Their Queen's Back - Chapter 39: Chapter 39

Once again, Emily came in dead last—this time, she even scored a zero. The school called in her guardian, and Jessica arrived, gently running her fingers through Emily's hair.
Jessica said, "Teacher, how can you blame Emily for her poor grades? Academics aren't the only path to success. I respect my sister—if she wants to score zero, so be it."
Emboldened by Jessica's encouragement, Emily shot back at the teacher, "Yeah, I just don't like studying. If I fail, don't blame me—it's your lousy teaching!"
"You—you people! What kind of parents are you?" the teacher snapped, her voice trembling with anger. "How could you say such things to your child? She's in her final year of high school—this is a critical juncture! Her studies should be your absolute priority, but instead of making every effort to help her improve her grades, you're here arguing with me!"
As an experienced teacher, she prided herself on treating all students equally. The class had excellent academic discipline, and every student managed to stay above the passing grade—everyone, that is, except for Emily.
Honestly, if it weren't for that zero, the teacher wouldn't have even called her guardian in.
But to her utter astonishment, this was how the guardian behaved. How could someone like that possibly raise a child properly? No wonder the kid turned out this way—she was clearly the one corrupting her own child.
Jessica smiled and said, "Teacher, how we raise her is our business—not yours. Just stick to your job. My sister doesn't like studying, and that's fine by me. As long as she's happy, that's all that matters. I always respect her choices and never force her to do anything she finds difficult. If that's all, we'll be leaving."
"You... you two!"
Jessica led Emily away from the school. When they reached the gates, Emily asked in a small voice, "Sis... was I wrong to talk back to the teacher?"
Jessica said gently, "Emily, why would you think that way?"
Emily hesitated, her pretty, doe-like eyes lifting to meet Jessica's gaze. "But... all my classmates say the teacher is really nice. They all seem to like her a lot."
"Emily, don't be silly," Jessica said gently. "Your classmates only say that because they're jealous of you."
Emily looked puzzled. "Jealous of me? But... why?"
Jessica patiently explained, "Because they're too scared to stand up to the teacher's authority, but you dare to. Remember this: don't listen to their nonsense—just trust your sister. That teacher of yours is clearly no good. Didn't I tell you before? Some teachers use extra tutoring or keeping students after class as an excuse to abuse them. So if a teacher ever asks you to their office alone, or keeps you behind for homework, you must resist. Stand up for yourself and tell the teacher loudly that you refuse. Do you hear me?"
Emily nodded blankly, her eyes vacant. "Got it. I'll always trust you, Sis."
Jessica took her hand and smiled. "Come on, you didn't have enough fun at the internet café last time, did you? Let's go play some more. Emily, always remember—your happiness matters most. If anyone makes you unhappy, just stand up for yourself."
Emily was about to remind Jessica that the internet café didn't allow minors, but when she saw Jessica's knowing smile, she swallowed her words.
Emily followed Jessica inside without protest and started gaming.
A boy nearby noticed Emily looked thirsty and kindly grabbed a bottle of water for her. He held it out and said, "Thirsty? I just got this from over there—it's unopened. Here, have it."
She looked just like a little doll—soft, fair-skinned, and absolutely adorable, with her cute short bob.
Emily suddenly remembered what Jessica had said. She violently slapped the water bottle out of his hand and snarled, "Are you trying to take advantage of me? Look at yourself—you're not even worth my time! Don't even think about hitting on me. I've seen plenty of creeps like you before."
The guy was still completely baffled after being showered with abuse. He stood up, picked up the water bottle from the floor, muttered, "What the hell..." and walked away.
Emily didn't think she'd done anything wrong. She glanced at Jessica and, seeing the approving look on her face, broke into a happy smile.
After an exhilarating gaming session, Emily had completely forgotten about her homework.
Teacher criticism had become the norm for her—she was so used to it, it barely registered anymore.
She didn't see it as a big deal.
As they stepped out of the internet café, a girl came walking toward them and accidentally bumped into Jessica, making her gasp in pain.
The girl immediately apologized: "I'm so sorry! It was an accident. Are you okay?"
"Ouch, that hurt a little," Jessica winced.
Seeing Jessica get hurt, Emily violently shoved the girl. The forceful push sent her crashing to the ground—her palms scraped raw, searing pain shooting through her buttocks. Tears instantly welled up in her eyes as she sat there, overwhelmed by the unfairness.
She had already apologized, and besides, it was just a slight brush.
Emily snapped, "Are you blind? Can't you see my sister walking here? You bumped into her on purpose. What's your sick game? You're way out of line!"
Sobbing, the girl wiped away her tears. "I'm sorry."
After all, it was her fault to begin with—she ought to apologize.
"An apology won't cut it! Nobody gets to mess with my sister!" Emily snapped.
Jessica gently tugged at her sleeve and said softly, "I'm fine, little one. You can go now—it's really alright. Emily, don't worry—I'm not hurt at all."
The girl kept thanking her profusely. "Thank you... thank you so much," she said.
With that, the girl hurried away without looking back.
Jessica looked at Emily with a fond smile and said, "Emily, I'm so happy you stood up for me. I don't feel wronged at all now. Thank you—you did exactly the right thing."
Hearing Jessica's words, Emily's face lit up with a bright smile. "Sis, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters. I won't let anyone hurt you."
Jessica felt a twinge of jealousy at Emily's beaming smile, yet she kept her voice gentle as she said, "Emily, how many times must I tell you? You mustn't smile in front of others—people will take advantage of you. You need to put on a tough exterior to protect yourself. I can't always be there for you, so promise me—no more smiling next time, alright?"
"Okay, Sis." Emily nodded obediently.
Jessica seized the moment and asked softly, "Emily, it's time to go home. But tell me—what would you do if someone tried to hurt me?"
Emily declared with steely determination, "Never! No one will ever hurt you, Sis. If anyone dares, I'll make them pay. I'll do anything you ask—just stay happy and never leave my side."
Jessica swelled with smug satisfaction, intoxicated by her masterful control—as if she had molded someone into a pawn that existed solely to do her bidding.
Jessica coaxed, "Good girl, Emily. But what if it was Sophia? Even though she's your biological sister, you'd still protect me, right?"
Emily didn't feel a shred of affection for Sophia. If anything, there was only hatred between them.
"I can't stand her."
She's always picking on you, Sis.
She won't even let me be with you, Sis.
She's evil, rotten to the core! There's nothing she wouldn't do—she's a total psycho.
Emily declared, "She's *not* my sister! You're the only one I'll ever call family. I *hate* her."
Emily's eyes flashed with hatred. "Why does Sophia keep going after Jessica? My sister's so kind, but Sophia's just an ungrateful snake!"
Emily thought, "Jessica has always been so good to her, but what does she do? She just bites the hand that feeds her."
"I loathe Sophia."
What I hate most is sharing blood with her—she should have been the one bound by blood to Jessica, not me.
Only Jessica truly cares about me—she's the only one who genuinely has my best interests at heart.
"I'll always be loyal to Jessica," she vowed to herself.
Jessica's smirk deepened as she ruffled Emily's hair. "You're my perfect weapon," she thought with satisfaction. "Skye, just wait till I come back for you."