Bully HUMILI ATED her in front of everyone, not knowing who she really is…

He’d asked for one thing—to see what Anna had built from the ashes of his empire. She spotted him through the glass. Their eyes met.

A moment of understanding passed between former enemies. Then Max did something unexpected—he bowed deeply and formally, like a student greeting a master. Anna bowed back, then turned to her class.

Some fights are won with fists, others with words. But the most important ones, the ones that really matter, are won by showing people how to be truly strong. Ghost was dead.

She’d served her purpose and saved what needed saving. But Anna Harper was very much alive, and she had work to do. After all, the strongest fighters are those who fight for others, not against them.

And in the gym that once echoed with cruel laughter, now rang with the footsteps of 60 students learning to defend, not hunt. Proving—sometimes the best revenge isn’t revenge at all, but transformation. A year later, Anna stood in the hospital hallway, watching through the window as David laughed with other patients in the recovery ward.

Her hair had grown back. Color returned to her cheeks. The experimental treatment had worked better than anyone expected.

A familiar voice behind her. She turned to see Max Thompson in a plain t-shirt and jeans. No more designer clothes, no more arrogance, just a young man who’d learned some hard lessons.

Max greeted her: Heard you got out early for good behavior. I got my GED too, and started leading anti-bullying workshops for other kids at the rehab center. He scratched his neck awkwardly.

Wanted to thank you for not pressing extra charges. And for the letter you sent the judge, supporting rehab over punishment. Everyone deserves a second chance, Anna said simply.

Not everyone gives them. He pulled out an envelope. I’ve been working construction, saving up.

This, for your brother’s medical fund. I know the FBI covered treatment, but there’s always extra costs. Anna eyed the envelope skeptically.

Max, I can’t take this. Please. Let me do one good thing.

Let me start fixing what I broke. She accepted it, noting his callused hands. Real work, honest work…