第4章

Helena hurried to her computer and searched for the company.

When she confirmed that the company really did belong to Prince Lucas, her face fell, and she muttered, "What am I supposed to do now?"

No wonder she looked like that.

Prince Lucas was famous for doing exactly as he pleased.

Venetia's parents appeared to be ordinary businesspeople, but they had organized crime behind them and were no easier to deal with.

A mere headmistress like her could not afford to offend either side.

Hera brought her hand down hard on the desk.

"Issue a statement right now. Venetia stole Audrey's work, and the credit for the Heart of the Ocean goes back to Audrey."

Helena frowned and could not decide.

The office door was kicked open.

Ten fully armed bodyguards marched in and formed two lines.

Venetia came in leading a lavishly dressed middle-aged couple.

The moment Helena recognized them, every trace of hesitation left her face.

She jumped up to greet them and plastered on a smile.

"Mr. Williams, Mrs. Williams, a phone call would have been enough. You should never have had to come in person."

Mr. Williams said nothing.

Betty took off her sunglasses and snorted, "If I hadn't come, who knows what you people would do to my precious daughter!"

Venetia pointed at me and curled her lip.

"Daddy, Mommy, this peasant is the one who accused me."

Mr. Williams did not so much as look at me. His sharp gaze came down on Helena.

"I have already heard the whole thing from Venetia.

"This has done considerable damage to my daughter's mental health, and the school will answer for it.

"The student who falsely accused her is to be expelled, and no school in this country is to admit her."

Before she could stop herself, Hera shot back, "Your daughter stole first. Audrey is the victim here!

"What gives you the right to bully an innocent student?"

Betty sat down on the sofa and said airily, "My family is the largest shareholder in this academy, and my family's company is the largest financial firm in the country.

"My daughter Venetia was born to enjoy her life. Anyone or anything that makes her unhappy has to disappear."

Hera balled her fists and put herself in front of me.

"We have ample proof that your daughter stole it! Having more money does not make you right!"

Betty's face filled with contempt.

"How naive.

"What use is proof? In this world, only a handful of people get to decide what counts as truth."

Venetia hung on her father's arm and wheedled, "Daddy, this peasant runs me down behind my back all the time. I don't want to hear her speak again."

Betty raised her eyebrows.

"Since Headmistress Helena cannot bring herself to do what must be done, we will handle the student ourselves.

"Whatever happens to Audrey today, it will be her own carelessness. Understood?"

Helena kept her head down and did not dare speak.

One look from Mr. Williams, and the bodyguards rushed forward to seize me.

Hera shielded me with everything she had and was no match for them.

Just as they were about to get hold of me, dozens of mercenaries came through the door.

A deep voice rang out. "Who gave you the nerve to lay hands on the Princess of Salomir?"