School was finally out for the day.
Celine and Elena walked side by side toward the front gates.
But Celine couldn’t help noticing the odd looks being thrown her way. People around them were whispering, glancing over their shoulders, and casting sidelong glances at her.
“Did you hear? The Suttons’ adopted daughter—Hester—got kicked out because she was scheming behind their backs.”
“I heard that too. Right before school started, the Suttons even threw a joint welcome party for Sabrina and Hester. But... well, things got seriously out of hand. I’m almost embarrassed to say what happened.”
“Oh, come on, don’t keep us in suspense! Spill already.”
“Okay, but keep this to yourselves. On the night of the party, someone threw acid at Hester and Mrs. Sutton. Then, out of nowhere, something super inappropriate started playing on the big screen, you know what I mean?”
A few heads shook, eyes wide with confusion.
The whisperer dropped her voice even lower. “Someone recorded a video of Hester with several guys—doing stuff. Somehow, the footage ended up playing at the party for everyone to see.”
“No way! Are you serious? That’s insane. Who else could have done it? It’s got to be Celine. She always had it out for Sabrina, and this is exactly her style.”
“Yeah, I think so too. Celine never liked Sabrina, and now there’s another adopted daughter? Of course she’d want her gone—anyone who threatens her position has to go.”
“What a twisted mind. Not only does she want to take over the family, but she’s trying to ruin everyone else in the process. That’s just vicious.”
“I must’ve been blind before, thinking she was some kind of goddess. I wonder if she’ll still have the nerve to chase after Marshall. No way Marshall falls for someone like her now.”
“Well, love is blind. Maybe we see her for who she really is, but Marshall might not.”
The crowd’s whispers were growing louder, the rumors swirling thicker around her.
Celine clenched her fists so tightly her fingernails dug into her palms, but the sting barely registered.
She’d thought that after two months of summer break, all of this would be forgotten. Her classmates would let go of the ugly rumors and remember only her best side.

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