Facing Eileen and her clique’s provocation, Yifia wasn’t the least bit surprised.

She’d laid low yesterday—not out of fear, but simply to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Eileen’s group assumed Yifia wouldn’t dare cut ties over a loan. Likewise, Yifia knew they wouldn’t truly burn bridges just because she refused.

Fine. Let’s see who cracks first.

Anyway—she had zero money. Total peace of mind!

“Yifia! Where were you last night? How could you stay out all night!”

Before Fina could speak, Eileen cut in. Her tone held more accusation than concern.

She didn’t lower her voice. The words echoed sharply through the enclosed classroom.

“Staying out all night” carried a suggestive weight—especially for a cute, pretty girl like Yifia. A hint of scandal clung to the phrase.

In an instant, not just commoners but even a few nobles glanced over with curiosity.

Bathed in stares, Yifia felt no shame. She held her head high, meeting every gaze calmly.

So what if she *had* stayed out?

Refusing to share a bed with a beauty like Amelia? That took moral backbone. Yifia felt like a saint walking the earth!

She puffed her chest slightly, pride glowing on her face.

“Eileen, must I report every sleepover to you? My friend is an elegant, lovely lady. We chatted so enjoyably I lost track of time… Honestly, I felt shy, but she insisted I visit often~”

No more fake politeness.

Since the female lead wasn’t here to play nice, Yifia dropped all pretense.

As the foil to the heroine, peaceful coexistence was never an option.

Keeping up false courtesy only invited contempt. Those slum days taught her well—peering through cracks, she’d learned “survival of the fittest” firsthand.

Once seen as weak? Mockery followed. Then bullying.

Nobles might keep up appearances. Commoners judged you outright.

Blunt. Brutal.

Eileen expected shame from an “innocent” girl. Instead, Yifia wore smug triumph.

Her words made it clear: her friend was a noble.

Doubts vanished. Respect flickered in eyes.

Befriending a noble? Staying overnight? Their bond must be deep. And for a noble to value her… Yifia wasn’t ordinary.

No commoner in class had ever bridged that gap.

*Underestimated her.*

Eileen silently raised Yifia’s threat level—*playing innocent, but sharp as a blade.*

She had no idea Yifia was just showing off.

If not for staying low-key (and not naming Amelia), Yifia would’ve bragged endlessly. Living in the Duke’s daughter’s mansion? Others wouldn’t dare dream it.

But *she* had.

“I was just worried about you.”

Seeing Yifia flip the script, Eileen softened her voice. A wounded, misunderstood look bloomed on her face—making Yifia seem ungrateful without a single extra word.

Truly the female lead. Looks aside, her manipulative sweetness flowed effortlessly.

Predictably, Fina jumped in.

“Yifia! Is it wrong for Eileen, your roommate, to worry? Only someone this kind would care. Others wouldn’t lift a finger.”

A perfectly sharpened blade—acting before the command even came.

Yifia didn’t flare up. She shot Fina a pitying glance. *I’m clumsy sometimes… but you? Next level.*

Maybe Fina dumped all skill points into academics. Left the rest broken.

No kinship here. Yifia would never be the type sold out—and still counting the coins.

“Right! Since she’s so kind and caring… she’ll lend me money, won’t she?”

“L-Lend… money?”

Fina froze. Then snapped alert, eyes locked on Yifia’s lips—dreading the next words.

*Yifia had to have money!* How else explain to Ronnie?!

Too late. Yifia offered a helpless smile.

“I didn’t realize Pris Academy’s pastries were *that* pricey. Spent my whole allowance by accident. Just need to borrow a bit from Eileen—pay back next month.”

Planned perfectly.

Strike first with the loan request. Leave the manipulators stranded.

*Walk the shameless path—and block their road.*

At “Pris Academy pastries,” commoner students nodded in silent solidarity.

They’d been scammed too!

Humble-looking treats. Expensive outside—but *here*? Robbery with a tiny cake as apology.

“Yifia… you have *nothing* left?”

“Naturally. I’ll stay with my friend until the top-student reward comes next month.”

Fina’s face fell. Disappointment flashed. *So unreliable. So gluttonous!*

If only Yifia had kept that money… given it to Ronnie… they could’ve reunited. Not let that vile Brennie keep monopolizing him!

Fina spiraled over explaining to Ronnie.

Eileen, however, barely furrowed her brow at “top student.”

Yesterday? She wouldn’t have blinked.

But Yifia missed nearly a month of classes. A commoner—no elite tutoring. Yet claiming first place?

What was her trump card?

Eileen’s face stayed calm. Hands clenched behind her back. Teeth gritted. Her gaze sharpened with hostility. *Is she capable… or bluffing?*

No matter.

She wouldn’t yield.

The top rank belonged to Eileen. Alone.