Chapter 21

Selena clenched her fists tightly, her gaze fixed on Hailey’s hack.

“Selena, I should’ve been more careful this time, but there’s no way Hailey’s score is real. Casey has been the top student in our grade for as long as I can remember, and now, suddenly, she didn’t even place above Hailey? Something’s definitely off Mateo said..

Selena nodded and reassured him. “Don’t worry, Mateo, I’ll make sure we get to the bottom of this. I just… Im so disappointed. I never thought my sister would go this far just to beat you?”

With that. Selena lowered her head, looking utterly dejected.

Mateo sofiened and gently comforted her. “She’s not worth your sadness, Selena. Don’t let this get to you.”

Selena glanced up at him, eyes brimming with emotion. “Thank you, Mateo. I’m just glad you’re here with me.”

The two of them stood close, their connection evident–enough to make others envious.

Just then, a voice floated over from behind them. “There’s always someone better out there. Some people just refuse to accept that.”

Selena’s expression stiffened. Mateo turned around and saw the girl who had spoken, his brows furrowing. He asked, “Casey, your spot as the top student was taken. Aren’t you mad?”

The girl had large, round eyes, straight bangs, and fair skin–an overall sweet and innocent look. She was Casey,

Casey blinked, then shrugged. “Why would I be mad? There will always be someone better than you. That’s just how life

works.”

Hearing this, Mateo felt his breath hitch.

“You two, though, Casey continued, raising a brow, “acting like you’re untouchable. There are tons of people out there more talented than you. Maybe accept reality now before life smacks you in the face”

After delivering that remark, Casey smirked, stretched her arms lazily, and strolled off, looking thoroughly pleased with

herself.

when she was called to the office. Her homeroom teacher was there, along with the dean, Luke. Selena

a noticeable beer belly. He was hunched over Hailey’s

neat, the paper itself meticulously organized–it was pleasing to the eye.

stepped in, scanning the room.

her tone

gaze, his expression stern. “Your test score has been

his

laugh. “Cheating, I’ve seen students like you before,”

you have proof?” Hailey asked,

28

Chapter 21

in the office when no one else was around. The security footage captured it. And considering how close the two of you are, are you really going to say he wasn’t

start running your mouth, he snapped. “Yeah, I was in the office last Wednesday,

be scared. We all know you’re a good kid. If

you won’t! Joshua snapped, fists clenching, ready to

“Enough. No punching people. Dial

to calm down,

with the wrong person. But

Molly sneaked a glance at Selena before composing herself.

any case. Hailey’s test score is invalid. The academic office has reached a unanimous decision, Luke declared, his expression resolute.

A low, authoritative voice cut through the

silent. Luke’s arrogance instantly vanished, his face paling as he shot up from his seat. “Mr. Medrano,”

toward the door, her eyes narrowing slightly. A man stood there, with sharp

a room the moment he stepped in. He was Nicolas, the

moment before lowering. She knew exactly who he was. Her mother’s biological brother.

sitting down. His long fingers picked up Hailey’s test paper.

the pages. Then his expression hardened as his gaze swept

filled with something indescribable–shock, emotion, recognition. Then Nicolas surged forward and

your name?”

and smiled slightly. “I am

father?” Nicolas asked again.

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