Cracks

Saira's gaze swept over Natalie and the others, but not one of them stepped forward. Were they really her friends? She had defended them, yet they wouldn't stand up for her. In that moment, Saira felt a chill in her heart. Looking at their indifferent expressions, a deep resentment welled up inside her. This resentment wasn't directed at them, but at Zuri. If she were still the legitimate daughter of the Lin family, would Natalie and the others dare to treat her like this?

Ultimately, it was because her status had changed. From the legitimate daughter of the Lin family, she had become the adopted daughter. This one word made a world of difference. All of this was Zuri's fault.

While Saira was mired in her thoughts, Colin silently strapped on the green turtle shell and started running toward the track. Farida shot Saira a cold glance before following suit. Seeing the others go, Eduardo reluctantly donned his turtle shell and trailed behind them. Naya felt a pang of disappointment toward Saira. She seemed to forget that the reason they were against Zuri was because of her. If not for Saira, they wouldn't have bothered confronting Zuri and wouldn't be in this predicament today. They had done all they could as friends. But what about Saira? She wanted to reap the benefits without lifting a finger.

Disheartened, Naya picked up a turtle shell and left. Natalie, dragged along by Samara, had no choice but to follow, leaving Saira awkwardly standing alone. The looks from the surrounding students made Saira feel utterly humiliated. Naya's parting glance made her panic. Biting her lip, Saira picked up a turtle shell and hurried after them. She had to explain and clear up any misunderstandings.

On Windsor Academy's large track, nine green turtle shells struggled to run. The track was surrounded by students, all snapping photos and recording videos.

"What a beautiful sight," Zuri said, her gaze fixed on Saira. In her past life, Saira was the untouchable goddess of Windsor Academy, adored and pursued by everyone. She was every man's dream girl, a kind and gentle soul. This time, Zuri would strip away her facade bit by bit.

"Ah! I can't take it anymore. I used to fantasize about Saira, but seeing her like this, all fantasies are gone."

"The goddess's image is completely ruined!"

Listening to the murmurs around her, Zuri's lips curled into a smile. This was just the beginning of Saira's downfall.

Azura, having taken her photos, turned and paused, blinking in surprise. Had she just imagined the sinister, cold glint in Zuri's smile? On a second look, Zuri's smile appeared perfectly normal. It must have been a trick of the eye, she thought, blaming it on watching too many horror movies recently.

Saira caught up with Naya and the others. "Naya, are you mad at me? I was just about to speak up, but Colin acted so quickly. I really intended to take the blame."

Naya smiled faintly. "I understand, I'm not angry." Her tone, however, lacked the warmth it once held.

Coincidentally, Colin overheard this. He had stepped in to help because he didn't want her to struggle, not expecting his goodwill to be seen as ungrateful. Feeling stifled and irritated, he ran past them without a glance. Saira's heart skipped a beat. Did he hear?

Naya glanced at Saira from the corner of her eye, a mocking smile playing on her lips, and quickened her pace, leaving Saira behind.

Natalie, though somewhat naive, wasn't stupid. She sensed Naya and Colin's displeasure but couldn't understand why they were angry with Saira. Shouldn't they be mad at Zuri? Samara pulled Natalie along faster, but Natalie protested, "Let's slow down. Saira can't keep up."

Samara, exasperated, let go and walked off on her own, leaving Natalie bewildered and unsure what to do next. Had she said something wrong?

Saira, having caught up, looked at Natalie with gratitude. "Natalie, they've misunderstood me. What should I do? Zuri's only been here a few days and has already turned everyone against me. I'm really..."

Seeing her about to cry, Natalie quickly reassured her, "Don't cry. Naya and the others have fallen for Zuri's tricks. We'll explain later, and they'll understand."

Saira clutched her hand. "Natalie, you'll always be on my side, won't you?"

"Of course. You're my good friend. I trust you. I won't fall for Zuri's schemes," Natalie promised earnestly.

"Thank you, Natalie," Saira said, moved.

Farida, passing by, almost laughed at Natalie's naivety. Who was the real fool here? Zuri's intentions might not be pure, but Saira wasn't innocent either. Farida wasn't blind; she could see that Saira hadn't intended to take the fall initially. If she had stepped up, they wouldn't have let her make a fool of herself alone. But she had let everyone down. They had risked everything for her, but she had shown no loyalty. Such a friend, Farida didn't need.

Just as Saira found herself isolated, Connor and Arthur appeared. Their presence drew everyone's attention. Connor, the student council president, and Arthur, the vice president, were Windsor Academy's most popular boys, adored by all the girls. Coincidentally, both of them liked Saira.

Seeing Saira's disheveled state, Connor frowned. "Stop running!"

Saira and the others halted. Azura protested, "Who are you to say that? Just because you're the student council president doesn't mean everyone has to listen to you. They lost the bet and should honor it."

Connor ignored Azura, walking up to Zuri. "I'm aware of the situation. They've been punished enough. Let it go. Show some mercy."

Zuri laughed softly, her smile dazzling but tinged with a chill.