Chapter 25

Leah took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening. She nodded, slowly rising from her seat, her eyes briefly meeting the principal's with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. The armed men created a path, their presence a silent reminder of the force they were prepared to employ if necessary.

As Leah stepped out of the principal's office, she couldn't help but wonder what awaited her at the Institute.

Every step felt like a burden, her head bowed low, weighed down by the overwhelming circumstances as she made her way through the corridor.

The murmur of students grew louder. She could sense their curiosity and concern, their eyes following her every move. Among the crowd, her gaze met Jamie's, who was wearing a wide grin.

Instantly, a surge of rage coursed through Leah's veins, reminding her of what had conspired between them earlier.

Leah raised her head, her eyes filled with a mixture of emotions she couldn’t make sense of.

Just as Leah approached the waiting truck, a voice cut thr