Chapter 30

Every word dripped with contempt for Aurora High.
Juniper abruptly ended her call with Luella, saying, “Something came up.’
She scanned her surroundings and spotted a few broken pieces of chalk in a corner. Picking one up, she rolled it between her fingers, her cool, clear eyes lazily watching the group. The temperature around her seemed to drop with every mocking laugh.
“I heard it’s not a poetry reading this year. They’re doing a dance,” a boy in designer clothes sneered.
“Pfft-”
This sent the surrounding students into an even bigger fit of laughter.
“Performing a dance right after our goddess Yolanda? Do the students from Aurora High have a death wish?”
All the high schools in Eclara City were participating in the gala, with each school presenting one act. Performances were scheduled by district, and since Aurora High was close to Eclara High, their performance was scheduled immediately after.
“Exactly! Our Yolanda is a dance competition champion, not to mention smart and beautiful. Who’s more suited to be on the news cover?” one of her sycophants gushed.
“First place is definitely going to Yolanda this year.”
“You guys, don’t say that,” Yolanda said, blushing as she had her makeup touched up. She lowered her head shyly, her voice feigning modesty. “There are so many talented performers here. I’m not guaranteed to win anything.”
She said this, but inwardly she was ecstatic. This year’s gala was different. Not only was there a cash prize, but the winner would also be featured in the news. Her social standing among the Eclara City elite would skyrocket, giving her access to a more exclusive circle.
Who knew, she might even meet a wealthy heir more powerful than Jerrold. Someone like the most famous man in Eclara City, the heir to the top-tier Schwartz family—Shanley. She’d heard he was single and didn’t even have a girlfriend. If she could capture his attention and marry into the Schwartz family, her life would be set. To that end, she had chosen a highly difficult dance by Master Lunar and had been preparing for months. She had already won an award with this piece; there was no way she would fail now. The news feature was hers for the taking.
“Alright, alright,” said a boy carrying Yolanda’s bag, waving his hand dismissively. “Let’s not ruin a perfectly good day by talking about that trash from Aurora High.”
“Totally,” another boy chimed in. “Just thinking about them makes me lose my appetite. Let’s stay far away from them later so we don’t catch their poor, unlucky vibe.”
The group erupted in laughter again, the sound grating on Juniper’s nerves.
Tsk. Such foul mouths!
Juniper crushed the candy in her mouth, raised her left hand, and with a flick of her finger, sent the piece of chalk flying.
“AGH!”
The laughter stopped abruptly, replaced by a cry of pain. The boy’s mouth was completely swollen.
“Who the hell hit me with chalk?!”
At two in the afternoon, Eclara High’s rehearsal ended. The three friends walked Queenie to the entrance, just as Yolanda was coming off stage, holding the hem of her skirt. Her performance of ‘Heaven’ had earned her a thunderous round of applause, and she was now preening like a victorious hen.
“I heard you’re also doing a dance by Master Lunar?” Yolanda deliberately stopped when she noticed Juniper was there. Seeing her shabby appearance filled Yolanda with a sense of superiority.
Qadir rolled his eyes.
“Go on, it’s your turn,” Juniper said, her attention focused on her phone as she expertly picked off enemies in her game.
“Okay.” Queenie squeezed her hands together and nodded determinedly.
“Well, what can I say?” Yolanda chuckled, eyeing Queenie’s simple costume. “Some
things are best left to the professionals. Good luck, I guess!”
With that, she sashayed over to the audience seats, ready to watch Aurora High make fools of themselves. After all, a little contrast would only make her performance seem more perfect.