Under the Heiress' Facade
Chapter 122

"What are you thinking about, Hera? I've called you several times, but you didn't respond," someonesuddenly tapped her shoulder and asked.

Hera snapped out of her thoughts and saw Kerry standing there.

"Ms. Lane, what's up?" she asked.

With a canvas bag hanging on her shoulder and hands on her baby bump, Kerry seemed to haveapproached her on purpose.

"I finally found you! Here. These are a few speech drafts I selected for you. Take a look and seewhich one you prefer," Kerry said, taking out a stack of papers from her bag.

The drafts were in both Jadonish and Terranish with many annotations on them. Kerry's meticulouspreparation was evident in every detail.

Hera pushed her lunchbox aside and glanced at the papers in confusion.

"The top ten Belles will be revealed tonight. You're currently one of the top contenders in Class K.You're definitely securing a spot in the top ten," Kerry cheered enthusiastically.

"Now, let's gear up for the final speech contest and memorize your speech beforehand. Aim for thatBelle title, and let's showcase the best of Class K at the academy's anniversary celebration!"

Hera wanted to clarify that she hadn't signed up. But when she checked the school forum, she sawher photo and name listed as the first among the nominated girls.

"Thank you, Kerry," Hera reluctantly accepted the speech drafts.

"You're welcome. Take them back and have a look. Drop by my office after school. I'll teach youTerranish recitation. I can also give you extra tutoring over the weekend. Let's polish your speakingskills before next week's speech contest!" Kerry said confidently.

"No need. Actually, I—"

"Hey, are you Gino's sister?"

Just as Hera was about to decline, she was interrupted by a young boy.

The boy looked to be about seven or eight years old. He was wearing the Cavenridge ElementarySchool uniform. He was sweating profusely, out of breath from running.

"What's the matter, my dear? Don't be in a hurry. Take your time."

Kerry hurriedly took out a tissue to wipe his sweat and helped him catch his breath.

"Thank you, Ms. Lane."

After thanking Kerry, the boy turned to Hera and said urgently, "I'm Gino's classmate. Gino got into afight with a third-grader and was sent to the school clinic. The teacher has called the parents, but noone has arrived yet. Please come and check on him."

Hera frowned. She remembered that Gino was only in the first grade. She wondered how he couldpossibly get into a fight with a third-grader.

"Is it serious? Hera, go and check on him quickly," Kerry urged.

"Okay."

Hera nodded slightly.

"Thank you for the information. You don't need to worry about tutoring me. Take care of yourself andyour baby. I'll get going now."

Kerry wanted to persuade her to reconsider tutoring, but Hera had already turned around andfollowed the boy to the clinic.

"Kerry, I think you should take an early maternity leave and go home. These students are hopeless.They're just trying to graduate from a prestigious school by any means necessary. It's not worthputting in so much effort for them," Esme Jeanne, who had witnessed the scene earlier, walked overand said.

She was the homeroom teacher for Class B in the second year and also taught Terranish fromclasses A to E.

She had also heard about the Belle election.

Kerry might try to make Hera shine, but Esme doubted that Hera could win the final speech contestwith her poor Terranish proficiency.

Esme thought it all seemed futile.

"Esme, that's not true. Every student has their strengths and shining moments. Anyone can shinewith a little effort," Kerry argued.

Esme chuckled, "A rotten wood can't be carved. Be careful not to get too worked up and let it affectyour pregnancy."