---- Chapter 9 I went back to the dorm and began preparing for my upcoming lessons. The kids in the village had fallen too far behind in their studies. Even the sixth graders didn't have a strong foundation and couldn't even compare to first graders from the city. Late at night, I continued working tirelessly by candlelight. When things started feeling a little hot, I looked up, only to spot smoke seeping in beneath my door. I jumped to my feet, shouting, "Fire!" Immediately, I tried to escape through the window, but it was sealed shut. From the looks of it, someone had done it on purpose! All I could do was pound on the door, hoping that those nearby could hear me. "Help! Anyone there?" ---- No one seemed to have heard me, despite the lack of soundproofing in the building. How could it be that nota single person was around? Soon, I noticed that the flames were starting to lick at my door. Taking a deep breath, I decided to try and dash out of the room instead. However, the door didn't budge at all, not even when I threw my weight against it. It had been blocked as well! Just as I was about to despair, I heard Eliza's voice ringing out nearby. "Matthew!" That was followed by the sound of even more footsteps. Everyone told me to hang in there. Once I was rescued, Eliza grabbed me and pulled me into her room. I wasn't sure if I was light-headed from all the smoke I had inhaled or if she'd grown stronger. Either way, I couldn't break away from her grip. ---- Eliza checked on me thoroughly. She exhaled in relief once she confirmed I was alright. The fire caused such a commotion that even the village mayor got involved. In just a single day, they found the culprit who started the fire. I was shocked to find out it was Carl who did it. As it was a failed attempt at murder, he was restrained and put under watch until it was time for him to be sent to the police station in town. I went to see him. He hadn't had it easy the past few days. He looked like a pathetic mess, which was unlike his usual dapper self. I couldn't think of a reason why he'd want to kill me. When Carl saw me, he struggled against his restraints. The rag in his mouth muffled his shouts. "Why aren't you dead? Why did you have to show up in front of Eliza?" In the latest episode of ReelTalk, titled "Queen Bee Meets Queen Bee," the infamous Daniela Couso reunites with Sarah Moliski for a buzzworthy discussion. Dive into the world of these legendary villains as they unveil the realities behind their captivating personas. Exploring themes of power, rivalry, and intrigue, this ongoing romance series delves deep into the complexities of characters like Daniela and Sarah. Witness the clash of two formidable personalities as they navigate love, ambition, and deception in a world where nothing is as it seems. What sets this narrative apart is its intricate character dynamics and the magnetic pull between its leading ladies. Experience the allure of forbidden desires and hidden agendas in a story that promises twists at every turn. Ready to uncover the secrets that bind these queens together? Available to read at CrushReel for those eager to unravel the mysteries within.