Their Mistake, Her Rise - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Zoe was the last person anyone expected.
Eunice's face turned an unnatural purple, her breath hitching. Zack stiffened, his eyes wide.
"No way..." Cheryl, Herbert, and Jacob gaped, voices trembling. Their faces twisted in disbelief.
The room was frozen in silence. Those who'd dismissed Zoe as a nobody now looked like their jaws might hit the floor.
Zoe remained completely calm, sitting unaffected by all the commotion around her. She seemed more like an observer than a participant in the whole scene.
The silence was broken by Kevin's ringing phone.
"Hello?" he answered, the entire class listening. After a brief pause, his eyebrows shot up. "What? You found her already? Got it."
After hanging up, Kevin scratched his head, looking around awkwardly. "My mistake, everyone. The actual genius has already been identified, and it's not her."
He offered a quick bow to Zack and the students. "Sorry for interrupting your class." Then he hurried out.
As soon as he left, the mocking began.
"Told you!" Cheryl sneered, rolling her eyes. "Like some backwater girl could actually be a chemistry genius? Please. She didn't solve anything—just stole Eunice's work."
"That's the funniest thing I've heard all day! A hick genius? Yeah right!"
"I've never heard Ms. Yoder has a secretary. Hey, Zoe, did you hire that guy to pretend you're special?"
The classroom was filled with laughter and cruel jokes.
Eunice breathed a quiet sigh of relief. 'All that worry wasted,' she thought, watching Zoe. 'That lost cause is no threat to me.'
Zoe endured the class's mocking laughter without responding. She just tossed her answer sheet onto the desk, turned, and walked out.
The old Zoe would have confronted them immediately. But now, she understood the value of patience.
She'd wait for the right moment to strike. What she didn't realize was how soon that moment would arrive.
Three days later, Jelonsburg's high society was getting ready for an important party at the Evergreen Hotel. The event was hosted by Joyce, the famous "Chem Icon."
All the city's most influential people would be there, along with a big shot from the powerful Eminence Nexus. Everyone knew this would be one of the most significant gatherings Jelonsburg had seen in years.
When Zoe learned Shawn would attend, she devised a secret plan. This would be a deadly operation.
That afternoon, Zoe headed downstairs to prepare for the evening. As she passed by, she caught Clara talking to Eunice and her brothers.
"Tonight's party could make or break the Evans family's reputation. You three need to look your absolute best. This is your chance to shine," Clara advised.
Then she turned to Eunice, urging, "Eunice, dress to impress tonight. Shawn, the Ludwig family's future leader, will be attending.
"If Shawn favors you, our Evans family could dominate not just Clusia but the entire world. Your future would be set."
"I know, Mom. I'll dress to impress," Eunice responded confidently.
Nearby, Herbert and Jacob listened intently. They knew Eunice securing Shawn's favor would be more valuable than Eminence Nexus's membership.
Zoe was quietly leaving, knowing Clara wouldn't invite her to the important event.
"Zoe, stop right there." Clara's sharp command rang out. "Your siblings are representing our family at Ms. Yoder's party tonight. Stay out of sight and don't ruin this for us. You hear me?"
Clara had no intention of including Zoe, certain her presence would only bring shame.
Zoe heard every word, but she didn't care. Without a second thought, she walked out the front door of the Evans residence. Her mind was set on bigger things—like planning tonight's hit and preparing her weapons.