Claimed by the Alpha's Love (Tori and Lucas) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

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“You two haven’t heard the news yet, have you?” Mrs. Blake asked, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. Without waiting for our response, she

picked up a sheet of paper from her desk.

“I’ve just received the results from the last diagnostic assessment,” she announced proudly. “And I’m thrilled to inform everyone that Tori

Sullivan has achieved the highest score not only in our class, but across the entire grade level!”

All eyes focused on me with renewed interest.

Morgan gasped beside me, her mouth forming a perfect O of surprise.

“Way to go, Tori!” she whispered loudly, giving my arm an excited squeeze I knew you were a math genius!”

I felt my face grow warm under the collective gaze of my classmates.

Suddenly, the strange looks and whispers we’d encountered in the hallway made sense. News had already spread throughout the school,

explaining all those stares on our way to class.

“Thank you, Mrs. Blake,” I said quietly, wanting to take my seat and escape the attention.

“Oh, wait, there’s more,” Mrs. Blake said, waving me back. “I’ve been informed that the Grayson Corporation has initiated a scholarship program for students showing exceptional promise in lunar mathematics.”

The class collectively leaned forward in interest.

“As this year’s top performer, Tori will receive a ten thousand moonstone award to support her education.”

Gasps and whispers erupted around me.

Ten thousand moonstones was a small fortune-more than I would earn in a year at the café, even with generous tips.

“Seriously?” Morgan squealed beside me, loud enough that Mrs. Blake shot her an amused glance.

“Yes, seriously, Ms. Baker. Perhaps this will motivate you to spend more time studying and less time napping in my class?”

The room filled with laughter, and Morgan grinned sheepishly.

“Absolutely, Mrs. Blake. If I’d known there was money involved, I’d have been front row, taking notes!”

Mrs. Blake shook her head with a smile.

“The Grayson Corporation will be continuing this initiative, so all of you still have opportunities to excel.”

She gestured for us to take our seats, and the regular lesson began

“Ten thousand moonstones, Morgan whispered as we settled in our chairs Do you know what you could do with that kind of money?”

I nodded, my mind already calculating how many months of medication t would cover for my grandmother. With Hannah’s threats hanging over me, this award felt like more than money-it was freedom, at least to a while.

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Chapter 22

“No more late nights at the café, Morgan continued softly. “At least not as many.”

I didn’t respond, simply offering a small smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.

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Morgan didn’t understand that ten thousand moonstones, while substantial, wouldn’t last forever. The money would help tremendously, but my grandmother’s condition was chronic, and Hannah’s support was unreliable at best.

I needed every moonstone I could earn.

After school, I still headed to Moonlight Shadow Café as usual.

My thoughts drifted to my grandmother as I walked.

She had collapsed upon hearing about my imprisonment four years ago. The shock and grief had weakened her heart, leaving her with a chronic condition that required constant medication.

Every time I visited, I saw how the years had aged her beyond her time-al because of me.

Lost in these thoughts, I didn’t notice the person in front of me until it was too late. I collided with someone, stumbling back a step.

“I’m so sorry,” I said automatically, looking up.

Mrs. Catherine White stared back at me, her eyes cold and her lips pressed into a thin line.

The hallway around us suddenly felt much quieter.

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