The Queen They Buried

Carmen’s circle in class couldn’t stop gushing, talking over each other in awestruck tones. One of them said, “Carmen is simply the big deal about Rithol Art School She quietly made it to the state level finalst Theard the bar is set really high this year, even the top an the prestigious high school next door all got eliminated.

A classmate sneered “Just wait till Carmen wins the award. Rithal Art School will realize what a huge mistake they made, taming her for Aurer’s screw up. Serves them right”.

Another said, “If Carmen was the award, the whole school will be singing her prases!”

Someone else said. “School wide praise? That’s thinking too small Soon enough, Carmen’s story will probably make it on TV news

They felt that the Wison family sure got lucky. All four sons were outstanding in their own right, while their only biological daughter brought shame to the family name. But at least their adopted daughter was making them proud

Everyone got their own destiny. Some prople were just born luckier than others, and there was no use being envious. Aubree was born into the Wilson family but never got to enjoy its privileges, while Carmen somehow ended up with all the good fortune

Carmen covered her mouth with a giggle, “If you keep praising me like this, I might get so nervous my hands will shake during the competition, and t be all your faul!”

Carmen’s playful scolding only made her classmates adore her even more.

“Carmen, you’re seriously amazing!” a classmate exclaimed. “You’re already top of the class, and even though the teacher said you could take the day off, you just can’t even relax for a moment, you still came in for half a day!”

Carmen maintained a humble facade, but her eyes gleamed with smug confidence. She’d spent weeks meticulously copying a painting Aubree had left at homu. She thought, I’m definitely winning at the finals. Maybe even the gold!”

Out of the camer of her eye, Carmen noticed Alvin glancing her way from the back seat. Her ears flushed pink. I win the award would he finally notice me more!‘ she wondered.

Carmen thought smugly, 1 know Alvin better than anyone. He only got into art because his late mother was an artist. If my painting skills are truly exceptional, he’s bound to notice me

Carmen smoothed her hair and walked up to Alvin with a bright sme. “Alvin, my birthday’s coming up. Would you like to come to my party? if you’re free, we could also talk about painting.

Graceful and poised, her radiant, confident smile could win over even a stranger, especially with the added prestige of being the Wilson family’s heiress.

Carmen was absolutely certain Alvin wouldn’t turn her down.

She thought. My original plan was to let Alvin realize how great lam and come to me on his own… but…

“That bitch Aubree, when did she hook up with Alvin? So what it she’s good at gaming? As long as I control the Wilson ta

she’ll never surpass mal

school for just this short while before the competition, all so Alvin would notice

look up. His words shattered all of Carmen’s

her eyes widening in disbelief. “How could Alvin humate me like this in

with tears. One of her classmates immediately jumped to her defense, exclaiming,

Like that?”

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U13 Mon, 7

Chapter 59

coldly, “You

woriled that Alvin might think less of her, quickly pulled them back. Forcing a smile, she said, “it’s fine, I was being presumptuous. My competition is about to

a brave smile, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, a sight that

only one reason Alvin would treat me like this. It has to be because

matter. Once I win the award, Alvin

Beton and Alice, who were free

happens, you’ll always be the best in Mom’s eyes,” Alice

encouraging squeeze.

arrangements, “Just paint as you normally would, Carmen,” he said gently, “I will

want

she’d surely have made it

words instantly froze the

forgot about her still haven’t settled the

weren’t for Aubree, you’d still be at Rithol Art School without a care, getting ready for

Carmen succeed and deliberately smeared her, ruining her reputation at Richol Art School and making her worry about being rejected from college, would she really need to win an award just to

“Does she really think she’s hot stuff now? Just started some club and suddenly thinks she’s grown

hadn’t been so busy preparing for Carmen’s birthday party, I would’ve taught that girl a lesson already! So what if she

she really think Bowen would take on the Wilson

to let Aubree off the hook, a glint of trumph flashed

any adoring sile, “The competition’s about to start, go

Alice left. Instead, they got back in the car and waited

slowly. Duxton reviewed the medical records again, his eyes growing weary. Finally, he looked up

International Mathematics Competition and the Painting Competition were taking place here simultaneously.

out of the venue, gathering in the square, and waiting for

were graded and the