Serena's POV.

My eyes met the principal's, and I saw pity there. I held my breath, waiting for his verdict.

"Serena is one of our best students," my principal said, but Penny's sister scoffed, her voice venomous.

"And you'll produce many more like her, I'm sure."

The principal nodded, his gaze drifting to me before looking away. I bit my lip, feeling a wave of emotions wash over me.

All my hard work, all my struggles, and it was all being taken away. My mom had sacrificed so much for me to be here, and now it was all being ripped apart by Penny's manipulation.

I blinked back tears, refusing...