Transmigrated Into The True Heiress-Chapter 112: All Out

{Those who have read the earlier Chapter before I posted this Chapter should go back and read the one I added. Before it wss 1.1k words, now it’s 1.5k words}

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When the teacher finally announced, "Time’s up! Please put your pens down," a collective sigh of relief swept through the room. The assistant began collecting the remaining test papers as students stretched and exchanged glances.

Malia practically sprinted over to Ephyra’s desk. "You finished so fast! What did you think of question five? I’m pretty sure I butchered it."

Ephyra gave a small shrug. "It wasn’t too bad. I just focused on what I knew and didn’t overthink it."

Cyran joined them, his expression relaxed. "Honestly, question five was tricky. I can’t blame Malia for panicking."

Malia groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I’m doomed. Forget Mr. Altheron; I won’t even survive the announcement board."

Ephyra smiled reassuringly. "We’ll check the results together. Whatever happens, it’s not the end of the world."

The group made their way out of the classroom, joining the throng of students heading toward the announcement boards. The hallways buzzed with anticipation, a mix of excitement and dread palpable in the air.

When they finally reached their class’s board, Malia hesitated, clutching Ephyra’s arm. "You go first. I can’t look."

Ephyra chuckled softly but obliged, scanning the list of names and grades. She quickly found her own name in second position and felt a wave of relief.

Cyran whistled. "You took second position, and the first only surpassed you by two points."

"You did great," Orla said, glancing over her shoulder. "No surprise there."

Malia peeked between her fingers. "What about me? Am I still alive?"

Ephyra’s eyes scanned down the list until she found Malia’s name. A smile broke across her face. "You’re in the top five again, and Cyran is in third position."

Malia’s jaw dropped. "Wait, what? Are you serious?"

"Dead serious," Ephyra said with a grin. "See for yourself."

Malia shoved past her to look at the board, her eyes widening as she confirmed the results. "Oh my god. I don’t believe it. Mr. Altheron must have been in a good mood."

Cyran smirked. "Told you. You always pull through."

Malia let out a laugh, the tension draining from her shoulders. "Alright, fine. You were right. But next time, I’m studying with you, Ephyra. Whatever magic you have, I need some of it."

The group laughed, the earlier stress replaced with a sense of camaraderie. As they walked back toward the courtyard, Ephyra glanced up at the sky. The snow was still falling, light and steady—a peaceful reminder that even in the midst of challenges, there was beauty to be found.

days unfolded in a blur of snowy mornings and bustling school days. Ephyra found herself driving through the snow-covered city each morning, the world blanketed in white serenity. Inside the school, however, the atmosphere was anything but calm. Students wrapped in thick jackets and scarves huddled in the hallways, their breaths misting in the chilly air as they debated exam questions and second-guessed their answers. The rhythmic sound of pencils scribbling on paper echoed through classrooms, mingling with the occasional groan of frustration or sigh of relief as the exams continued.

Outside, snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, settling on windowsills and branches—a picturesque backdrop to the students’ growing anticipation. Inside, everyone sought warmth, whether by the radiator-lined walls or in the lively chatter that filled the air during breaks. But amid the focus on exams, an electric undercurrent buzzed through the school: the upcoming banquet.

Rumors swirled through the hallways and across social media. Posts about the banquet’s theme, potential venues, and outfit ideas flooded group chats and online forums. Speculation ran wild, with students debating everything from the party’s location to whether the decorations would outshine last year’s event. Malia, true to her nature, was at the center of the excitement, her enthusiasm infectious.

"I can’t wait to see everyone in formal outfits," she gushed to the group one afternoon. "Ephyra, you’re going to look absolutely stunning. And Cyran? I swear you will look so handsome in a white suit!"

Cyran raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Malia. I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations."

"You better," she retorted with a playful grin. "And Ephyra, I’m dragging you shopping if you don’t already have something planned. This banquet is going to be the event of the year."

Ephyra chuckled, shaking her head. "Don’t worry, I definitely have everything planned. I’ll probably have hundreds of dresses to choose from. And I’ll make sure not to disappoint."

Orla chimed in, her voice tinged with amusement. "You talk as if this is the Winter Gala for royalty, Malia. Relax a little."

"Relax?" Malia exclaimed, feigning shock. "This is our moment to shine. Exams are stressful enough. We deserve one night to dress up and forget about everything else."

As the week continued, the excitement only grew. Snow blanketed the school grounds, its pristine surface broken by students walking to and from the building, their footsteps crunching softly underfoot.

By Wednesday of the following week, the halls were alive with a mix of last-minute exam stress and banquet buzz. Malia had practically memorized every rumor about the event, from the rumored color scheme to whispers of a live band. As the group parted ways for the day, she waved dramatically. "See you all at the banquet! You better bring your A-game!"

Ephyra smiled as she walked toward her car, receiving a call from Jania.

Ephyra unlocked her car and slid into the driver’s seat before answering the call. She had collected the keys to the cars and the penthouse and she had also started driving herself to and from school and spending nights at the penthouse. Tonight was one of those nights.

"Have you seen the address of the venue I sent?"

"Yeah, I saw it," she replied, glancing at the text Jania had sent earlier. The address was tucked neatly in the city’s upscale district, a venue known for hosting extravagant events. "It’s quite the place. You really went all out."

Jania chuckled on the other end. "Of course. It’s not every day we get to make a statement, is it? The banquet is the perfect opportunity."

Ephyra hummed thoughtfully, leaning back in her seat as the engine purred to life. "What time do you need me there?"

"Be there by seven. I’ve arranged for someone to receive you at the entrance. The place is an organized mess—it’s only the finishing touches now."

"Got it. I’ll be there on time," Ephyra assured, her tone steady as she shifted the car into gear. "Anything else I need to know?"

Jania hesitated for a moment before replying, her voice laced with a touch of amusement. "Master Lyle changed it to a masquerade banquet, and I was wondering when you would be free to meet the stylist."

"A masquerade party? He really is projecting his personality onto others."

"He said you would like it. Do you?"

Ephyra raised an eyebrow as she chuckled. "I do like it, actually. I guess I should thank him."

"Yeah, go ahead and thank your husband for his thoughtful gesture."

"Fuck you, Jania."

Jania burst into laughter on the other end of the call. "Such sweet words of gratitude, Mrs. Aelion."

Ephyra rolled her eyes, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "You’re insufferable. I’ll call the stylist and set something up for tomorrow morning. I’m done with my papers. Anything else?"

"Just one thing—make sure you’re ready to turn heads," Jania teased. "With everything that will go down, you’re bound to be the talk of the night."

Ephyra sighed but couldn’t help the hint of a smile creeping onto her face. "As if I wasn’t already. See you Thursday."

"Take care, boss lady," Jania replied, ending the call.

Ephyra placed her phone on the dashboard and shifted into drive. The streets were still cloaked in snow, the city lights reflecting off the icy surface, painting the world in a warm, golden glow. As she navigated the familiar roads, her mind wandered to the upcoming banquet.

A masquerade. That was unexpected, but it did suit the occasion. She wasn’t entirely sure why Lyle cared enough to make such a bold statement, but she wasn’t about to let it bother her. If nothing else, it would add an intriguing twist to the evening.

The rest of the drive was quiet, save for the faint hum of the heater and the occasional swish of the windshield wipers. When Ephyra arrived home, she was greeted by the comforting silence of her penthouse. Stepping inside, she kicked off her boots, her breath misting slightly in the cold air as she pulled off her gloves.

She poured herself a glass of wine and sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the snow continue to fall. It was moments like this—still and unhurried—that she cherished most. But her mind couldn’t stay still for long. The masquerade lingered in her thoughts, bringing a faint smirk to her lips.

By the time Thursday rolled around, Ephyra found herself walking into an elegant studio where the stylist was waiting. The room was a symphony of muted tones and luxurious textures, racks of exquisite dresses lining the walls. A slender woman with sharp features and an air of authority approached her with a warm smile.

"Mrs. Aelion, I presume? I’m Celine. It’s a pleasure to work with you."

Ephyra nodded, her usual reserved demeanor firmly in place. "Likewise. Jania said you’d have some options prepared?"

"Of course," Celine said, gesturing to a rack of dresses. "We’ve curated a selection that matches the masquerade theme—elegant, striking, and, most importantly, unforgettable."

Ephyra stepped closer, her fingers brushing against the fabrics. Each gown was a masterpiece, from dark, velvety hues to shimmering metallics, all designed to make a statement. She paused at one in particular—a sleek black tulle dress with detailed shimmering crystal detailing that mimicked starlight over it, paired with a delicate but mysterious mask.

"This one," she said simply, lifting the mask to examine it.

Celine smiled knowingly. "An excellent choice. Shall we make adjustments to ensure a perfect fit?"

Ephyra nodded, allowing the stylist to guide her through the process.