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.

just finished lunch when she was called to the office. Her homeroom

was a man in his forties, wearing glasses and sporting a noticeable beer belly. He was hunched over Hailey’s test paper,

the paper itself meticulously organized–it was

stepped in, scanning the room.

greeted them, her tone calm. “Is there something you need?”

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

met his eyes.

“Cheating, I’ve

have proof?” Hailey asked, unfazed.

28 Mar b

Chapter 21

up from the side. The day before the exam, Joshua was 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

that accusation, he bristled immediately. “You better have proof before you start running your mouth, he snapped. “Yeah, I was in the office last Wednesday, but

was from the Cooper family, not someone she wanted to cross. She answered. Joshua, you don’t have to be scared. We all know you’re a good kid. If Hailey forced you into this, it’s okay

hell you won’t! Joshua snapped, fists clenching,

No punching

himself to calm down, though his glare at Molly didn’t waver

the wrong person. But she had already taken Selena’s money–she couldn’t back out

at Selena before composing herself.

academic office has reached a unanimous decision,

sure about that?” A low, authoritative voice cut

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

narrowing slightly. A man stood there, with sharp features, buzzed hair,

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

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

walked in and pulled out a chair casually, sitting down.

work, Hailey,” Nicolas said, flipping through the pages. Then his expression hardened as his gaze swept across the room, finally landing

indescribable–shock, emotion, recognition.

your name?”

excitement and smiled slightly. “I

who is your father?” Nicolas

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