Chapter 286

As for Winifred...

It was finally time to deal with her after two failed attempts to sabotage me.

Winifred stepped out of her room only to find Evelyn leaning against the stair railing, arms crossed.

Her body went rigid. "W-What do you want?"

Without her usual entourage around, the girl's confidence seemed to evaporate.

Evelyn's lips curved as she advanced. Winifred instinctively retreated until Evelyn dragged her into the secluded woods behind the dorms. "Evelyn, if you lay a finger on me, I'll—"

"What exactly will you do?" Evelyn blocked her escape route. "Relax, I just want answers."

Winifred trembled visibly. The fear was palpable now. "What do you want to know?"

"Did you lure me to the restricted zone because of Felix?" Evelyn's voice turned icy.

Winifred's eyes darted nervously, yet she lifted her chin defiantly. "S-So what if I did? Felix kept chasing after you since your arrival! Even gave you those chocolates I gave him!"

Evelyn recalled the untouched gift. "I never ate them. You can have them back."

"No! He already gave them to you!" Winifred's face twisted with jealousy.

Evelyn chuckled darkly. "And did you arrange my assessment match against Lillian?"

Winifred's gaze dropped to the ground, her silence speaking volumes.

"Lillian confirmed it was you. No point denying." Evelyn's sweet smile sent chills down Winifred's spine.

"I... I just wanted you to fail!"

"Do you realize how dangerous those stunts could've been for someone else?" Evelyn's eyes turned glacial. "Winifred, no one's stealing Felix from you. Stop dragging innocents into your petty games. Do you really think this behavior will make him like you more?"

Winifred bit her lip hard enough to draw blood.

Evelyn produced her phone. "Four days left in training. Cause any more trouble, and this recording goes public."

"You recorded me?!" Winifred lunged for the device, but Evelyn pocketed it effortlessly.

"I got what I needed - your confession. Enjoy your remaining days here. Cross me again, and you'll regret it."

As Evelyn turned to leave, she spotted Felix watching them from a distance.

Spotting her supposed savior, Winifred dashed behind him. "Felix! She threatened me! You saw everything! This is her true nature - not the delicate flower she pretends to be!"

Too stunned to push away the girl he usually avoided, Felix could only stare at Evelyn in shock.

He'd followed them, fearing Winifred might harm Evelyn, but overheard their entire exchange.

The fragile goddess he'd imagined stood transformed - cool, calculated, and utterly self-assured. Gone was the damsel needing protection. Before him stood a woman who commanded respect.