The Queen Back From Hell - Chapter 47: Chapter 47

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.