The day after, she found herself locked in the restroom for hours.

The constant humiliation chipped away at her, breaking her down little by little.

She loathed Corrine. Hated her with everything she had. But no amount of anger could change the reality she was trapped in.

And when her roommates locked her out of their dorm once again, she clenched her fists, swallowing her rage. Then, with slow, measured steps, she turned toward the rooftop.

Gazing at the distant glow of city lights, Rita pressed the call button.

The moment the call connected, emotion clogged her throat. "Casper, I can't take it anymore."

Casper had just returned from a business trip with Mylo, Lyndon's assistant, and had no idea what had transpired in his absence.

Alarmed by her tone, he asked urgently, "Rita, what happened?"

Through quiet sobs, she choked out, "Everyone's against me. I feel like I'm suffocating."

His grip on the phone tightened. "Why are they against you? Please don't cry. Where are you right now?"

Fear clawed at his chest. He didn't wait for her answer before grabbing his car keys and rushing toward the door.

"I'm on the rooftop of the dormitory building at school," she murmured.

Casper's heart lurched. "Rita, what are you doing up there? Listen to me—I'm here for you. Don't do anything reckless."

Her voice wavered between anger and despair. "They're all accusing me of masterminding Rosie's plot against Keanu, but I swear I had nothing to do with it! I warned Rosie not to provoke Miss Sanderson and Mrs. Fernandez, but she wouldn't listen! Now, because of her wrongdoing, everyone is blaming me. That's not fair! Do they want me gone? Fine! If that's what they want, I'll make it happen!"

Casper's pulse thundered in his ears. His voice sharpened. "Rita, stop! Think about your grandmother. If something happens to you, she will be heartbroken. She loves you more than anything— do you really want to leave her all alone?"

Tears rolled down her cheeks. "But I'm so tired, Casper. I can't take this anymore. The bullying, the accusations. . It's too much."

"T understand. But you're not alone—you have me. I'm on my way to your school right now. Please, come down. Let's talk in person, okay?"

His voice was steady, reassuring, pulling her back from the edge.

"Casper..."

"Rita, listen to me. We'll face this together. Come downstairs, and we'll talk," Casper urged.

Rita hesitated, the silence stretching. Then, in a barely audible whisper, she said, "Okay."

Casper exhaled sharply, relief washing over him. "I'll be there in thirty minutes. Meet me at the entrance, alright?"

Another small sniffle came through the line. "Alright."

The call ended, but as Rita wiped her tears away, a new expression took over. Her sorrow gave way to something colder, more resolute. A slow, knowing smile played on her lips.