The Beta's Rejected Daughter (Fiona) novel Chapter 27

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He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw me wave the card. I could tell he had a dozen questions, but I didn’t give him the chance to ask any. I walked away without looking back. Lance and Lydia clearly hadn’t told him about my encounter with the prince at the car dealership.

“His face said it all. You must have really put him in his place,” Raina grinned as I returned to them, her eyes flicking over my shoulder.

My lips curled into a smirk. “I made sure he understands I’m no longer the girl who seeks their validation or lives her life to please them.”

“Exactly, because you’re no longer that girl,” Kieran chuckled. He leaned in with a soft smile. “You’re the queen.”

I smiled, excitement twinkling in my eyes. “Let’s go in and get this done. I can’t wait to start my training and meet new friends.”

I knocked once on the proprietor’s door. A voice called from inside.

“Enter.”

But when I pushed the door open, my face tightened at the sight inside.

There were several students gathered, but standing among them was my enemy–Lydia.

Lance sat comfortably beside her on a cushioned chair, pride stamped all over his face. The other students stood aside to let them be attended to first.

“Why do they have to be here?” I sighed. Destiny clearly woke up today determined to irritate

1. me.

Lydia’s eyes widened when she saw me. For half a second, the hatred in her gaze was unmistakable before she smoothed it into her usual innocent smile.

That was always her weapon. The sweet, gentle act that helped her steal my place and turn my own family against me. With a small crowd watching, she would definitely play the angel to make me look like the villain.

All eyes turned to me as I stepped forward.

“Well, look who is here… Fiona, my sister!” Lydia squealed with fake delight. “I didn’t expect you to arrive so early.”

“I know you have a good heart, but everyone knows how badly she treated you. Stop being so

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Chapter 27

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nice to her,” Lance muttered, pretending concern. Lydia ignored him and rushed forward as if to hug me.

Kieran stepped between us. “Don’t you dare come any closer.” His warning was sharp.

Lydia sniffed, fake tears filling her eyes as she stepped back. “You still hate me.”

Murmurs rippled through the students.

“You don’t have to pretend, bitch. Drop the stupid act,” Raina snapped. The anger and frustration in her eyes were unmistakable.

“Lydia, I was never your sister. Don’t call me that,” I said and moved forward.

“Are you here to visit someone? Or did you come to escort a friend?” Lance asked with his arms folded.

Lydia turned to him dramatically. “Dad planned to pay everything for her, but she rebelled against us and walked away from our family without any reason.” She spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear, and I saw the judgmental looks.

Exactly what Lydia wanted: to taint my image in front of the proprietor and the gathered students.

Lance’s glare sharpened. “What are you doing in the Academy, Fiona? A prodigal daughter can’t afford even a week here.” He conveniently forgot the prince’s card.

“I’m here for registration,” I replied calmly. “Isn’t that why everyone is here?”

“Registration?” Lydia blinked as though shocked.

The other students erupted into whispers.

Lance turned to the proprietor. “Who allowed her in? Don’t you know she rejected her family after nearly being caught for attempting to kill my sister? She shouldn’t be here. She is a threat.”

His words stung slightly, but I brushed it off and lifted my chin.

“I suppose the Academy allows anyone now, as long as you pay,” Lydia said softly, still wearing her innocent mask.

“Yes, she shouldn’t be here with us. I’m already scared,” a girl muttered, her eyes lingering on Lance. She was clearly seeking his attention.

I faced the proprietor, who smiled warmly at me, ignoring all their noise. “I used an admission card from the prince. Does that count as ‘anyone‘?”

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Raina pulled the card from her bag and handed it to me. Gasps filled the room as everyone recognized it.

The proprietor smiled even wider. “The prince already informed me about you. You didn’t even need to come here. Everything is completed. All your details have been sent to your phone. Welcome to our academy.”

Lydia’s composure cracked. Rage filled her eyes, her teeth grinding so hard I thought they might break.

Lance stepped forward, hands curled into tight fists. “Don’t pretend you earned that card. The prince doesn’t hand royal passes to nobodies. What did you do to get it?”

Raina stepped forward. “With all due respect, you don’t get to throw accusations at my friend. She owes you no explanation.”

“Look at this wretched commoner ” Lydia spat before she could stop herself.

“Not anymore. And you really sound mean for someone pretending to be ‘good“,” Raina said and together, we both began laughing. Even Kieran chuckled.

“One day your dirty secret will be exposed, and even if I wanted to help you, I wouldn’t be able to. You’ve tarnished our name, sister,” Lydia hissed.

“I’m not your sister,” I snapped.

“What exactly did you do for the prince to give you that?” Lance asked loudly, turning to the students. “Isn’t it suspicious? Isn’t it strange?”

They answered together. “It is!”

“I did what your sister couldn’t,” I said simply, gesturing at Lydia. “She desperately wants the prince’s attention, but he isn’t interested in her.” My tone was mocking, and some students couldn’t help their chuckles.

Lydia’s eyelids twitched with rage.

“I don’t understand,” she seethed.

“You don’t have to,” I replied, stepping closer. “Just know the prince gave it to me because he wanted to. You were there. I wonder why he ignored you.”

Her face flushed with embarrassment as students whispered.

“Does this mean she isn’t the prince’s mate?”

“Didn’t Lydia say Daren would be her mate?”

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