The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 88: Victoria Hit Me!

Jasmine twirled around, grinning. "These are vintage Christian Louboutins. You can't even buy them anymore. My mom gave them to me."

Ella finally noticed Jasmine's shoes and exclaimed, "Wow, they're gorgeous! They look amazing on you, Jasmine. Your feet are so slender and smooth, they make the shoes look even better. You and your mom have great taste!"

Jasmine giggled, covering her mouth. "Really? It's all thanks to my mom. If you like them, Ella, I can show you my mom's shoe closet sometime. She's a high heel fanatic and has a whole room just for her collection."

Ella gasped in amazement, which made Jasmine feel quite pleased with herself. 

Natalia and Lila chimed in, "Jasmine, you really are from a wealthy family. So rich!"

Mira had just put on her own black high heels, which she bought from a discount store. They were pretty basic but made of leather and cost her two hundred dollars. It was her first pair of heels, only one inch high. 

She hadn't thought much of it until she saw her classmates' trendy and beautiful shoes, which made her feel a bit self-conscious. 

She glanced at Victoria's feet. Victoria's heels were simple in design but had elegant and refined lines. Mira blushed and tried to hide her feet, hesitating to step forward.

Victoria took a few steps and noticed Mira lagging behind. Curious, she turned back and asked, "What's up?" 

She saw Mira's discomfort and her plain black heels, and gently said, "Don't be embarrassed. Your shoes are nice too—simple and practical, just like the teacher asked."

Mira cautiously asked, "Really? Your shoes are all so pretty, they make me feel like an ugly duckling."

Victoria walked over and linked arms with her. "Nonsense. You're young and cute, you look good in anything. There's no need to compare yourself to them. Luxury and affordable clothes are all meant to be worn."

Mira pouted and slowly nodded. "Victoria, I'm being too sensitive. I've worked hard and gotten into a good college just like them. I'm excellent too! Even though my family is ordinary, we're harmonious and loving, and that makes me very happy." 

Comforting herself, Mira straightened her back and walked into the classroom with Victoria.

Their etiquette teacher, Azalea Gray, wore a fitted knit dress and three-inch stilettos. 

She gracefully walked back and forth on the stage. "You need to pay attention, like I just did. Chin slightly raised, smile without showing your teeth, and maintain a proud expression." 

After demonstrating, she had them line up and walk one by one, observing their posture with a pointer and correcting them.

Mira wasn't used to high heels and walked unsteadily. Azalea pulled her aside for special coaching and had her walk in front of everyone. 

Lila, who had a grudge against Mira, seized the opportunity to loudly mock her. "Look at her ugly shoes, so dull and old-fashioned. Did she pick them out of the trash?"

Many classmates started whispering. Ella and Jasmine covered their mouths, laughing quietly. All eyes were on Mira with disdain. 

Feeling hurt, Mira stumbled and fell forward. Azalea caught her and sternly said, "If you're not used to wearing heels, practice more at home. Do you plan to wear flats on stage forever? It's wrong for your classmates to mock you, but if you can't handle a little criticism, you're too fragile for performing."

Mira found Azalea's words harsh but somewhat true. She blushed and said, "Thank you, Ms. Gray. I understand. I'll practice hard after class." She then ran off the stage to Victoria.

Victoria patted her shoulder, comforting her. "It's okay. It's normal to struggle the first time. You're smart, you'll get the hang of it soon." 

She then raised her voice, "They're mocking you because they lack manners. A true lady wouldn't ridicule someone over a pair of shoes."

Mira nodded firmly. "Yes, I know. Some people are ugly inside, no matter how well they dress. Besides, she's not even pretty." She glanced at Lila and Ella.

Azalea nodded approvingly at Victoria. "Let's continue practicing." She then took a phone call and left the room.

During practice, Victoria walked with Mira, quietly teaching her tips for wearing heels. 

Mira gradually steadied her steps, but as she moved a bit away from Victoria, Natalia suddenly stuck out her foot, tripping Mira. She fell to the ground, her left shoe flying off.

Mira clutched her scraped knee, angrily pointing at Natalia. "Did you trip me on purpose?"

Victoria rushed over to help Mira up. "Can you stand?" 

Mira nodded, using Victoria's hand to stand, hopping a few steps to pick up her shoe, which was now scuffed but wearable.

Victoria helped Mira to a seat, then walked over to Natalia with a stern expression. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

Natalia, looking scared, glanced at Ella. Encouraged by Ella's nod, she faced Victoria. "Sorry, I'm not used to wearing heels either. Mira should understand."

Ella smiled and added, "Yeah, she didn't mean it. Victoria, don't accuse her unfairly. We feel bad for tripping Mira. How about I cover her medical expenses? She seems to need the money."

Lila rolled her eyes and muttered, "Who saw Natalia trip her? Maybe she just can't walk. A country bumpkin in heels for the first time!"

Hearing this, Victoria slapped Lila hard across the face. The slap was loud, and Victoria's strength sent Lila stumbling back two steps.

Her high heels wobbled, and she grabbed Natalia, causing both of them to fall to the ground.

"Victoria hit me!" Lila shouted.

Ella stared at Victoria in shock. She was so angry for Mira, clearly valuing her only friend. 

Jasmine's impression of Victoria changed instantly. 'She's a rude and unreasonable woman. It seems what Ella and the others said about her was true. She's really not someone to mess with.'

At that moment, Azalea returned, seeing the chaos. 

Natalia and Lila were on the floor, Lila holding her swollen cheek, crying, "Ms. Gray, Victoria hit me! You have to punish her!"