Facade

Kerry was about to tell Hera to forget it. Hera had barely attended classes since Independence Day, always skipping exams or turning in blank papers. 

But when Kerry heard Esme’s words, she got fired up. Talking about her was one thing, but insulting her students crossed a line. 

Kerry handed Hera a registration form. “Stepping up and taking part is how we grow. Here, Hera, fill this out.” 

Esme scoffed. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. No one from my Class B dates to participate, so why are you, someone from Class K, making waves? Even if you register, you won’t pass the review. Focus on memorizing your speech for the anniversary instead. Don’t bring shame upon Cavenridge!” 

However, Heraignored her. She filled out the form and left 

After school, Christopher offered to help Hera practice her speech, but she declined as sheclaimed to be busy. 

On the day of the academy’s anniversary celebration, Hera arrived at school three hours early. She effortlessly memorized the entire three–page speech after a single read- through. 

“Hera, how did you do that? Christopher was astounded. 

Hera calmly replied, “Practice” 

“But how do you practice? Christopher pressed, eager to learn her secret. It had taken him an entire day to memorize the speech while she had done it in minutes. 

“Forceful memorization, replay, and match. You should try it,” Hera explaned. 

Christopher was impressed. Hera had even mastered this technique while playing games! 

After rehearsal, Hera headed to the dressing room for makeup. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

While she was being prepped, Lily arrived. 

“Hera, I’m here to apologize for my earlier behavior,” Lily said awkwardly, placing a bag on the makeup table. “You haven’t had breakfast, right? 1 brought some snacks. I hope you can forgive me.‘ 

Hera glanced at the snack bag but remained silent, allowing the makeup artist to continue her work. 

Lily was irritated by Hera’s Indifference. But remembering that Hera would soon be out of Cavencidge, she felt a pang of satisfaction… 

Well then, I’ll let you get ready. Don’t forget to eat,” she said with feigned sweetness before leaving and giving a subtle signal to the makeup artist 

The makeup artist nodded in response. 

Moments later, she clutched her stomach and excused herself. She said, “I’m so sorry, but I suddenly feel unwell. I need to use the restroom.” 

She hastily gathered her belongings and left, closing the door behind her. When Hera looked up, she heard the door click shut, followed by the distinct sound of a lock taming from the outside. 

Lily hurried backstage and found Zyler waiting for her in the campus‘ bamboo grove. 

“How did it go? Did she notice? Will anyone else find out?” he asked eagerly. 

“No, the dressing room is the most secluded spot, and the signal there is the weakest. I also laced the food with sleeping pills,” Lily said, her eyes filled with determination “By the time she wakes up, the opening ceremony of the anniversary celebration and the national informatics competition will be over. You handle the media and create as much chaos as possible. This way, even Christopher won’t be able to protect her.” 

“Alright,” Zyter replied, his eyes glinting with malice as he made a phone call. Afterward, he returned to the classroom to prepare for tomorrow’s pre–university examination. 

If he couldn’t secure the internal recommendation from Christopher, he’d have to pass the examination on his own. 

The opening ceremony of the academy’s anniversary celebration commenced promptly at 10:00 am in the auditorium. 

Among the audience, the front rows were occupied by the representatives of Cavenridge and other prestigious schools. The students and members of the media filled the rows behind them. 

Lily had arrived early, eager to witness Christopher’s solo performance. 

However, her anticipation turned to surprise when the host introduced not one but two individuals who then proceeded to take the stage.