Chapter 16 – The De'ora's Rise Again and Violet first day at Imperial high
The moment the official results were released, the De'ora family wasted no time.
On their verified page, an official statement was posted for the world to see:
"Although the world ridiculed us, we still stand strong.
We rise, again and again."
Beneath the caption was Violet's exam result — Rank 1, Imperial High Provincial Examination.
It was a single post.
Simple, yet powerful enough to shake the internet.
The same people who once mocked the De'oras for falling from grace, the same business associates who whispered behind their backs, could only stare in silent humiliation.
The post was an open-handed slap — elegant but stinging.
Within hours, social media erupted.
Netizens who had mocked Violet now wished they could dig a hole and crawl into it.
Some even went as far as buying De'ora pharmaceutical products, claiming it was "a show of support."
Others who had sick family members purchased De'ora medicine out of guilt — calling it a small apology for their earlier cruelty.
And with every click and every purchase, the De'ora's stock price soared once again, reclaiming the throne it once held.
But, of course, not everyone could keep their mouths shut.
Under the De'ora's public post, a few of Clara's most loyal fans began to stir trouble:
"What's there to be so proud of? It's just first place.
It's not the end of the world."
Their comment was smug, but it didn't last long.
The newly converted netizens — once haters themselves — were quick to counterattack:
"If being first is no big deal, why isn't your actress first then?"
"That's the difference between an heir to a conglomerate and just an actress."
"Tch.
So proud, yet your idol only managed sixteenth.
Maybe next life?"
"They say fans reflect their idol… seeing you all act like this, your actress might not be any good either."
And just like that, the tables turned completely.
The De'ora's page flooded with praise and apologies, while Clara's fan page turned eerily quiet — her fans hiding in embarrassment.
For the first time in weeks, the internet was united in agreement:
Violet De'ora wasn't just a genius.
She was a storm — calm, confident, and impossible to ignore.
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When the tables turned and Clara saw the final rankings, and the comments online,she froze.
Instead of Violet being mocked online for failing the exam, she—Violet De'ora—had taken first place.
Clara couldn't believe it.
She had gotten exactly what she wanted: for the world to compare them.
But now, that very comparison had turned against her.
Her own result—sixteenth in the entire province—something she had once been so proud of, now looked meaningless.
A number she had flaunted proudly just days ago was now a source of mockery.
Even her fans, who had filled her feed with praise, had gone silent.
All those defending her, has gone into hiding.
Some deleted their posts, some hid their comments—none of them wanted to be associated with the "losing side."
She hated it.
She hated all of it.
I guess what people say is true, she thought bitterly.
Comparison really is the beginning of unhappiness.
Her fingers clenched around her phone, her knuckles turning white.
Anger burned in her chest, but beneath that anger was something colder, sharper—determination.
"Fine," she whispered to herself.
"You might've won this round, Violet De'ora… but this isn't over.
It's just the beginning."
________________________________________
It was finally the first day of school.
Both the students returning from vacation and the new admits who passed the entrance exam were to resume together.
Andrea Mist was restless.
After eight long years, he was finally going to see his wife again.
As the Student Council President, he stood proudly by the main gate, tasked with inspecting latecomers and enforcing the school dress code.
It was the perfect excuse to keep watch — and maybe catch a glimpse of the girl who had ruled his heart for years.
But fate had other plans.
Because on her very first day, Violet De'ora — the number one ranked genius herself — was late.
Of course, it wasn't her fault.
Kingsley De'ora, in all his fatherly glory, had decided that since his daughter was finally going to a boarding school after years of home tutoring, he would personally drive her there.
As he wants to experience what a father feels when he takes his children to school.
Which meant Violet had to wait while her father picked out the "perfect outfit," polished his shoes, and selected one of his many limited-edition luxury cars for the grand occasion.
Even Lily had long given up, sighing as she watched her overexcited husband.
Inside Violet's head, Vira muttered dryly,
"Host, your father really can't shake off me thinking he is on crack.
The more I see him, the more I believe it."
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By the time they finally arrived at Imperial High, the gates were already crowded with students — and Andrea was right there, watching.
The moment he saw the familiar car, his pulse quickened.
Kingsley De'ora himself was here — with his wife — Violet was finally here.
Violet should have been stopped for being late, but how could he? That was his wife.
Unfortunately, Dannon Spears, the ever-dutiful red-haired council member, had no memory of who she was.
yes he forgot her.
He stepped forward, blocking their path.
"Good morning, sir," he said firmly.
"pls stop sir, miss, you aren't allowed to go in.
Kingsley blinked, taken aback.
"Dear student, why are we being stopped?" he asked, clearly amused.
Dannon puffed out his chest, trying to sound official.
"Well, your daughter is late, she can't go in she has to wait with the other stud—"
But before he could finish, a hand clamped down hard on his shoulder.
He froze.
He knew that hand.
Andrea.
The blond boy stood there in his uniform — shirt untucked, coat draped over his shoulders, the school tie resting lazily on his neck, a glinting purple diamond earring catching the sunlight.
His long hair was tied in a small ponytail, giving him a wild, effortlessly cool look.
To Violet, he looked like a character straight out of an anime — rebellious, handsome, and infuriatingly perfect.
Her heart skipped, just once.
Andrea, panicking from the scene Dannon was making, blurted out nervously,
"Wife! Father-in-law! Don't mind him — you can go inside!"
The entire area went silent.
The student who were shocked by his handsome look , with some already having a crush on him, was stunned over what he said.
Dannon's eyes widened.
When he heard what Andrea called them, He knew he was doomed.
He couldn't help but beat himself inside, how could he not recognize boss wife and boss father in law.
Violet was shocked.
And Kingsley… frowned.
"Kid," he said slowly, "what did you just call me?"
Andrea's face turned pale,his eyes widened.
How could he slip up, especially in front of this overprotective lion.
He quickly corrected himself.
"Ah— I mean— Miss Violet! Mr De'ora! You can go in!"
Kingsley gave him a firm nod.
"Better".
He paused a little before continuing.
"I know you're young and eager, but don't go around calling strangers your father-in-law and wife".
I'm a good person, so I'll let it go this time. Next time, you better watch your words."
Andrea nodded rapidly, trying to hide his embarrassment.
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Meanwhile, Violet — who had been quietly observing the whole scene — couldn't help glancing back at the blonde boy.
Her heart skipped again.
Inside her mind, she asked,
"Vira, who is that?"
The system's voice chimed in casually,
"That's your self-proclaimed husband, Andrea Mist."
"Tch.
So it wasn't a slip of the tongue after all," she murmured, looking away quickly.
"Nope," Vira snickered.
"He meant every word, host."
________________________________________
After the little commotion earlier, Kingsley escorted his daughter toward the principal's office.
Of course, the silence didn't last long.
"Violet," he began with a serious expression, "you have to be careful of those pretty-faced boys.
You see, that one—his parents sent him here to study, but he's already thinking about wives! He's not even an adult yet."
Violet nearly tripped.
"But you also weren't an adult when you and Mom started dating.
Mom said you were seventeen, and she was sixteen."
Kingsley blinked, caught off guard.
Then he straightened proudly.
"Well, that's different.
For me, it was love at first sight.
The moment I saw your mother, I knew she was my forever.
But boys like him—" he waved his hand vaguely, "—I don't trust them.
Their hormones are too active."
Inside Violet's mind, Vira couldn't help but comment dryly,
Poor Andrea… his pursuit of his wife is going to be blocked by his own father-in-law.
"Shut up!" Violet shouted internally, her face twitching in embarrassment as Kingsley turned to glance at her, utterly clueless.
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When they arrived at the principal's office, Violet and her father were immediately ushered in.
The principal stood up at once, smiling respectfully as he extended a handshake toward Kingsley.
"Mr. De'ora, Miss Violet—the top scorer of this year's Imperial Exam—welcome," he said warmly.
"Congratulations, Miss Violet."
"Pls have a seat"
Violet nodded politely.
"Since you were a little late this morning," the principal continued, "you'll head to class first.
Your dorm assignment will be given afterward.
You've been placed in Special Class 1A—the elite section.
There are only ten students in your class.
"To give you an idea—Special Class 1A has ten students, 1B has twenty, and 1C has thirty.
Together, they make up the top fifty students in the province.
The regular classes—1A, 1B, and 1C—each have about fifty students."
He handed Violet a folded map.
"Here, this will help you find your classroom.
Or… would you like someone to guide you?"
Violet smiled lightly.
"No sir, it's fine.
I can find my way."
"Good."
The principal turned toward Kingsley.
"Mr. De'ora, since you're here, I assume there's no problem?"
Kingsley's expression turned mildly serious.
"Of course not.
Violet, why don't you head to your class first? I have a few things to discuss with your principal."
"Okay, Dad," Violet replied, bowing slightly before leaving the room.
No one knew exactly what Kingsley discussed with the principal—but not long after, Andrea's phone buzzed.
It was a call from the principal himself.
"Nephew," came the exasperated voice, "you'd better stay away from the De'ora's daughter for now.
Why on earth did you call her father father-in-law on your very first day meeting him? Now he doesn't like you!"
Andrea leaned back lazily, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Whether he likes me or not doesn't matter. I'm not marrying him, I'm marrying his daughter."
The principal sighed deeply.
"Just… be careful, Andrea."
"Don't worry, Uncle," Andrea said, confidence dripping from every word.
"I'll be fine.
Sooner or later, he's going to like me."
________________________________________
The moment Violet De'ora stepped out of the principal's office, Vira's voice immediately piped up inside her mind.
Vira: "Host, we're finally stepping into the real battlefield—you are finally fighting your sister.
I'm so excited!"
Violet: "Of course you are.
You're not the one who actually has to face her."
Vira: "What do you mean I'm not? We're in this together! Tch, host, you're so ungrateful."
Violet: "Fine, fine—I'm sorry, okay? Happy now?"
Vira: "Hmm… I'll think about forgiving you later."
Violet could only sigh in exasperation.
Sometimes she wondered if her system was a helper or just a headache with an attitude.
As she walked down the quiet hallway, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor, a sudden force tugged her backward—
before she could react, soft lips pressed against hers.
The world froze.
Her eyes widened in shock, every nerve in her body alert.
Vira: "Host, you're being taken advantage of!"
Violet struggled instantly, pushing against the chest before her, but the person's grip tightened—firm yet careful, as though they already knew how she'd react.
When she tried to kick, the stranger caught her leg midair, stopping her next move with frustrating ease.
Then came a familiar low chuckle, brushing against her ear.
"Wife… it's been so long.
Don't you miss me?"
A teasing pause.
"And now you even want to destroy what'll give us kids? Tsk, tsk… bad wifey."
Violet froze completely.
She knew that voice.
Vira: "Host… you're in big trouble."