Laney's complexion became pale with pain. Kailyn removed Laney’s shoe and noticed her instep was red and swollen.

"Damn, who did this?" Kailyn quickly turned to Kira and accused her.

"It was you, wasn't it?"

Kira stood there, her arms folded across her chest, carrying herself with the elegant grace of a swan. “It wasn't on purpose. Besides, she struck me first. It surprised me and I accidentally stepped on her foot."

Kailyn answered, “Accidentally? You crushed her foot! What are you, an elephant?"

The bystanders muffled their laughter behind their hands.

Kira was unaffected by their giggles since the sight of Laney in discomfort pleased her enough. She replied, feigning fear, “I'm sorry Miss Collins. Please don't make things difficult for me or my family now that I have apologized. I dared not target you, not with your support from the influential Collins family."

Kailyn couldn't stand people like Kira and was about to slap her.

Laney quickly pulled Kailyn back and shook her head, signaling Kailyn to keep her composure.

What Kira said wasn't entirely wrong. Laney did have an advantage from her family's status, yet she had earned her own place through hard work, She believed she deserved her position.

Kira's family, too, was involved in significant business ventures.

Laney didn't want Kailyn getting mixed up in this. She decided to deal with the situation herself.

Kira was familiar with Laney’s nature, which emboldened her. She looked at Laney mockingly. “Does it still hurt, Miss Collins? Should I call the director so you can tell on me and get me in trouble?"

Laney managed a weak smile. "It doesn't hurt that much anymore. It's really nothing.”

As Laney spoke, she leaned on Kailyn, limping forward.

A dancer relied heavily on her feet, and Kira had been merciless.

The more Laney thought about it, the more her anger grew. She muttered under her breath, "I can't walk on it, I'LL have to hop instead."

Kailyn suggested, “Let me carry you to the infirmary.”

“There's no need. I'll try hopping. Laney added as she hopped, “It seems to work.”

As Laney hopped near Kira, she suddenly released Kailyn's hand, jumped, and stomped forcefully on Kira's foot. Her stomp was heavy with her full weight and all her pent-up vengeance.

Kira let out a scream of agony, losing her usual poise and swearing at Laney.

Laney put on a look of shock. “Oh, I'm sorry, Kira. Did that hurt you? My bad. I'm still getting used to hopping on one leg and accidentally stepping on you."

Frustrated, Kira brought the incident to the director, crying and demanding an apology from Laney.

Laney refused to apologize, insisting she did nothing wrong. The director had no choice but to summon both families to resolve the issue.