Chapter 99: Chapter 99: Sincere

Oftentimes Lana wondered if it was because of the resentment brewing in her or if it was just the Almond family’s dominating characteristics.

There were also ceiling lights, plain, formal, and without any decorative fittings.

Before, Lana had always thought this classroom was quite luxurious for a university setup.

But now, standing here again, she realized something different.

’The principal must really have some special fondness for the Mystic Department,’ she thought dryly. ’Otherwise, this classroom’s setup, though beautiful, can’t even compare to the Mystic Department’s grandeur.’

The Dream Warden classroom had floor-to-ceiling windows too.

However, unlike the crystal-clear ones in the Mystic Department that offered a perfect view of nature and could even be opened slightly to let in fresh air, these were blurred and only gave a faint, misty view of the outside world.

Though still considered a luxurious setup by most standards, Lana couldn’t help but feel a smug sense of superiority.

’Mystic Department really is on another level,’ she thought proudly.

Meanwhile, Cassandra gulped, her eyes darting around the room before she murmured dreamily, “This place truly looks amazing…”

Her tone made Lana chuckle faintly, but that smugness in her heart quickly faded as her gaze fell on the front row.

In an instant, she spotted her target. Brenda.

Brenda sat quietly with her eyes closed, her posture poised.

Her index finger touched her thumb lightly, forming a perfect meditation circle, while her elbows rested on the bench in front of her.

Lana’s gaze shifted toward the bench. She knew it wasn’t made of ordinary wood.

It was a hybrid material, part wood, part energy-conductive alloy, that absorbed aether orbs from the surrounding air and converted them into energy the Dream Wardens could use.

’At least the principal gave them some benefits,’ she thought with reluctant admiration.

’Otherwise, the Dream Wardens wouldn’t have access to this kind of privilege.’

Just as that thought crossed her mind, Cassandra suddenly marched forward.

Without a hint of hesitation, she slammed her palm hard against Brenda’s desk.

The impact made the entire table tremble slightly, and Brenda jolted awake, eyes snapping open in alarm.

For a brief second, Brenda looked utterly shocked…almost terrified.

Seeing that raw fear flash across her face, Lana’s heart softened.

’That kind of flinching…’ she thought quietly, her chest tightening.

’It only happens to people who’ve been abused for a long time.’

If Lana said that she didn’t pity Brenda before… It would be a lie.

The first time she met Brenda, Brenda looked pitiful. A fragile woman fighting to survive.

In her past life she fought with Brenda at every turn, thinking Brenda was the one trying to steal away the affection that should have belonged to Lana.

However, when she matured… she realized… Brenda was a victim, albeit with a flawed mindset.

She wished Brenda could come to her senses, but from her past life’s experience… She knew Brenda wouldn’t correct her mindset.

Brenda’s shoulders trembled slightly as she stared at Cassandra in confusion.

Before Lana could say anything, Cassandra’s voice rang out sharply.

“Why did you spread those rumors about Lana?”

It took Brenda a few seconds to fully process what was happening.

Then, slowly, she regained her composure and looked at Cassandra with narrowed eyes.

“Is that why you slammed your hand on my desk? Do you realize damaging public property will get you fined a hundred credits?”

Cassandra snorted arrogantly. “I don’t care about fines. What I care about is justice for my bestie.”

She grabbed Lana’s hand dramatically, glaring at Brenda.

“Did you really think you and your little group could bully her however you wanted, and no one would stand up for her?”

Brenda let out a small laugh, about to speak, but Cassandra immediately cut her off.

“Do you even know what kind of life Lana had in the Almond family?!”

The words hit like a thunderclap.

Brenda froze, staring at Cassandra in disbelief.

Lana, too, stiffened. Her eyes widened as she turned to Cassandra in confusion.

’What is she doing?’ she thought, her mind racing. ’Why is she defending me like this? And how does she even know about that?’

She had already mapped out a dozen possibilities in her head—what Cassandra might say, how far she might go—but this wasn’t one of them.

’This sincerity… it’s too much. Even sincerity has levels, and hers just broke the scale today.’

For the first time, Lana genuinely began to suspect whether there was something wrong with her ex-best friend’s head.

Cassandra, however, seemed completely oblivious to Lana’s internal turmoil.

She pointed at Brenda and shouted, “Lana was abused in that household too! How could you…”

Before she could finish, Lana snapped out of her thoughts and immediately covered Cassandra’s mouth with her hand. Forcing a smile, she looked at Brenda.

“Don’t take her words too seriously,” she said quickly.

“Cassandra just wanted to make me look pitiful. She means well, but… she exaggerates.”

She laughed lightly, though the tension in her smile was obvious. “Really, don’t take it seriously.”

Without giving Brenda a chance to respond, Lana grabbed Cassandra’s wrist and dragged her out of the classroom.

Brenda was left frozen, staring at the door with a stunned expression.

’Did… Lana just give me an explanation?’ she wondered. ’Why did she sound so calm? Shouldn’t she be furious with me? Why didn’t she say anything?’

Lana, on the other hand, wanted to stop and clarify…to tell Brenda that Cassandra’s outburst wasn’t part of any plan.

But she decided against it. It didn’t matter right now.

Once outside, Cassandra began to struggle out of Lana’s grip.

As soon as they reached an empty corridor, Lana released her, pushing her back slightly. Her expression darkened.

“What were you doing?” she demanded, her voice low but trembling with restrained anger.

Cassandra’s eyes widened, glistening with tears.

“I…I only did it because I was worried about you,” she said softly, her voice quivering with emotion.

Lana stood there silently, staring at her, torn between irritation and confusion.

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