The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Despite the whispers about Nova’s formidable nature, Ethan wasn’t entirely convinced she was as intimidating as everyone claimed. In his mind, she didn’t hold a candle to a seasoned professional assassin—nor to Zane or Maxwell, for that matter. Perhaps she simply possessed keener senses, but that alone didn’t impress him much.

Curiosity got the better of Ethan, and he decided to ask, trying to mask his surprise. “I heard you turned down Zane’s invitation to be his partner? Why would you do that?” His eyes searched hers, eager for an explanation.

Without a hint of hesitation, Nova remained calm and composed. Ethan, known as one of the school’s charming figures, was part of Zane’s circle and a member of the Taekwondo Club. Yet, when it came to popularity among the girls at Saint Laurel Royal Academy, he was clearly overshadowed by Zane and Maxwell.

At the top sat Zane—the aloof heartthrob everyone admired. Next was Maxwell, the warm yet effortlessly cool favorite. Ethan, with his boyish charm, was a distant third.

And yet, Nova had casually dismissed Zane—the most sought-after guy in school—without a second thought. That was the part that truly stunned Ethan.

Changing the subject abruptly, Nova asked lazily, “You free?”

Ethan blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift. The question seemed unrelated to their previous conversation. “Uh?” he stammered, confused.

Wait, was she asking him to come along? he wondered. “If you’re free, come help me with a little task,” Nova said, rising from her seat and heading toward the teaching building, clearly uninterested in directly answering his question.

Ethan was left standing there, utterly baffled as he watched her walk away. He scratched his head, trying to make sense of it all.

Suddenly, a cold, commanding voice sliced through the air. “Follow me.”

The tone was sharp and authoritative, causing Ethan to shiver involuntarily. His shoulders twitched with nervous energy. Without fully understanding why, he found himself trailing behind her.

Before he could even process what was happening, Ethan was holding a broom in one hand and a dustpan in the other.

Ethan Summers—heir to the prestigious Summers family, one of the three major families of Ravencourt and a beloved heartthrob at Saint Laurel Royal Academy—was now helping Nova sweep the floor in her classroom.

He gripped the broom tightly, unable to believe his predicament. “I’m supposed to be a top-tier heir of a wealthy family, yet here I am, being bossed around by a girl? This is ridiculous,” he thought, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

“Damn it, Nova, why do you keep ordering me to—” Ethan started but didn’t finish his sentence.

Perched on the teacher’s podium with legs crossed, Nova paid him no mind. “Not bad. You have a knack for this,” she commented casually.

Ethan immediately straightened his posture, puffing out his chest with newfound confidence. “Of course. Not to brag, but my skills are unmatched. Just give me a minute—I’ll have this entire classroom spotless,” he declared proudly.

With that, he swung the broom with swift, fluid motions, moving as fast as the wind.

Fortunately, the classroom was empty; all the students had gone to a birthday party. Had anyone seen Ethan being ordered around by Nova, they would have been utterly shocked.

After a minute of intense sweeping, Ethan leaned on the mop, sweat beading on his forehead as he surveyed his work.

He grinned at Nova. “How’s that? Pretty impressive, right?”

Nova strolled over and inspected the floor. It was clean—neat and thorough.

“Not bad. When it’s my turn for duty next time, I’ll expect your help,” she said softly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Saint Laurel Royal Academy was an elite school for nobles, but it emphasized teaching its students independence. Everyone took turns cleaning classrooms and common areas, much like a typical high school system. Today happened to be Nova’s turn.

Her words instantly brought Ethan back to reality, and his expression stiffened as he realized he was once again being bossed around.

“You foolish woman, you actually—” Ethan dropped the mop in frustration, his fingers trembling with anger.

Before he could shout, a candy seemingly appeared out of nowhere, landing perfectly in his mouth thanks to Nova’s precise toss.

The rich sweetness forced him to stop mid-rant. He inhaled the sugary scent deeply, savoring the unexpected treat.

Nova, still wearing that slight smile, looked at him as if he were a mischievous child. “Here, consider this a reward,” she said in a coaxing tone.

Ethan’s face flushed a deep red, unsure whether it was from anger or something else entirely.

He stared blankly as Nova exited the classroom. Only after a long moment did he exhale fully.

He realized he had been completely led by her the entire time.

Her presence was so powerful, so commanding, that resisting her rhythm felt impossible.

She was no ordinary girl.

Nova had even refused Zane’s birthday party.

After leaving the classroom, she found a quiet corner to wait until the party ended. She hadn’t left the school grounds, choosing instead to wait for Sophia.

When Sophia finally contacted her, the party was over.

“Ah, the teacher asked me to help organize some materials. Sorry I missed our playtime again. My bad for keeping you waiting, Nova,” Sophia apologized.

“It’s fine,” Nova replied calmly.

They parted ways at the school gate.

“See you tomorrow, Nova. Oh, by the way, there’s a self-defense class tomorrow morning. Get ready. The instructor has a bad temper but is very skilled,” Sophia said as she climbed into her car.

Nova immediately sensed his contempt. She furrowed her brows but refused to back down.

Instead, she said softly, “I can keep up with the others.”

In other words, she had no intention of stepping aside.

Ronan ruled through strength and intimidation.

No student in the academy had ever dared to talk back to him.

Nova’s words infuriated him.

Moreover, he had always looked down on women, especially ordinary female students.

With so many students watching, Ronan felt his authority and dignity were gravely insulted.

He glared at Nova and snapped harshly, “Shut up. Do as I say. If I tell you to step aside, you step aside. Otherwise, don’t even think about learning anything here. Get out of my class.”

It was as if simply being allowed to learn self-defense from him was a tremendous privilege.

After all, every student at the academy wanted to train under Ronan.

His skill was unmatched, and the students he trained were among the strongest.

Those not taught by Ronan weren’t even considered qualified to attend his classes.

“Nova, just listen. Step aside,” Sophia said gently, trying to persuade her.

The other students had witnessed Nova’s emerging skills and heard rumors of her defeating Logan.

But compared to Ronan, those feats seemed insignificant.

Everyone expected Nova to yield.

Yet what happened next stunned the entire class into silence.

Nova’s eyes glinted cold and sharp, like a blade, as she fixed her gaze on Ronan for two seconds.

Then, with calm confidence, she spoke words that left everyone dumbfounded: “I don’t need to take your class. Because with your skill, you aren’t worthy of teaching me.”