Professor Erwan Dupont's stern voice cut through the scene. He approached with Giulia Moretti at his side, both of them having witnessed the incident from a short distance away.
"Headmaster! I've been wronged!" Amanpio wailed. "Xiulan attacked me out of nowhere!"
Professor Dupont's gaze shifted between them. "Miss Zhang, explain."
Elena stepped forward, calm but resolute. "Professor Dupont, I apologize for causing a disturbance. I understand I broke the rules and will accept any punishment."
She paused, eyes sharpening.
"But I'm not sorry for hitting him."
Amanpio spluttered, pointing at her. "See?"
Professor Dupont silenced him with a single look.
Elena continued evenly, "He insulted my boyfriend directly to our faces. That is something I won't tolerate. For me, that slap was well deserved."
Amanpio opened his mouth to argue, but the moment Professor Dupont's gaze landed on him, whatever protest he had shriveled up. He snapped his mouth shut like a chastised child.
