Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities

Chapter 30

Anne's eyes darkened as she came up with a plan in mind.

During the reading session the following day, Anne handed a lengthy Encerian article to Helen.

"You'll demonstrate reading this to the class."

Without glancing up, Helen promptly declined, "Sorry, I'm not interested." Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Anne had been confident Helen would decline. This made her even more determined to have Helen read Encerian.

In their country, those without a proper environment had struggled with speaking despite taking the written exams.

Helen's spoken Encerian must be poor, Anne thought. Helen was afraid to read aloud and be laughed at.

But Anne wanted precisely that, to see Helen embarrassed.

"You must read today, or I'll dock your conduct points," Anne threatened.

Conduct points mattered to most students. But Helen seemed unfazed, not bothering to engage with Anne.

"Do as you please. Dock the points if you want."

Furious, Anne exerted her "authority" to the fullest.

"Helen, what's the meaning of this? Everyone follows my instructions. Are you the exception?"

With that, Anne put Helen in a tough spot. The rest of the class gradually paused their activities, curious about the commotion.

Helen was puzzled why Anne insisted on her reading Encerian. But seeing Anne's persistence, Helen realized it was just petty jealousy.

Helen disliked such petty rivalries among girls and had no interest in engaging with Anne.

"If everyone else is at your beck and call, find someone else. Why bother me?"

Anne scoffed. "You're new here and have not properly read before. I need to assess your level."

Though flimsy, the excuse held.

Anne added, "Just read today, and I won't ask you again."

Helen hummed in agreement.

"To avoid further trouble, I won't resist this time," Helen conceded, taking the Encerian textbook.

Helen began to read earnestly to Anne's anticipation.

But once Helen spoke, the class fell silent. Everyone listened to the pure Encerian accent flowing through the room. It was a treat for the ears.

Anne's face paled. She dug her fingers into her flesh silently.

Helen's level was like that of a native speaker. It far surpassed hers, not at all the country bumpkin Anne presumed.

"No, this can't be!"