, it'll be too late!"

I stood up and grabbed Jenny's hand, ready to find Kane immediately.

Jenny smiled. "Aren't you being a bit too sensitive? Or maybe you're imagining the worst-case scenario."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

Jenny pulled me toward the computer desk and pointed at the screen. "Just look for yourself."

I stared at the screen, completely stunned.

All the mocking photos and posts about me had disappeared. And under my own post, there wasn't a single comment.

That's right—not one comment!

"Why aren't there any comments? Did I forget to enable the comment section?"

I started to check, but Jenny stopped me. "Comments are enabled. No need to look."

"Then why isn't there a single comment? What's going on?"

Jenny smiled slightly. "Obviously because those people feel guilty and don't know what to say."

"Besides, you invoked the academy and Ms. Moria. What could they possibly say? If Ms. Moria investigates those comments, they'd face disciplinary action."

"I have to say, your decisive approach was brilliant. All the photos and comments were deleted immediately. There's not a single smear against you left online!"

"By the way, who taught you this method? It worked so fast!"

Jenny's words were full of admiration, and I could tell it was genuine—not teasing.

Then again, as my good friend, Jenny wouldn't mock me about something like this.

"Mr. Crom told me. He said I should face all this bravely instead of hiding. Hiding won't solve anything."

Jenny nodded repeatedly. "Exactly! You should've done this from the start. No need to show mercy to those spreading rumors!"

"I thought Kane told you, but it makes sense it was Mr. Crom. With Kane's temper, he wouldn't post comments—he'd just take action directly!"

I breathed a long sigh of relief. "Well, as long as the result is good, that's enough. At least no one will bother me anymore."