Chapter 92
Hayley rolled her eyes as everyone fawned over Cordelia. “Juliana, come on,” she said. “Cordella is probably going to the math winter camp, not the physics one. After the training at the winter camp without her attending, you’ll beat her in the finals!”
Hanley wasn’t interested in getting involved, but Juliana was his fiancée. For his interest, he felt compelled to offer some encouragement. “Good luck,” he said simply.
After their remarks, they noticed that Juliana’s complexion was off. She was staring at her phone, her face pale and her fingers trembling. Her expression was twisted, and she muttered, “How can this be…”
Hayley peered over at her phone. “169 points? Juliana, is this your score? How is that even possible?”
Juliana had always been the shining star of their school’s physics competition team, usually scoring well over 200 points, with 190 being enough to secure a top prize. Now, she wouldn’t even qualify for the winter camp.
Their physics teacher walked in just then. “Congratulations to Cordelia for taking the top spot in the provincial physics competition again, probably the national champion as well.”
After acknowledging Cordelia, he turned to Juliana with a frown. “Juliana, what happened this time? Were you unwell during the exam? You didn’t even make a second prize, only third.”
Third prize…
That was nothing more than a certificate, practically useless!
Juliana sat there, shell–shocked. “There must be a mistake with the grading!”
I
The teacher sighed. “When I saw your results, I thought there had been an error too, so I requested a review. But it turns out you really didn’t perform well,” he continued. “Questions you usually ace got wrong this time. Juliana, don’t take it too hard. If physics competition isn’t working out, focus on your studies and aim for a good university entrance exam.”
Before anyone could react to these words, Latham rushed into the room. “Cordelia,” he said, breathless, Top Crest Academy’s physics department has reached out. They’re offering you a direct placement. What do you say?”
The math department and physics department were the best programs in the country at Top Crest Academy. The classroom went silent.
Cordelia, known for her miraculous scores, was now being fought over by Top Crest Academy and Superiority College in an embarrassingly public tug–of–war.
It was unheard of for such prestigious institutions to vie for a student so openly!
And yet, Cordelia was the picture of composure as she looked up and said, “I’m not going.”
Latham, taken aback, pressed on. “They’re offering a full scholarship, and the financial bonus is negotiable. You can pick any major you want in their department.”
“I don’t need the money,” Cordelia responded simply.
Latham was speechless for a moment before curiously asking, “Why are you so set on Superiority College?” “Because it’s number one overall, Cordelia replied.
It took a moment for Latham to process her meaning. Cordelia wasn’t just aiming to study one subject at college. She intended to excel across the board, just like she had in high school. She was looking at the overall strength of the institution, not just a single department’s reputation.
The rest of the class eventually caught on, and a collective silence fell. They all thought the same thing. Cordelia was in a league of her own.
A week flew by.
Cordelia had just returned home from school when she heard voices approached, she saw Rachel standing tall and defiant before Steward and Sanderson. “You
arguing in the living room. As she
passed on my investment tip, and now are you green with envy over the first round of profits, aren’t you? That’s ten million right there! The Smith family was the first to put in twenty million, and in less than half a month, we’ve already recouped half! Now every affluent family is begging to buy into Calvert’s deal. Jimmy regrets not investing a hundred million the first time. But he bought the ten percent share we passed on last time. In a few days, we’ll be seeing another fifty million in profit!”
After she finished, Laurinda couldn’t help but complain. “Sanderson, you should’ve been bolder in business, Now we’ve missed out on a golden opportunity!”
Sanderson furrowed his brows but chose to remain silent.
Laurinda turned to Rachel and said, “Rachel, ask Jimmy if he can arrange another meeting with Mr. Wallace. We want in on this investment!”
“Tve already asked him,” Rachel replied. “But I can’t promise anything. After all, it’s us who are asking for help.”
Laurinda nodded. “Good. The Smith family is reliable. At times like this, we need you, not like some people who can’t do anything but drag their husbands down!”
Sanderson darkened his face. “Mom, in our family, men handle the business affairs. The investment decision was mine alone and had nothing to do with anyone else.”
Before Laurinda could retort, Rachel’s phone rang.
Upon ending the call, she came back, a spark of excitement in her eyes. “Dad, Mr. Wallace has given us the green light to invest!”
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