Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1180

The mention of "severe punishment" made Hailey and the others shrink back in fear. They stepped away, trying to put some distance between themselves and Jocelyn.

Jocelyn felt nothing but resentment, her emotions swirling in a mixture of frustration and injustice.

"I didn't do it on purpose," she sobbed, "but she brought it upon herself! Her aunt made such a fool of herself, yet she still stepped in to defend that old man, Thomas Farrell! Doesn't she feel ashamed?"

Courtney, who hadn't cried when slapped, now let her tears fall at Jocelyn's words. She turned away and buried her face in a fellow student's shoulder, crying openly.

The teachers were soon called in to handle the matter. Even Carissa was summoned.

The students who had been part of the argument were now nervous, worried that they also might face punishment. The tension that had once been thick between the two groups had evaporated, leaving behind no trace of hostility.

Once the full story was known, Rosalind's usually calm expression hardened with disapproval.

"She has caused trouble time and time again, and now she's resorted to violence. It seems she's not here to learn but to cause disruption. I suggest we expel her from the academy before she damages our reputation."

Jocelyn had already been disinterested in staying at the academy, and she was now deeply insulted. To be expelled was far worse than simply leaving on her own terms. Besides, Kylie had specifically asked her to stay at the academy—she still had things to accomplish. How could she be thrown out now?

In a burst of frustration, she turned on Rosalind, the one who had first suggested her expulsion.

"I know why you want me gone. You once proposed to Thomas, and he rejected you. Now he's interested in me, and you're jealous and bitter. You want to drive me out for your own selfish reasons!"

Catherine frowned. "Is this how the Quintons are taught? To sling insults and resort to violence? Spreading rumors, causing trouble… You have no shame. I agree with the suggestion to expel her from the academy."

After a moment's pause, Catherine's tone softened slightly.

"But I suggest you withdraw from your studies on your own, before word spreads and it jeopardizes your future marriage prospects."

"I agree," Athena added, her tone firm.