NOVEL WEB Chapter 33: Helplessness
Her name was Leah, the class's vice monitor and the second-best student after Elena.
Despite her efforts and constant studying, Elena always managed to outperform her effortlessly, securing the top spot.
This fueled both admiration and jealousy in Leah—feelings that, over time, morphed into resentment.
Even though Elena had always been kind to her, often helping her with her studies, Leah still agreed to Jian plan without hesitation.
A woman consumed by jealousy can be more ruthless than a venomous snake.
Leah only wish now was for Elena to fall from grace. She hoped that Elena would be ruined emotionally, causing her grades to plummet—giving Leah the chance to surpass her in the final exams and claim the title of the school's top student.
"I... I can't drink anymore... I really can't..." Elena's voice was slurred as she swayed in her seat. "I feel so dizzy... My phone... Give me back my phone..."
Jian exchanged another glance with Jia and Leah, the corners of their lips curling into triumphant smirks. He quickly stepped forward and grabbed Elena's arm.
"Elena, you're clearly drunk. You won't be able to make it home by yourself. Let me take you back."
"No... I... I can go home on my own..." Elena angrily shook off Jian's hand, frowning as she turned to Jia.
"Give me back my phone!! Jia... what... what are you doing? Give it back to me right now!"
"Elena, you're drunk! Let Jian and me take you home!"
Jia and Jian exchanged another confirming glance.
At that moment, they simultaneously grabbed Elena—one on each side—pulling her towards the exit of the restaurant.
"Let me go!! What are you doing? Let me go!" Elena pushed Jian again, her voice laced with anger as she struggled to break free.
"I said I'll go back by myself! Give me back my phone!"
"Wait! What are you doing?" At that moment, a tall, thin, and handsome boy from another table stood up nervously. He quickly walked over to intervene, his eyes sharp as he addressed the group.
"Why are you pulling Elena? Jia, give her phone back!"
The commotion had grown loud enough to draw the attention of other students attending the reunion. Everyone turned their heads curiously toward the scene unfolding.
A few rough-looking students rose with sneers on their faces, moving to stand beside Jian. They glared coldly at the boy blocking their way, their expressions full of silent threats.
Seeing someone step in, Elena immediately called out for help.
"Kaiden, tell them to let me go!"
"Kaiden, don't get involved in this! Just leave it alone!" Jia gently pushed the boy aside, her tone soft but firm.
This boy was Kaiden—the object of Jia's long-standing crush. He was Handsome and sweet-faced.
Though he lacked some masculinity, his gentle demeanor and exceptional academic performance made him one of the most admired boys in school.
Countless girls pursued him, yet Kaiden harbored secret feelings only for Elena. And while they hadn't officially become a couple, there was mutual affection between them.
Kaiden had planned to confess his love to Elena today, but upon arriving at the hotel, he'd been pulled away by several of Jian's followers.
From afar, he could do nothing but watch as Elena toasted with Jian, Jia, and others. When he saw Jian trying to drag Elena away, however, Kaiden finally mustered the courage to step forward.
"Jia! You've gone too far! Elena trusts you so much, treats you like her best friend! How could you—"
*Bang!*
Before Kaiden could finish, Jian slapped him hard across the face.
"Kaiden, have you lost your mind? Get out of my way! I'm in a good mood today, and I don't want to hit anyone. Move aside, or I won't be responsible for what happens next!"
Jian growled menacingly, glaring at Kaiden with unbridled fury.
Behind Jian, three burly boys cracked their knuckles, surrounding Kaiden with threatening stares.
"Kaiden, you know how I operate. If you don't back off right now, trust me, you'll regret it. Your life will be hell for the rest of the year, and forget about focusing on the college entrance exams. Oh, and don't think I've forgotten—I got your dad that job. Don't make me reconsider my generosity!" Jian spat venomously.
"Jian, stop this! What you're doing is wrong! Everyone's watching! What if someone—" Kaiden stammered, trembling visibly. His pale face betrayed his fear, but despite his terror, he still pleaded weakly.
"Let me go!! Kaiden! Help me get my phone back! What are you even planning to do?! Someone, please help me!" Elena screamed, struggling against Jian, Jia, and Leah, who held her tightly.
Her weakened body, already disoriented from drinking, couldn't break free, leaving her helpless and desperate for aid.
Around her, some classmates wore solemn expressions, while others exchanged smug whispers, seemingly amused by Elena's plight. No one stepped forward to intervene—not a single word of support was offered.
Elena felt dizzy and overwhelmed. Looking at Kaiden, who cowered to the side clutching his reddened cheek, and the indifferent faces of her peers, her eyes filled with rage and despair.
"Kaiden! You coward! You… all of you are despicable!" she shouted hoarsely, summoning the last of her strength to push Jian and Jia away. But before she could take another step, Leah shoved her forcefully from behind, causing her unstable body to stumble and collapse heavily onto the floor.
"Elena, look at you—you can barely stand! Let me take you home," Jian declared arrogantly, grinning as he and Jia hauled her up. They began dragging her toward the door.
Just then, the private room's door burst open. Harry appeared, his expression dark and stormy. Taking in the sight of Jian and Jia manhandling Elena, he barked coldly, "What do you two think you're doing?"
"Brother-in-law!" Seeing Harry appear, Elena felt like she had grabbed a life-saving straw. She struggled to rush towards Harry, but was held tightly by Jia and Jian. No matter how hard she struggled, it was of no use.