The hallway buzzed like a live wire, electric with gossip and speculation. Maeve's confrontation with Kate had set off a chain reaction, and now everyone was waiting for the fallout.
Maeve navigated the crowded corridor with precision, her designer heels clicking confidently on the polished floor. Isabella trailed beside her, a picture of nonchalance amidst the chaos. Everyone was aware of the interaction.
A snide comment drifted from the crowd, "Maeve's losing her grip, huh? Kate's got skills." Maeve's gaze snapped toward the speaker, her eyes icy daggers.
Did she just hear someone speak against her? She was baffled by their courage.
The minute she glared at the person, they shrunk twice their size. The crowd parted, exposing her more easily as the culprit who had spoken. Maeve pinned the anonymous critic with a warning glance.
"You'd do well to keep your opinions to yourself." It was a short statement but enough to leave the timid girl trembling in tears and little whimpers.
The crowd shifted uncomfortably, sensing the danger lurking beneath Maeve's polished surface. Their concern was for the girl who shivered beneath Maeve death stare.
Isabella's calm voice intervened, a subtle reminder to keep things in check. "Don't waste your time with pests like her. If you waste all your energy on her, what would be left for the real bitch that we are after?"
Maeve's smile twisted, her gaze still fixed on the crowd. "You're right, I spent valuable time on useless people like her. All because she misspoke." Maeve laughed dryly.
As they continued down the hallway, the whispers grew louder, a constant reminder of the battle brewing.
"Maeve's not to be underestimated..."
"Kate's in trouble..."
Maeve swept into the classroom, her designer handbag slung over her shoulder. She scanned the room, her gaze locking onto Oliver.
"Hey, Oliver," Maeve said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "What's up?" Her ass plopped on his desk and her hands firmly placed on her thighs.
As Oliver smiled, Maeve's gaze drifted to Kate, who sat nearby, focused on her studies.
"What are you doing here, Maeve?" He asked as he traced her gaze to Kate. They widened with realization "Maeve..." His voice was low and with a stern warning.
Maeve's voice rose, intentionally loud, "I mean, can you believe Kate thinks she's worthy of hanging out with someone like you, Oliver?" Her eyes darted at Kate who paid no attention to them. Everyone in class was focused on her waiting to hear her speak.
Oliver's expression turned uneasy. "Maeve, come on, let's not—" he grasped her arm to nudge her out of the class but she jerked out of his grasp.
Maeve's gaze never left Kate. "I mean, what's she got to offer? A trailer park address? A mom who can't afford to put food on the table?" Maeve's friends snickered, fueling her mockery.
"Kate's only here because of pity, Oliver," Maeve sneered. "Everyone feels sorry for the poor little scholarship girl." Her lips pouted as she mocked openly.
Oliver's eyes pleaded with Maeve to stop. He blocked her view from Kate with his broad build. Silently asking her to leave Kate alone. However, this was just the beginning for her.
Maeve locked her gaze on Oliver. "And you know why Kate feels so bold? Because she's clinging to you, Oliver. You're way out of her league, and she's desperate to climb the social ladder using you."
Maeve's gaze turned back to Kate, a side peek from behind Oliver. "I hear her mom's still chasing rich men, clinging to their wallets like a lifeline." Maeve's friends snickered, fueling her mockery.
"And now Kate's doing the same, using you for your status," Maeve sneered. "Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?"
Oliver's eyes narrowed. "That's enough, Maeve" he raised his voice. Maeve's lips curled into a devilish grin.
Her final blow at its peak: "You're just a cheaper version of your mom, Kate. Desperate and disposable."
Maeve shrugged, her eyes crinkling, and her cheeks widened in a puffy, wide grin. She covered her flashy nails on her lips, and her eyes drew with feigned concern.
"Omg, did I say too much? But it's the truth."
Oliver grumbled low, turning to Kate, who sat frozen amidst the hushed but chaotic whispers. Maeve giggled.
Kate's face flushed, her eyes welling up.
"Kate, don't—" Oliver called out.
Kate swiftly gathered her belongings and rushed out of the classroom, leaving Maeve's mocking laughter echoing behind her.
Maeve's laughter echoed through the classroom, her satisfaction palpable. She had successfully dismantled Kate's confidence, and the rush of power was intoxicating.
As Kate fled the classroom, Maeve's gaze followed her, a triumphant smile still plastered on her face.
"Looks like someone can't handle the truth," Maeve sneered, her voice carrying across the room.
Oliver's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. "Maeve, that was uncalled for."
Maeve's smile never wavered. "Oh, come on, Oliver. You know Kate's been asking for it. Thinking she's one of us? Please."
Isabella's calm voice intervened, "Maeve, maybe you should ease up. You've made your point."
Maeve's gaze turned icy. "My point? You think that was the point? That was just the beginning."
The classroom fell silent, students exchanging uneasy glances.
Maeve's phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. "Ah, perfect timing. Kate's social media is blowing up. Looks like everyone's sharing their thoughts on the 'poor little scholarship girl'."
Maeve's friends snickered, and Maeve continued, "I'll make sure to keep the momentum going. Kate's going to regret ever crossing me."
Oliver's face twisted in disgust. "You're relentless, Maeve."
Maeve's smile widened. "That's why she should have watched her mouth from the beginning, Oliver. No one insults me and gets away with it." she crossed her legs on his desk. "You should be thanking me, Oliver, I did you a favour she was taking advantage of your good heart."
Oliver shook his head. "You should be sorry for what you have become, Maeve. This isn't the Maeve I've always known. And It's sad to see you become worse than your parents." With that said, he walked out, going after Kate. Maeve's triumphant smile faltered, a dreadful look in her eyes.