Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 169

"...who achieved an incredible score, with perfect marks in four subjects. Can anyone guess who it is?"

"Mira!"

The entire class shouted in unison.

While the other students beamed with pride, Mara's heart plummeted like a stone.

What? How the hell am I supposed to beat that?

Basking in the admiring gazes of her peers, Mira stood up and smiled. "Lunch is on me today—fried chicken for everyone!

Let's keep improving together and ace our graduation exams next year."

She was right. Next year's graduation exams were what truly mattered.

There was no point in being jealous of others now; focusing on their studies was the only sensible path forward.

A few students who hadn't scored well instantly snapped out of their funk, filled with newfound determination.

"Hell yes!"

The crowd cheered.

"Count me in."

Mr. Harth, who now knew Mira wasn't exactly hurting for cash, chimed in to join the fun.

"Of course. All the substitute teachers get one too," Mira agreed generously.

With that, Mira called the school cafeteria and had the chefs prep the order.

The cafeteria food wasn't expensive anyway. The massive drumsticks were only around five dollars each.

Feeding the fifty students and all the substitute teachers only cost roughly two hundred and fifty dollars.

It was a small price to pay to buy everyone's happiness and unite the class.

Elara nudged Mira's arm. "Don't treat those guys."

She pointed at the clique that used to hang around Mara.

"Let it go. Maybe a free meal is all it takes to make them keep their distance from Mara."

Only Mara took a quiet, secluded path, strolling slowly toward the cafeteria.

What a bunch of easily amused peasants, she sneered inwardly. Thrilled over some cheap fried chicken? She couldn't care less.

The most infuriating part was that her former lackeys had bolted the second the bell rang, terrified Mira might leave them out.

How many expensive gifts had she showered them with in the past? They were nothing but parasites who followed the money! Absolute trash!

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Just as she was plotting how to punish them later, she arrived at the cafeteria.

By now, the students of Mira's class had excitedly grabbed their food and Mira's complimentary chicken, crowding around the tables to eat.

They soaked in the envious stares from the students in other classes.

Even their substitute teachers had arrived earlier than usual to partake in the rare moment of collective joy.

"Why are you all here so early as a group today?"

"Obviously, because our class president bought us lunch. See this? Massive fried chicken."