Exactly! Matthew is calm and gentle with everyone. He probably doesn't want to be rude to her.
Ava is the one harassing him.
She's obviously trying to steal him from Sophia.
Sophia doesn't even have competition.
Others began listing Sophia's achievements, academic results, appearance, and reputation.
Someone eventually mentioned Aiden.
The comment section immediately descended into chaos.
How Aiden does what Sophia say how any guy interested in Sophia always vanish how much he likes her and so on
Sophia is literally living the dream life.
The school king and the school heartthrob both around her?
As she should!
Meanwhile
The private plane had already landed in Velmora City.
Jake's driver had taken Ava directly to the gathering location.
The event was being held for the students participating in the upcoming international competitions.
Ten students from the all-girls school in Averis had arrived, accompanied by their teachers.
Crownside had sent nine student representatives along with their own teachers.
The ten girls from Averis were stunning.
Each carried a distinct appearance and personality, making it impossible to mistake one for another.
Some looked elegant and refined.
Others had sharp, confident expressions.
A few carried themselves with the effortless confidence of students who were already accustomed to attention.
Their teachers stood nearby, supervising the gathering.
One of the teachers held a small drone controller while a compact camera drone hovered quietly above the group.
Officially, the drone was there to document the meeting.
It was supposedly meant to provide proof of what happened during the introduction and ensure that everything remained transparent.
At least, that was what they claimed.
The truth was different.
The Averis representatives had another reason for recording everything.
They wanted Crownside on camera.
They wanted to capture the introduction, the interactions, the competition, and any moment where their students could make Crownside look inferior.
The footage could later be edited and posted online.
Their goal wasn't simply to participate.
They wanted to humiliate Crownside in front of the entire world.
And they were confident they would succeed.
The door opened.
Every conversation in the room seemed to pause at once.
Heads turned toward the entrance.
Ava stepped inside.
She wore a short-sleeved white button-up blouse covered in tiny red heart prints.
The pointed collar and deep V-neckline gave the fitted top a playful yet polished appearance, while the fitted waist emphasized her figure.
A dark, washed-black denim mini skirt sat high on her waist.
Its layered ruffles flared outward in several tiers, giving the skirt a bouncy, voluminous shape whenever she moved.
A sleek black faux-leather shoulder bag rested against her side.
Her chunky black patent-leather Mary Jane shoes had thick platform soles, heavy block heels, and a front strap, adding a bold edge to the otherwise sweet outfit.
Slouchy white ribbed leg warmers were gathered loosely around her shins and ankles above the shoes.
Around her neck hung a delicate silver chain with a tiny blue-diamond heart pendant resting against her collarbone.
Her fiery red hair had been gathered into a high, messy-chic bun at the crown of her head.
Two thick, straight strands had been left loose at the front, framing her face perfectly, while several textured ends escaped from the bun.
A medium-sized black satin ribbon was tied around the base of the bun.
Her heart-shaped face looked soft beneath the styling.
Her naturally full brows were slightly arched, while long, defined lashes framed her eyes.
A thin black winged liner sharpened the corners of her eyes, contrasting with the glossy soft-pink tint on her lips.
The overall effect was stylish and classy.
Ava closed the door behind her and walked farther into the room.
For several seconds, nobody said anything.
It was as though the entire room had collectively forgotten how to breathe.
One of the girls from the Averis delegation finally broke the silence.
"Hybrid."
The word came out almost instinctively.
A few of the other Averis students exchanged glances.
"She has to be a hybrid," another girl whispered.
There were certain features that immediately made people think of hybrids—unusual eye colors, striking hair colors, distinctive physical traits, and a kind of beauty that could sometimes look almost unreal.
And if Ava were to be ranked purely by appearance, she would easily stand among the very top.
Even some hybrids would probably be jealous of her appearance.
The Student Affairs teacher from Crownside immediately straightened.
He was a bald man whose polished scalp reflected the overhead lights.
For once, his expression carried unmistakable pride.
"She's human."
The statement came with enough satisfaction to make several Crownside students turn toward him.
The teacher's dislike for the Averis delegation had been growing since their arrival.
He had already noticed their attitude and the way some of their teachers looked down on Crownside.
Seeing them stunned by one of Crownside's most troublesome students gave him a small amount of satisfaction.
At least Ava is useful for something, he thought.
The Averis representative frowned.
"Human?"
The girl looked Ava over again, clearly unconvinced.
"You're sure?"
"I'm sure," the teacher replied proudly.
The Averis students exchanged doubtful looks.
Averis wasn't exactly unfamiliar with hybrids.
Although Kaelen Republic was widely regarded as the continent's primary territory for hybrids and maintained strict policies regarding human settlement, hybrids could still be found in other countries.
Averis was home to quite a number of them.
Some were born with obvious animal traits—ears, tails, unusual eyes, claws, or other features.
Others appeared almost completely human just their physical ability were higher and stronger than humans.
There were even hybrids capable of bringing out their animal traits and retracting them at will, making it nearly impossible to identify them without knowing what to look for.
The Averis students had seen plenty of beautiful hybrids before.
But Ava's appearance had still made several of them instinctively assume she was one.
The teacher noticed their doubtful expressions.
"She's human," he repeated.
This time, his voice carried even more pride.
"Completely human."
The Averis representatives continued staring at Ava.
They still weren't convinced.
And Ava, completely unaware—or perhaps simply uninterested—in the speculation surrounding her, continued walking toward the group with an easy smile.
Ava took her seat without sparing them another glance.
"Ava? Is that you?" one of the girls asked.
Ava looked up at her, her face blank.
"Did you forget me? It's me, Jennie," the girl said before smiling at everyone. "We're best friends."
She laughed lightly.
"She loves fighting, going to clubs, smoking, drinking, and men. She changes boyfriends like clothes and doesn't have much talent. Most of what she knows, she learned from me. But seeing her here now, representing Crownside, she must have finally learned some skills."
Jennie tilted her head.
"Or did you use your parents' money like usual?"
Her tone sounded playful, but every word carried a sharp edge.
The drone immediately moved closer, its camera zooming in on Ava as the teacher controlling it watched.
"She has a pretty face, but her attitude is disgusting," another girl commented.
"Letting someone like her join the representatives is embarrassing," another added.
Ava smiled.
Then she said a single word in their language.
The smiles on the Averis students' faces immediately disappeared.
"That is the title a member of the royal family in Averis gave me," Ava said casually.
"Talent is bigger than talent."
She rested her cheek against her palm.
"Oh, and I didn't see Averis at the International Music Competition."
Her smile widened.
"That was my seventeenth year participating in the World Music Talent Competition. I've participated in art competitions, dancing competitions, sports competitions, technology competitions, and plenty of others and I'm just 18 as Jennie said I have family privillage but I have to live up to it I'm and heiriess not a leech do I can't say about you guys."
Ava pulled out her phone.
"I've even taken pictures with your leaders."
She waved the phone toward them, showing them photographs of herself with presidents, rulers, military leaders, and other important personnel from the eighteen countries of Averis.
Not just Averis.
Other nations were included as well.
The girls stared at the screen the drone caught it the teachers smile died.
Ava swiped through another photo.
"Oh, and this university in Averis admissions"
The number one university that even many Averis citizens struggle to enter already gave me a free admission offer
She turned off her phone and placed it on the table.
"When you guys are still playing school games, I'm playing chess with leaders and collecting university admissions."
Her eyes curved into a playful smile.
"I'm only here because this is about my country's reputation. Otherwise, I wouldn't give a fuck."
She turned toward Jennie.
"So, Jennie, tell me. When did you become my teacher?"
Ava tilted her head.
"It seems Averis has taught you some bad things. I've heard some citizens there like living fake lives."
She giggled.
"Seems like it's true."
One of the Crownside students immediately burst out laughing.
A boy among the nine representatives covered his mouth, his shoulders shaking.
"Oh, please, don't redraw the drone," he said, looking directly at the Averis students.
"Keep it on Ava. You have to take more photos to make the gazing last longer."
His grin widened.
"Maybe if you keep looking long enough, even the universities in your country might accept some of your students."
The Crownside students struggled even harder to contain their laughter.
"Now, now, Ava," the Crownside student affairs teacher said calmly. "What did we say about bragging?"
He shook his head.
"We should be humble. Getting achievements isn't a big deal. It's just normal Tuesday. They must already be used to it."
The nine Crownside students—including Ava—immediately covered their mouths
Their shoulders shook as they desperately tried not to laugh.
Their teacher really knew how to brag while pretending to be humble.
So humble, they all thought.
One of the Averis teachers gritted his teeth.
"Are you mocking us?"
"Of course not," the Crownside teacher replied innocently.
The Averis representatives and their teachers were from the capital country of Averis, one of the eighteen countries that made up the nation. Crownside High School, meanwhile, represented the capital country of Aurelion.
One of the Averis girls quickly stepped forward.
"Our classmate was just joking. Do you really need to take it this far?"
She frowned.
"This is bullying."
Ava blinked.
"Bullying?"
She pointed lightly toward Jennie.
"Didn't you hear what Jennie said? We're friends. This is how we joke.
Her expression suddenly changed.
Her lips curved downward as she lowered her eyes, making herself look pitiful.
"Or did you only understand her jokes but not mine?"
The ten Averis girls had to swallow back their anger.
None of them could answer without making themselves look worse.
"Enough, enough." Jennie raised both hands, cutting through the tension. "It's all my fault. Ava, I thought you were joking, but not everyone would understand it the way I do. So apologize to them. I'm sure they'll forgive you."
She pointed toward the nine Averis students and their teachers, who were all sitting with their heads held high, clearly waiting for Ava to lower herself and apologize.
Ava looked at Jennie for a moment.
Then she smiled.
"Since you said we should bring our jokes here, then let's get down to business."
Her tone suddenly became calm and businesslike.
"You're not in Averis. You're in our country, our nation, our city, and Crownside High is your host."
She glanced around the room.
"Tomorrow is the competition where we showcase our talents. Today, we're here to introduce ourselves. After that, our teachers will take you to your accommodations. Once the competition is over, you can explore the city if you want. We won't stop you."
Ava leaned back slightly.
"My name is Ava Nathan Quinn. You can also call me Ava Haye."
One after another, the Crownside students began introducing themselves.
They completely ignored Jennie's earlier suggestion.
The expressions on the Averis students' faces became increasingly stiff.
The Crownside students weren't interested in arguing anymore. They had already gotten their revenge for the attempted humiliation, and there was no reason to waste more time.
The Crownside student-affairs teacher stepped forward.
"We won't be ordering food or staying too close to you during your stay."
His expression remained polite.
"But since you've already made it clear that you're concerned about your health and that anything that happens while you're here could potentially become our responsibility, we'll be taking precautions."
He gave them a small nod.
"We don't need your full introduction today. We'll learn who you are when you introduce yourselves during the competition tomorrow."
He glanced toward the clock.
"It's already late. I've shown you where you'll be staying, and you've already arranged your transportation."
He gestured toward the door.
"So I won't keep you."
The Averis representatives exchanged looks.
The teacher continued before any of them could respond.
"Oh, and one more thing."
He turned back.
"I want another copy of whatever your drone recorded during this meeting."
His eyes flicked toward the small drone still hovering nearby.
"You said it was being used to keep a record of the meeting, correct?"
A faint, almost mocking smile appeared on his face.
"Then we'll keep a record as well."
He straightened his jacket.
"I'll also send you the CCTV footage from this room."
The Averis teachers' expressions changed.
"And naturally, everything you wear, say, and do while you're on Crownside's premises will be recorded."
He raised one hand before they could misunderstand.
"Not as an insult."
His smile widened slightly.
"You reminded me that keeping accurate information is important to avoid wrong information."
For a second, nobody spoke.
The teacher turned around.
"Let's go."
He walked out.
The ten Crownside students followed immediately, leaving the Averis representatives sitting there with barely enough time to process what had just happened.
The door closed behind them.
Inside the room, the drone continued hovering.
The ten Averis girls stared at one another.
Their attempt to humiliate Crownside had somehow ended with Crownside turning their own rules against them.
Back in Crownside High School — Resting Area, Fourth Floor
After everyone finished reading, they took a short break before beginning the explanation session.
Each person had already prepared questions for their assigned partner, and the large tables were filled with open textbooks, notebooks, pens, and study materials.
Sophia's pen slipped from her fingers and rolled onto the floor.
She bent down to pick it up, but before she could retrieve it, a strand of her hair caught on Matthew's watch.
Sophia paused.
Matthew noticed immediately.
"Hold on."
He gently freed her hair from his watch, careful not to pull it.
A few students around the table immediately started cheering.
"You two are so good together!" the girl who had come thirteenth said excitedly.
She had just checked the comments on the school page. She had a crush on Matthew herself, but even she thought Sophia looked like a good match for him.
"Obviously they're better together than Matthew and Ava," the girl who had come seventh said. She was also one of Sophia's clique. "But seriously, Ava has guts. Chasing a guy who doesn't even care about her? I could never be her."
"Obviously you can't be," Jane said mockingly. "If they were comparing the two of you, they wouldn't pick you."
The girl frowned.
"You're acting like what I said is wrong.
Matthew, are you and Ava dating?"
"No. We're friends."
Matthew answered calmly and didn't elaborate.
He saw no reason to.
"See?" the girl said immediately. "Matthew is even being polite enough to call her his friend. It's all in Ava's head. She's so stupid—"
Thud!
Jane's textbook flew across the table and hit the girl squarely in the face.
The girl froze.
Jane slowly lowered her hand before looking toward Sophia with a mocking smile.
"Ava already made it clear that she likes him, yet you her cousin is getting so close to him. Is she trying to share a man with her cousin for the sake of bonding?"
Sophia looked at Jane.
"You're angry for no reason. Your anger is everywhere. There's no need to resort to violence. You could have actually hurt her."
She gestured toward the scattered books.
"We're here to study. If you don't want to study, leave. But don't ruin my character because you can't control your temper."
The girl who had come seventh looked toward Aiden her face swollen from the book look at Aiden for help.
"Aiden, aren't you hearing what Jane is saying about Sophia?"
"I'm not deaf, am I?"
Aiden didn't even bother looking up from his textbook.
The girl's face twisted with embarrassment.
"No wonder Sophia has such a disgusting character. She's going after your cousin's man, while even your friend has a crush on Aiden. She's always keeping her eyes on what isn't hers. Do you know that, or do you just keep quiet and keep her around to feed your ego?"
The girl's expression changed immediately, as though Jane had just exposed something she desperately wanted to hide.
"It's not like they're dating!" the girl who had come thirteenth argued. "Ava only likes Matthew, and Matthew doesn't like her back. They're not dating, so are you saying Matthew can't be with anyone else?"
On Wednesday chapter is drop love you all