章 223: A Slap That Shook the Halls    

"Enough!"

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway, and the group scattered like startled animals. Daniel collapsed against the lockers, clutching his ribs and breathing heavily.

Through his blurred vision, he saw a woman rushing toward him, her expression a mix of shock and concern.

"Daniel! Are you okay?" she asked, kneeling beside him.

He didn't answer immediately, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. Finally, he looked up and saw, none other than Lina Fay.

"I'm fine," he said hoarsely, though the pain in his body told a different story.

Lina's sharp heels clicked against the polished hallway floor as she approached, her gaze narrowing at the group of boys surrounding Daniel. Her presence alone was enough to make them stiffen, their earlier bravado wilting under her piercing stare.