Reborn To Ruin Her Rivals - Chapter 35: Chapter 35

"Hey, do you think she's one of those special admission students? How many transfer students did we get this year?" someone speculated.
"I doubt it. Those special admits usually come from regular families. Look at her clothes—all designer. And that vibe? Definitely not from an average background," another quickly countered.
"Who cares if she's special admit or not? She's in our class now. Not like any of us are gonna ace anything. We're all just coasting till graduation, then back home we go."
"Exactly! My dad sent me here, but I'm not cut out for studying. Still, it's not a total loss—got a pretty classmate to look at."
"Don't flatter yourself. She doesn't look like the friendly type."
The students paid no attention to John, who was still speaking at the front.
John sighed inwardly. His booming voice wasn't enough to command this group.
These students weren't the type to be managed by volume alone. If pushed too hard, they'd just boycott class.
John thought, 'Better to stay calm. Think of them as toddlers throwing a tantrum.'
At John's signal, Arielle stepped forward. She scanned the familiar yet unfamiliar faces, a subtle smirk playing on her lips.
Arielle said coldly, "Quiet!"
The room fell silent in her sharp tone. Confusion, curiosity, and skepticism filled the eyes now fixed on her.
"I'm the new student, Arielle Bradford," Arielle announced.
Silence lingered. That was it? Just a name? The atmosphere grew awkward.
All the students were taken aback by her straightforwardness.
Seeing Arielle had no intention to elaborate, John asked, "Is that all?"
"Yes, Mr. Smith, that's all," Arielle replied.
John didn't press further. These kids from affluent families often had strong personalities. He knew better than to push.
Then Arielle glanced around the classroom. Only three seats were vacant in the last row.
Without waiting for John's direction, Arielle made her way to the back.
Students who sat in the back were usually the tough ones—the so-called "streetwise" kids.
"You should sit over there…" John began, intending to pair her with another girl.
But upon scanning the room, John realized there were no other empty seats, only those three in the back.
Yet, that spot wasn't suitable for Arielle. Still, there were no other options.
Arielle looked at John, pointed to one of the empty seats in the back, and said, "Mr. Smith, I'll take this seat."
Instantly, gasps echoed around the room.
But Arielle had already taken the seat. John opened his mouth to speak but then closed it, sighing silently.
Still, John offered. "If you run into any issues, come find me."
"Thank you, Mr. Smith," Arielle said as she settled into her seat.
The boy in front of her, Justin, turned around with a friendly warning. "You're pretty bold. That's the golden seat—most people wouldn't dare sit there."
Arielle didn't respond. Of course she knew. She was all too familiar with everyone in this class.
Seeing her attentiveness, Justin continued eagerly, "Let me tell you, your seatmate is the top dog here at Petersborough High School.
"His family's got ties to the underworld, if you catch my drift. You don't want to mess with him."
Justin noticed Arielle listening intently and went on. "The other seat belongs to a guy who's both a genius and a slacker—also the top dog's buddy.
"He's got a good temper but rarely shows up. No one dares sit in their spots. You're new, so you might not know. Just a heads-up: don't cross them!"
After his spiel, Justin felt like he'd done a great deed.
After all, it would be a shame if such a pretty girl ended up beaten and bruised.
But Arielle showed no reaction. Justin felt a twinge of disappointment. He had hoped to play the hero.
Usually, girls would be scared upon hearing about the top dog, and Justin would have the chance to be their protector.
But Arielle's reaction…
"Aren't you scared?" Justin asked.
Arielle met his gaze calmly. "Why should I be?"
Justin was taken aback. He hadn't expected that response.
'Truly fearless,' Justin thought, shaking his head. 'Still, those two are trouble.'
Other students nearby had overheard their conversation and grew curious about the new girl.
Not even the top dog intimidated her—could Arielle have a powerful background?
After class, a few girls approached her. "Arielle, are you from Theoria City? What's your family business?"
Students in Class One were all from elite families. If Arielle were from the upper circles, they would likely know her.
But Arielle was a completely new face. They were certain she wasn't from any prominent family they knew.
Knowing Arielle's background would help them decide how to interact with her.
If Arielle came from a good family, they'd want to befriend her.
Arielle replied, "My father is Henry Bradford, chairman of the Bradford Group."
Hearing that, the girls were stunned.
Olivia's eyes widened in shock. "You're Meredith Bradford's sister!"
Arielle remained silent. She didn't acknowledge having a malicious sister like Meredith.
Recently, a video had gone viral online, but faces were blurred.
So, no one realized the girl before them was the one who had confronted Perla.
That incident had caused quite a stir. Everyone knew about the Bradford family's real and fake daughters.
They also knew Arielle had grown up in a poor neighborhood, with many rumors circulating online.
Therefore, they never expected the new student to be the real Bradford heiress.
Nearby, Rachel gasped, covering her mouth. She then tugged at two other girls, signaling them to leave quickly.
The Bradford family's reputation in Theoria City was significant. They didn't dare mess with Arielle, given her father was Henry.
But they also didn't want to associate with Arielle. Someone who grew up in such conditions, with all those online rumors—she was considered tainted.
Rachel murmured, 'Ugh, what bad luck to be classmates with someone like her. Better to keep a distance.'
Everyone dispersed like avoiding a plague.
Then, the news that Arielle was Meredith's sister spread through the class like wildfire.
"Huge news! She's actually Meredith's sister."
"Yeah, yeah, keep it down. Don't want her blood on you."
"So funny. I thought with her looks, she'd have guys flocking to her," Emma teased. 'So what if she was pretty? Still just a tramp,' she muttered.
"Heard she was working the streets. Think about it—growing up in that area, looking like that—how else would she survive?"
"Such a waste. A beautiful face ruined by a dirty past."
"Don't believe everything online. Those rumors are hurtful."
"You sympathize with her? Then go sit next to her."
"Everyone, be cautious. Stay away from her. She's trash. Can't believe the school placed someone like her in our class. I'm filing a complaint."
The girls huddled together, whispering their judgments.