She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 273

Cyrilla’s apology was almost too smooth, too perfectly delivered. Giselle didn’t even process it right away.

But she was kind. If Cyrilla was willing to clear her name, then Giselle was willing to accept the apology.

With her eyes lowered, she said quietly, “I forgive you, if you go back to the classroom and tell everyone this had nothing to do with me.”

Cyrilla had already decided exactly how she’d play it. She nodded obediently. “I will.”

Then she looked up at Loyce, her voice small and trembling. “Loyce… can you forgive me now?”

Loyce gave a slight shrug. “It’s not about me forgiving you. Giselle forgave you. I won’t add anything.”

Cyrilla nodded, then forced a brave little smile at Lucian. “Lucian, the issue is resolved. I understand what I did wrong. I’m sorry you had to come all the way here.”

She’d gone far enough that Lucian didn’t bother digging deeper. Cyrilla wasn’t his child; she wasn’t even his responsibility. He couldn’t be bothered to police her character. He looked at Loyce instead. “We’re done here?”

“More or less.” Loyce strolled toward the door, then paused and looked back at Mr. Ludlow. “Please make sure Cyrilla actually apologizes properly and clears Giselle’s name. If this isn’t handled, I’ll be back, and I won’t be polite about it.”

Lucian nodded once at Mr. Ludlow. “Appreciate it.”

Mr. Ludlow had figured it out by now: the famous admiral hadn’t come for Cyrilla at all. He’d come because of Giselle’s “sister.” He nodded quickly. “Understood. Since Cyrilla admitted she was wrong, Giselle will receive a full apology.”

Lucian dipped his chin and followed Loyce out. Because of their height difference, he leaned down slightly toward her, his voice turning noticeably softer. “I’ve got something for you. Come to the car. I’ll grab it.”

Cyrilla watched his back as he left. She could see it clearly: that restrained, careful gentleness in the way he spoke to Loyce.

Giselle drifted close to Cyrilla and murmured, “Don’t you see it yet? They’re the ones who belong in the same world. Your lies won’t become real.”

Cyrilla snapped her head around, eyes vicious. “Watch your mouth.”

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Back in the classroom, Mr. Ludlow used the break between periods to bring Cyrilla to the front and have her apologize publicly.

Cyrilla had already reset her expression. She stood at the podium with reddened eyes, fingers clenched in the fabric of her skirt, shoulders trembling just enough to look fragile. Her gaze skimmed the room, landing on Giselle at last—right as a tear slipped down at the perfect moment.

“I’m sorry, Giselle…” Her voice was tiny, shaking. “I… I misunderstood you…”

Giselle saw the trap clearly now. If she refused, the class wouldn’t just stare her down—they’d tear her apart.

Giselle nodded, a faint edge of mockery in her eyes. “I forgive you.”

Mr. Ludlow cleared his throat. “Alright! Cyrilla has acknowledged her mistake. That’s the end of it. Everyone, focus on getting along.”

Cyrilla nodded. As she stepped down from the podium, she suddenly swayed. A classmate rushed to steady her. She offered a weak smile. “It’s fine… I’m just… a little dizzy.”

“Do you need to go to the nurse?” Mr. Ludlow asked, concerned.

“No…” Cyrilla shook her head, voice airy. “I’ll be okay. I just need a minute.”

When the next class ended, several girls immediately crowded around her.

“Cyrilla, were you forced to apologize?”

“Did Giselle’s sister threaten you?”