Chapter 104

Madeline quickly scrolled through the national leaderboard on her phone until she spotted Summer’s score and ranking.

186 points, ranked 10th in the nation.

Had she not seen Mirabella’s score, she would’ve thought that was pretty impressive, But now… Madeline touched her nose, a forced smile creeping onto her face as she said, “Wow, Summer, you really aced it too, huh?”

Summer’s thoughts, lost in a jumble of emotions, snapped back to the present with Madeline’s voice. She masked the turmoil within and asked calmly, “What did I score?”

“186 points, right at number ten nationwide.” Madeline’s voice was noticeably softer when she said it, lacking the oomph she had when she mentioned Mirabella’s perfect 200 score.

Hearing this, Summer’s eyes briefly dipped in response, her tone flat, “Okay.”

After her terse reply, she slid her phone back into her desk drawer and pulled out her physics textbook instead, burying her head in it. Her ponytail cascaded onto her shoulder, velling half of her profile from view.

wanting to offer some comforting words but coming up empty. All of this was because of Mirabella. She stole Summer’s spotlight after seventeen years, and now, she was back to rub salt in the wound with her over–the–top achievements. It

positively

a beeline

about to call you, and here you are.”

puzzled,

snagging the top national rank in the city preliminaries again. You’re outstanding!” Ms. Annette couldn’t hide her genuine admiration. She recalled how Mr. Morgan, that old stickler, almost misled her and she

that Mirabella had clinched the national top spot again, that stubborn old man must be kicking himself. The thought brought a smug smile

was silent for a beat before she said, “Ms. Annette, I suspect there’s been a mistake with my BrainSpark Nationals preliminary score.”

Annette paused, “A mistake? What

points. No, I’m certain it shouldn’t be just 200 points,”

stifled a laugh. “What do you mean ‘just‘ 200

with a mix of amusement and perplexity for a moment before asking. “So, what score

marks!” Mirabella lifted her chin confidently.

Truth be told, she wanted to believe Mirabella, but she knew the competition’s rigorous

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