After her rebirth by Cici

Chapter 49

Ruby, with her face all puffed up, tried hard not to scream at Katniss. She frowned and grumbled, "What rope?"

"The rope holding the banner got untied by someone, making it fall and almost hit Juniper," Katniss said, way too chill for Ruby's liking.

Katniss's calmness just made Ruby even madder. She snapped, "Why the heck would I untie the rope? That banner could've killed someone! I might not like Juniper, but I ain't that crazy!" Katniss just nodded and stopped grilling her, then went back to Maximilian and said, "Maximilian, I'm done asking. No need to drag Clara into this."

Elodie let out a sigh of relief, thinking Katniss still had some decency. If Katniss had pulled Clara into this mess, Elodie would've lost it!

Eli finally got the gist of what was going on. He still didn't know who Maximilian was, but he was cursing Ruby in his head for her reckless, despicable act of drugging someone.

Seeing that Maximilian hadn't said a word, Eli finally spoke up, all weak-like, "Mr. Hamilton, I'm Eli, the vice principal. I'm really sorry about today. We'll make sure Ruby gets the punishment she deserves." Maximilian stayed silent, not even glancing at him, which made Eli feel like he was about to break out in a cold sweat.

He wanted to say more, but Felix cut him off sternly, "Sir, the resolution of this matter depends on the victim."

Katniss felt a warm rush in her heart. So, Maximilian hadn't spoken because he wanted her to decide. He was giving her the power to handle this.

Felix was looking out for her too!

Eli didn't think a young girl could handle this right, but he forced a smile and said, "You're right. Katniss, how do you want to resolve this?"

up. She turned to Eli and said, "Sir, this matter shouldn't be handled by you. I don't

his mouth but couldn't say a word. He really wanted to kick himself. How could he have

need to call the cops; it's

soon as she said that, Eli and Calvin both visibly relaxed, while

Too soon to relax.

"Then let's expel

want me to

dropping out; it's expulsion," Katniss explained,

Ruby, fuming, started cursing uncontrollably. Calvin turned pale, quickly covering her mouth and

finally lifted his somber eyes and asked, "How many words did

off, he said, "Mr. Hamilton, I'll back out of the bidding for those two city center

but Calvin looked like he was about

flicker of

usually didn't care about her dad's business, but she knew from his rants and phone calls that those plots

flashing in his eyes, but he held

mess? But when he looked at Elodie and Simon, he couldn't help

seem to have any real connection to Katniss, yet he was all about protecting her. Those two were her actual family, but they treated her like dirt. If they hadn't been so indifferent and complicit earlier, he wouldn't have backed off when Katniss

looked a bit embarrassed. She hadn't expected this whole thing to not be Katniss's fault. But she couldn't bring herself to apologize. Plus, she was still grossed out by

Maximilian so protective of

Katniss even need to go back