Chapter 3

I snapped out of it. The guys, seeing Julian so calm, seemed to gain confidence.

They exchanged glances, letting out even more piercing jeers.

“Call the cops? Alice, who are you trying to scare?”

“Yeah, what are the cops going to do? Tell everyone you deserved it for being a slut?”

“We all saw the photos. Why are you still acting all high and mighty?”

They relied on their numbers, convinced I wouldn't dare, and couldn't fight back.

Just then, Mr. Harrison, our homeroom teacher, rushed over after hearing the commotion.

Seeing my messy desk and scattered notebooks, his brow furrowed deeply.

“What’s going on? What’s all this noise about?!”

The guys immediately quieted down a bit, but still wore smug, unconcerned smiles.

Julian instantly stepped forward, speaking before I could.

“Mr. Harrison, it’s just a misunderstanding.”

“Just some kids messing around. I’ll handle it, okay?”

I took a deep breath, not looking at Julian, and faced Mr. Harrison directly, speaking clearly and firmly.

“Teacher, this isn’t a joke. This is blatant slander, defamation, and bullying.”

I pointed at the carvings on the desk, at the soiled notebooks on the floor, and finally at those boys.

“Julian’s so-called ‘handling’ is just hoping I’ll silently endure this injustice.”

I turned back to the surprised Mr. Harrison, enunciating each word, my tone resolute.

“Mr. Harrison, I demand to call the police.”

“These slanders and defamations have severely damaged my reputation and personal dignity.”

“I need the law to clear my name.”

Mr. Harrison was clearly stunned, seemingly unprepared for my assertiveness.

Schools usually preferred to handle these matters internally.

Julian’s face subtly darkened.

“Alice, don’t be impulsive. Do you know the consequences of calling the police? Those photos…”

“Of course, I know the consequences.”

I cut him off, unwavering.

“The consequence is that those who spread rumors and defame others will face legal punishment.”

“As for those manipulated photos, it’ll be perfect for the police to trace their origin!”

I deliberately emphasized “origin,” and saw Julian’s pupils contract almost imperceptibly.

Finally, with my strong insistence and clear articulation, Mr. Harrison agreed to my request to call the police.

Soon, the wail of a police siren echoed at the school gate.

The moment the uniformed officers walked into the classroom.

I saw the faces of those previously arrogant boys finally turning pale, their eyes filled with panic.

They instinctively looked towards Julian.

And Julian, standing at the edge of the crowd, his gentle worry already gone.

It was replaced by an intensely cold scrutiny and a flicker of astonishment and gloom that I had completely broken free from his control.

The arrival of the police instantly froze the atmosphere in the classroom.

After understanding the basic situation, two officers took all of us to the police station.

As Julian passed by me, he whispered, just loud enough for me to hear.

“Alice, don’t blow this up beyond repair.”