Renea’s POV:

I looked at Sophia and let out a cold laugh. "Sophia, as the daughter of Shane Miller, the Vice Principal of this academy, did you actually earn your seat through the entrance exam, or was the path paved for you?"

The courtyard erupted in hushed whispers.

"She’s the Vice Principal’s daughter?" "No wonder she carries herself like she owns the place. I bet she got in through connections."

Sophia’s face flushed with a mix of shock and fury. She hadn't expected me to uncover her identity so quickly. But as the crowd's whispers turned against her, she clenched her fists. "So what if I am? I earned my score. Unlike you—a fraud who clung to a sister’s shadow and is now forcing her way into Dream High Academy!"

"Sophia, please," Kailey stepped forward, her voice soft and pleading as she caught Sophia’s arm. "Don't say such things. Our family is... happy to have Renea with us."

On the surface, Kailey looked like a peacemaker. In reality, her words confirmed Sophia’s accusations to everyone listening.

"Kailey, you’re too kind to people who don't deserve it!" Sophia snapped. "She acts without a shred of dignity, and you still—"

"Enough," I interrupted. I didn't need to strike her to make her silence. I stepped into her personal space, my gaze so cold it made her stumble back. "If you think I’m here without merit, then let’s stop the name-calling and let the results speak."

Sophia sneered, regaining her footing. "A fraud proving herself? That's rich. Ria, Tia—tell everyone how 'brilliant' she was in high school."

Ria chuckled. "She struggled with every artistic subject. Her total score was barely at the baseline."

"One mark away from failing," Tia added with a smirk.

Sophia looked at me triumphantly. "What now, Renea?"

"Next week is the preliminary exam for artistic talents," I said, my voice calm and indifferent. "Let’s have a formal competition. If you’re so confident in your 'perfect score,' you shouldn't be afraid."

The onlookers exchanged glances. To them, I was walking straight into a trap. Sophia saw it too, a predatory glint in her eyes. "Fine. But a bet needs stakes. If we win, you’ll be responsible for cleaning the entire campus for a month, and you’ll apologize to me on your knees in front of the whole school."

"Deal," I agreed instantly. "And if you lose?"

"If we lose, we’ll apologize publicly," Ria offered.

I laughed. "Too easy. If you lose, you three will run 100 laps around the playground shouting that you are the biggest fools in the world. Do you have the courage to sign, or are you just talk?"

"I’m not afraid of you," Sophia snapped, grabbing a pen.

I produced a piece of paper, quickly drafting the terms of our wager. Sophia signed first, her hand bold and arrogant. Ria and Tia followed. Kailey hesitated, her eyes flickering with a calculated reluctance before she finally added her name to the list.

"Keep this safe," I said, tucking the paper away. "I’d hate for you to forget your commitment when the results come out."

The crowd watched me walk away, convinced they had just witnessed my downfall. They had no idea that for me, this wasn't a trap—it was an opportunity.