Chapter 31 If Darlene's move was meant to provoke , then Bernice had already taken the bait . She pointed her longsword at Darlene's face and declared , " If you lose this match , you have to leave Wintervale Academy ! " As soon as these words fell , the crowd below erupted in excitement . Bernice's friends applauded . " Well said , Bernice ! You finally voiced what we've all been thinking ! " " An outstanding student should excel in all aspects - morality , intelligence , and physical fitness . What do those old folks on the school board know ? If they only look at grades , any random nobody can get admitted , dragging down the standards of Wintervale Academy . " " I bet those commoners have never even touched a fencing sword . My father spends millions every year to train me in this sport , just so I can get extra points for athletic achievement at Wintervale Academy . " Wouldn't it be better to just admit defeat ? Why insist on challenging us when you don't know your own limits ? What do you have to compete with us ? All the mocking gazes in the crowd turned to the stage . Among them were a few sponsored admits , who looked angry and tried to defend Darlene , but under the overwhelming arrogance of the heiresses , they fell silent again . Bernice , emboldened , glared fiercely at Darlene and said , " You heard them . What do you have to compete with us ? I'm not bullying you by taking advantage of this match - you're the one who set the stakes . " " If I win , you have to leave Wintervale Academy ! And you must admit that you got in by cheating , using your connections with the Calder family ! You must apologize publicly ! " " This ... The PE teacher felt things were getting out of hand . What was supposed to be a simple match had turned into Bernice demanding that Darlene leave Wintervale Academy . Everyone knew Darlene - she was the most promising student in the teachers ' eyes . Because she didn't have the family background to learn equestrian , fencing , or rowing , she might not match these heiresses in sports , but her academic scores were perfect . It had been so hard for her to get in , and now she might be expelled over a single match . The PE teacher couldn't help but feel it was a real shame . There was no way Darlene could have cheated . The sponsored admit exams had several rounds , each supervised by members of the school board . Darlene had earned her place through genuine ability . As a member of the Disciplinary Committee , this wasn't the first time Bernice had spread rumors and tarnished the reputation of sponsored admits . He cleared his throat , trying to smooth things over . " It's just a classroom match , don't take it too seriously . You're all classmates . " Bernice , hearing this , pointed her longsword directly at the PE teacher . " Words , once spoken , are like water that's been spilled - there's no taking them back . Teacher , are you openly siding with Darlene ? " The PE teacher gave an awkward laugh . " The world is so big , and it's fate that you all became classmates . I think it's best to get along peacefully ... " " Teacher , this is a private matter between students . There's no need for you to interfere. Just because we call you ' teacher , ' do you really think you are one ? At that moment , another voice rang out from the audience . A girl , surrounded by others , walked out from the crowd . She was strikingly beautiful and charming , her makeup exquisitely done , and she played with her perfectly manicured nails . No one knew what brought Sonia here , but when the PE teacher saw her , he immediately bowed and apologized , falling silent at once . With her arrival , the atmosphere in the gymnasium instantly reached a fever pitch . If you asked who was the most influential girl at Wintervale Academy , it was undoubtedly Sonia . Her ancestors once held the third - highest position in the UK . Although the family had declined somewhat , their heritage and connections still commanded respect . Especially after the Clayton family allied with the powerful Drayton family , no one dared to underestimate Sonia . No one knew how Darlene had managed to offend Sonia . She was an art student , and as far as anyone knew , she didn't even have PE class today . Could it be had Mr. Desmond come to Wintervale Academy ? 01631