A faint smile curved Rena's lips.

Her reaction further stung Aline.

In a cold tone, Aline queried, “You're probably doing this for Vera, aren't you? Rena, it's not my fault. Vera Lacks the ability."

Rena shook her head.

Even now, Aline remained puzzled. Vera had managed to secure an excellent relationship despite her breakup with Joseph. Yet, Aline's own life had spiraled downward.

Rena's composure served only to escalate Aline's hatred.

Seeking out Nelson, Aline was undeterred by the school's principal being in his early fifties. He was not bad looking, but after all, he was also a middle-aged man.

She had no inhibitions.

She believed offering herself to Nelson would secure a prime opportunity, a trade she deemed worthwhile. Furthermore, rumors of Nelson's indiscreet private life lent credibility to her scheme.

She was convinced her plan would succeed.

However, as Aline began to undress, Nelson gently restrained her, his tone infused with rectitude.

"Aline, we once discussed dedicating ourselves to art. I won't ask you to sacrifice your body for art's sake. It's a spiritual endeavor, not a carnal one. Stripping down is easy, but it's much harder to regain one's dignity."

Aline stood surprised, her expression unflattering.

Nelson calmly advised, "I'm not sure where these false rumors originated, but I assure you, the school had never considered offering you the piano solo. Malignant intentions are behind the spreading of these falsehoods."

Yet, Aline remained unconvinced. She persisted in her belief that Rena had stolen her opportunity. Exiting the principal's office, Aline confronted Rena, who sat reading in the Library.

There were four black-clad bodyguards around her, which prevented anyone from easily approaching her.

Rena sat in the library, her profile exuding an air of graceful elegance that captivated Aline's attention.

Having been intimate with other men before, Aline possessed a keen sense to discern the distinct aura emanating from Rena.

In the past, Rena had been beautiful but visibly innocent and inexperienced. Yet now, her bearing exuded the unmistakable feminine aura of someone cherished by a man. Could it be because of Waylen?

Thoughts of the distinguished and noble man stirred a bitter envy within Aline.

At that moment, Rena glanced up and caught sight of her.

The tension between them, exacerbated by Vera, remained unresolved, causing Rena to intentionally ignore her and continue reading.