Reborn To Ruin Her Rivals - Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Time flew by, and before anyone realized it, the new school year had begun.
Petersborough High School—the most prestigious academy in Theoria City. And the annual tuition alone ran over a million dollars.
Only the ultra-rich or ultra-powerful came here. It was a paradise for the wealthy, a dream for the poor.
Every year, the school also recruited a few academically outstanding students from regular backgrounds, mainly to boost the school's college admission rate.
Because if they relied solely on the rich kids, that rate would be abysmal.
These special admission students earned their spots through pure talent. Not only did they get a full ride, but they also received a monthly stipend of 1,500 dollars.
Some top-performing students even had housing and jobs arranged for their parents, courtesy of the school.
After all, most students at Petersborough were rich second-gens. They weren't here to study—they were here to play.
They slept through class, fooled around, stirred up drama.
Teachers lectured while students scrolled on their phones or did whatever they pleased.
And the teachers couldn't even say a word—they were teaching the sons and daughters of the very people who paid their salaries.
In short, the staff worked for the kids' families. They had to smile through it all and put on a good show.
Therefore, the school's admission rates depended entirely on the special admission students.
Moreover, a lot of them came from tough backgrounds.
A full scholarship and monthly stipend? That kind of deal was already unbelievably good for a regular family.
The school even promised an extra 300 thousand dollars reward to anyone who got into the top university in Haskium, Scoratein University.
300 thousand dollars! That amount was astronomical for most families.
No wonder people fought tooth and nail to get into Petersborough.
The entrance requirements got tougher and tougher each year. Scores went higher and higher—unless, of course, they had connections and came from money.
When Arielle walked back through the gates of Petersborough High School, it felt like she'd entered another life.
Arielle was a transfer student, and as she walked across campus, plenty of people took notice—there was a gorgeous new girl in school.
This school reeked of money and decay. Arielle closed her eyes, and one ugly memory after another surfaced—nothing but pain.
In her old life, the first time Arielle came here, she had been full of hope and excitement.
Arielle had never been to school before. Everything about it thrilled her.
But on her very first day, Arielle was hit with a humiliation she'd never forget.
Back then, Arielle had come to campus with Meredith. She had been all smiles, talking about how hard she was going to study and how she couldn't wait to learn.
Meredith had followed behind her, a step slower, her head down, looking anxious and withdrawn.
Arielle hadn't understood why Meredith suddenly seemed so upset. She asked, "What's wrong, Meredith?"
Meredith hesitated, her eyes darting everywhere. "I… my stomach hurts…"
Worried, Arielle immediately went to help her, only for Meredith to push her away. "You don't need to help me. Go ahead and check in. It's your first day—don't be late."
Arielle hesitated. 'My sister is clearly unwell. How can I just walk away?'
Meredith saw what Arielle was thinking and gave her a small smile, telling her not to worry. It was just her period,—her stomach hurt a bit, but she'd be fine soon.
Then Arielle believed her. After she finished checking in and walked into the classroom, she was met with hostility from everyone. Cold stares, whispers, judgment.
That afternoon, a post showed up on the school forum accusing Arielle of beating Meredith so badly she couldn't even attend class.
The post included a picture—someone had snapped it while Arielle was reaching out to help Meredith.
The angle made it look like Arielle was hitting her, and Meredith's pained expression sealed the deal. It looked like undeniable proof.
Back then, Arielle hadn't even known what was happening.
Arielle didn't have a phone. She'd never used the internet. She had no idea what was going on online.
Arielle couldn't understand why her classmates treated her like that, why they looked at her with so much hate and disgust.
Shaking off the memory, Arielle followed the path she remembered and headed for check-in.
Her face stayed calm, emotionless—until Arielle saw that all-too-familiar and deeply hated figure.
That's when a flicker of emotion finally cracked Arielle's calm expression.
A tall, insanely handsome guy was walking toward Arielle. His looks were flawless, like a movie star that stepped off the screen.
Gavin had always been the center of attention at school.
Arielle felt her chest clench tightly. Her fists balled without her realizing. 'Gavin. After fifteen years—we meet again.'
Arielle stared at him coldly as he walked by, surrounded by a crowd like a celebrity.
People shrieked with excitement, both guys and girls buzzing around him.
Rage and bitterness swirled in Arielle's eyes. A smirk slowly tugged at her lips. 'This place… it's where it started, and it's where it'll end.'
Soon, Arielle tore her eyes away and walked straight ahead. Until she had the power, their debts would just have to wait.
Arielle slung her backpack over her shoulder. Her face looked sixteen—but no, she had just turned seventeen yesterday.
There wasn't a single emotion on her youthful face. Inside that body lived the soul of a thirty-five-year-old woman.
'I'm back to settling the score,' Arielle thought.
Arielle went to the academic office to check in, then was led to her classroom.
Inside, the class was total chaos. Some kids were whispering, some chasing each other around, some girls doing their makeup, others napping on their desks.
John, the Dean of Students, walked in with Arielle and saw the scene unfold.
But none of the students even looked up. Everyone kept doing their own thing.
These were the children of powerful families. They didn't need to worry about college—they were going to inherit their family businesses anyway.
Even if they didn't have the brains, they'd still coast through life on what their parents built.
"Alright, quiet down, everyone," John said loudly, walking up to the podium, trying to get the class's attention.
But nobody even flinched. Business as usual.
John gave Arielle an awkward smile, then continued on with the standard procedure. This was his job, after all.
John continued, "Let's welcome our new classmate. Please come up and introduce yourself."
Finally, the students in front started hearing John over the noise. More and more heads turned toward the podium.
All eyes naturally shifted to the girl standing beside John—a breathtaking beauty with a tall, graceful figure. It felt like all the world's beauty had gathered on her face.
"Holy crap, who is that? Did Mr. Smith just say she's a transfer?"
"Oh my God, she's stunning. Gorgeous!"
"I'm dead. She's exactly my type. Hands off, guys—she's mine!"
"Pfft, please. You think you're the only one who noticed? She just transferred in, and no one knows anything about her yet. But I'm definitely into her too, so get in line…"
"She's definitely not from Theoria. I know all the rich girls here. She must be from somewhere else."
"Ugh, just look at that face—screams seductress. I don't like her," Emma scoffed, rolling her eyes.
"Exactly. Being pretty doesn't mean anything. Did you see that stuck-up look in her eyes? She's totally doing it on purpose to get attention. Classic mean girl move," Sophia chimed in instantly.
"She's even prettier than Patricia. Guess our school beauty might have to step down," another one said.