Chapter 121: Confident Comeback of the Madam, Daring Moves in a Crowded Office? (2)
Ella instinctively tried to pull her foot back, but it was no use.
Though his grip wasn’t overly tight, she couldn’t break free.
Shia smiled gently. "I’ve been preoccupied with some personal matters, so I’ve missed a few classes. My apologies."
His voice was polite, his demeanor respectful, and his apology sincere.
The other teachers glanced over, silently impressed. As expected of the top freshman—humble, steady, and composed.
But Ella, seated before him, was in turmoil.
While his words were apologetic, his actions were anything but.
Ella instinctively tensed her leg, but the sensation beneath her foot left her ears tinged red.
Shia, facing away from the others, revealed a mischievous smile that only Ella could see.
His hand didn’t stop its subtle movements. His lips parted slightly, his voice so low only she could hear.
"With everyone watching, making too much noise might draw their attention, don’t you think~?"
As a considerate student, it was only natural for him to remind his dear teacher of such things
Ella pursed her lips slightly, her gaze toward Shia filled with irritation.
She tried to intimidate him with her eyes.
"Aren’t you afraid of being caught disrespecting your teacher?" she mouthed silently.
Shia? Afraid of threats? Hardly.
He shrugged slightly, and the pressure of his hand on the sole of her foot increased.
"Aunt Ella, I’m giving you two options."
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"One, expose my behavior loudly, and I’ll be expelled immediately."
"Two, admit your mistake obediently and accept your punishment."
Shia grinned, his smile genuine yet smug.
Ella still tried to pull her foot back, but it was futile. She didn’t dare make any large movements, knowing Shia was right—any commotion could attract the attention of the other teachers.
The last thing she wanted was to lose face in front of her colleagues.
But Shia’s carefree attitude only fueled her frustration. She bit her lip, her annoyance bubbling under the surface.
After several deep breaths, she finally calmed herself enough to mouth a reply.
"Do you think I won’t dare?"
Shia’s grin widened, glowing with mischief. "I’d never assume that, Aunt Ella. You can shout anytime you like."
Ella… Ella really didn’t dare.
Every time she faced Shia, she couldn’t shake the strange sense of intimidation he exuded, as if he naturally held power over her.
And, of course, there was the matter of her secret.
Ella finally remembered why Shia had been able to manipulate her so easily from the start of his enrollment.
It was because he knew her biggest secret.
If she defied him and he exposed it, her situation would be utterly miserable.
At that moment, Ella chastised herself.
Why had she been so foolish to provoke him earlier?
If she truly pushed him too far…
She wanted to smack herself in the head—if only they weren’t in public, if only her foot weren’t still captured by the brat. She clenched her fists in silent frustration.
It wasn’t just Ella, though.
With the first layer of Shia’s charm-enhancing ring unsealed, its invisible influence had only grown stronger. The mental suppression effect was also amplified.
From the perspective of the other teachers, the interaction between Ella and Shia appeared entirely different.
On the surface, Shia maintained the demeanor of an earnest student sincerely accepting criticism.
The other teachers were pleased with his attitude.
Meanwhile, Ella, the only one aware of the truth, bit her lip and glared at him with a mixture of resentment and helplessness.
But outwardly, she had to maintain her strict posture, sitting upright and keeping her stern facade.
Her entire body was tense.
This composure left the other teachers in awe.
As expected of Ella. Usually warm and approachable, beloved by students, but when authority was needed, she didn’t waver.
They silently admired her professionalism.
In their minds, Shia’s attitude was exemplary. If it were them, facing such a respectful and good-looking student admitting their mistakes, they’d likely soften their stance.
But Ella? She remained firm, continuing to uphold her teacherly authority.
A role model for educators!
Yet for Ella, the one being admired, it felt agonizing. She wanted to cry.
Why am I the one being bullied and manipulated here?
Her bitterness had no outlet.
"Yesterday, your access was revoked because the headmistress was acting on a childish whim to assert her authority," Shia’s low voice suddenly spoke near her ear.
A shadow fell over her vision as Shia bent down, his breath close, his familiar scent enveloping her.
Ella froze for a moment, bewildered by the sudden explanation.
Her thoughts had been elsewhere, but they were now forcibly redirected.
"Aunt Ella, you’re our mentor—not only knowledgeable but also highly regarded. I truly value you."
"The headmistress wasn’t deliberately targeting you, nor is she trying to compete with you. You’re the only one I can rely on."
"I’ll need your help in many matters moving forward. I need you, Aunt Ella."
His deep, gentle voice seemed to resonate directly from his chest, calming yet firm.
To the other teachers, it appeared as though Shia was bowing in apology.
Ella, caught off guard by his words, felt a strange sweetness well up in her heart.
This brat was explaining himself to her?
And he even admitted that he needed her?
Wasn’t this essentially him lowering his head to her?
Ella’s heart softened slightly, and her gaze became less sharp.
Her lips twitched as if wanting to curl into a smile, but she suppressed the urge.
Of course, she told herself, this was simply a testament to her maturity and upper hand as the elder. It wasn’t because his words made her feel valued.
Ella turned her head slightly to avoid Shia’s gaze.
I don’t need his approval, she thought stubbornly…
Yet a faint blush spread across her cheeks.
"Oh," she replied curtly.
Her tone seemed indifferent, as if unimpressed by the explanation.
But this small act of denial didn’t escape Shia’s notice. He simply smiled and chose not to expose her.
Watching her ears turn redder, he remained silent.