Chapter 76

Watching Violet endure the bullying with quiet grace only made Sebastian feel even more protective.

"We can't let her have her way. I can't stand to watch it anymore. The more you let her walk all over you,the bolder she gets. Can't you see how out of control Emilia's become?" Sebastian muttered, frustration creeping into his voice.

Violet lowered her head, tears slipping silently down her cheeks.

Sebastian sighed, softening a little, "Let's just get out of here. She came to the academy just to stir up trouble for you. I'll go straight to Rodger and let him know what's happening."

Violetgripped his arm, fake panic flaring in her eyes."Don't. If you tell Rodger, he'll blame Emilia for everything." "Why do you keep worrying about her? All she's done is make your life miserable." Sebastian shook his head, clearly exasperated.

Violet's voice was barely above a whisper. "But after Rodger's accident, it was Emilia who stayed by his side,nursing him back to health. I owe her for that..."

Sebastian let out a heavy sigh. "Well, maybe that's the only decent thing she's ever done."

As they made their way toward the main entrance, a few students glanced over, whispering behind their hands.

Annoyed by the attention, Sebastian reached out and grabbed a male student at random. "What are you staring at? Got something you want to say? Or do you just get a kick out of spreading rumors?"

"N-no, I was just surprised that the woman who won the challenge could be so fierce..." The young man shrank back, caught off guard. He'd just been hoping for some gossip, never expecting to get called out. "What challenge are you talking about?" Sebastian asked, his brow creasing as he looked the student up and down.

Violet's mind flashed back to the whispers she'd overheard earlier-something about a challenge tower and someone succeeding.

Could it be Emilia who had entered the Challenge Tower and actually come out on top? Was she now setting her sights on the national ballet competition?

What the hell did Emilia want?

The idea gnawed at Violet, making her jaw tighten with frustration and disbelief.

"The same woman who roughed you up and strutted out like she owned the place-she's the one who passed the challenge yesterday," the student explained.

"That's impossible..." Sebastian's grip loosened, his face a mask of shock.

Sebastian was convinced he'd heard wrong. There was no way Emilia had pulled off a feat like that.Did she even know the first thing about dance? He honestly didn't believe she could dance at all.

During all the time she'd spent with the Mitchel family, she'd never once shown an ounce of talent for dancing. Even Violet, who was gifted enough to shine on stage, doubted she could get through that bruta test-so how could Emilia of all people manage it?

"When Emilia was swinging at us, I swear I hearo someone mention she was the one who conquered the challenge. I honestly thought I was just imagining things." Violet's eyes filled with tears again. "It's my fault.I must have upset her all over again.Now Emilia probably won't want anything to do with me."

"So what? We don't need her around. As long as she's not doing ballet, she won't be a threat to you.Sebastian tried to reassure her.

"But what if Emilia really is competing in ballet? Still,can't believe she'd ever want to hurt me on purpose Once this misunderstanding is cleared up, I'm sure things will go back to normal," Violet said, feigning a smile.

Sebastian's face hardened at her words. He grabbed Violet's hand and set off at a quick pace.

"Sebastian, what's the rush? Where are we going?"Violet asked, though deep down, she already knew exactly what he was planning.

"We're finding Rodger. I want him to make sure Emilia never gets another chance to step foot in this dance academy. So what if she managed to pass the challenge? She doesn't run this place," Sebastian said, his tone cold.

"That's not right, Sebastian. We shouldIn't stoop to that level," Violet responded, putting on her most innocent expression-even as she secretly felt a thrill of satisfaction.

She knew both Mitchell brothers would take her side,and Emilia could never really belong in their world.

Even if Emilia somehow clawed her way into the academy by her own hard work, the Mitchell family's power could easily force her out, making sure she'd never show her face here again.