Chapter 135
Chapter 135
Here is the polished and refined version of Chapter 135.
In this chapter, Mason’s protective streak takes a drastic turn, leading to a campus-wide lockdown that leaves the students of Star High in a state of confusion. Meanwhile, the toxic social hierarchy of Class A continues to brew, with Janet at the center of a storm she is too exhausted to fight.
Inside his sleek sports car, Mason gripped the steering wheel, his expression dark as he placed a call.
On the other end, a middle-aged man answered in a cautious, trembling tone. “Mr. Lowry, how can I help you today?”
“I heard a student was sent to the school clinic,” Mason said, his voice dropping to a dangerous level. “Is that true?”
The crease on the Principal’s forehead smoothed instantly. He had been terrified that Mason was calling about a serious legal or financial matter; a student’s exhaustion seemed trivial by comparison. He responded airily, “Yes, sir. It’s our sports day, and a girl was sent to the clinic for exhaustion. Mr. Lowry, is there an issue?”
Mason’s brow furrowed. “I’ll be there in ten minutes. Make sure no one knows about my presence. I don’t care what method you use—just ensure the coast is clear.”
The Principal blinked, stunned. “Mr. Lowry, with all due respect, the sports day is ongoing. If you drive onto campus now, the entire student body will notice you.”
“That is exactly why I’m telling you to handle it,” Mason snapped, his patience evaporating. “Do you understand me?”
“Y-Yes! Immediately!” The Principal broke into a cold sweat, the sheer menace in Mason’s voice enough to make his heart skip.
Within sixty seconds, the Principal’s voice blared over the campus speakers, sounding frantic and breathless. “Attention all students! The remaining sports day events are temporarily canceled. Everyone is required to return to their classrooms within the next five minutes. Anyone caught outside after that will be expelled!”
He paused, adding a hurried postscript: “Except for the student currently receiving treatment in the school clinic!”
Gordon had only just reached the clinic when the announcement echoed through the halls. The school doctor looked at him and nodded toward the door. “Gordon, you should get back to class. Don’t worry; I’ll take care of her.”
Janet, still pale but conscious, gave him a small nod. “Go. It’s not as serious as it looks.”
Heeding their advice, Gordon reluctantly headed back to Class A. As he entered the room, the air was thick with the hushed, venomous whispers of the girls in the back rows.
“I didn't realize Janet was such a seductive little thing,” one girl sneered. “Pretending to be weak for Gordon, but we all saw how she punched that girl last week.” “She’s always sticking to him like glue.” “She’s such a show-off. Why sign up for three events if she knew she couldn't handle it? It’s a classic 'damsel in distress' play.” “I heard Emily tried to talk her out of it, but Janet insisted on the spotlight. Emily just had to cave in.”
The remarks were fueled by a toxic mix of jealousy and obsession with Gordon. Listening to them, Gordon’s eyes flashed with irritation. He turned his cold gaze toward Madelaine and Emily.
“Wasn’t the sign-up list submitted by the two of you?” Gordon confronted them, his voice like ice. “Why is everyone under the impression Janet registered herself?”
Madelaine and Emily exchanged a quick, defensive glance. “She could have withdrawn if she wasn't good enough,” Emily snapped back. “But she wanted to show off. We just gave her what she wanted.”
“If Janet has any lasting injuries from today,” Gordon threatened, stepping closer, “I won’t forgive either of you.”
Madelaine and Emily shrugged, feigning indifference, though they were internally reeling. Why is he so protective of that country bumpkin?
“Look at her,” the other girls lamented. “Janet must be a real scheming b*tch to get Gordon this worked up.”
Abby couldn't take it anymore. She slammed her book shut and stormed out of the classroom, her face flushed with anger. Gordon didn't hesitate; he followed her out. They bumped into Mr. Smith at the door.
“Are the two of you skipping my class?” the teacher asked, puzzled.
Neither answered. They were already halfway down the hall.
Minutes after Gordon’s departure, the clinic door swung open. Janet looked up, expecting the doctor, but her breath caught when she saw the man standing there.
She stared at him dazed, her voice coming out rigid. “Why are you here?”
Mason didn't answer. He stood by the bed, his chest tightening at the sight of her pale face and the sheer exhaustion in her eyes. The power and prestige of the Lowry name meant nothing in that moment; he was simply a man looking at a girl who had pushed herself too far.