Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 711

Sterling's words left Celine deep in thought.

Liora, however, grew defensive. "Who could possibly compare to Mira? She's an absolute anomaly. If we pushed ourselves like she does, we wouldn't even survive."

"Stop making excuses. You're just lazy. If you spent a little less time partying, shopping, and vacationing, you wouldn't be in this situation.

Look at Mira Mercer. She optimizes every single second of her day. If you learned even half her discipline, you wouldn't be such sitting ducks."

Sterling delivered the harsh lecture without skipping a beat.

"The girls just went through a terrifying ordeal, give it a rest," Valerie chided gently.

"They're doing incredibly well for themselves. At least they're walking a straight path, attending a top-tier university, and maintaining excellent grades.

Just look at Chloe Brooks. That girl does nothing but coast through life and throw money at her string of boy toys.

You can't expect them to match Mira. True geniuses are one in a million, after all."

Valerie had a much more pragmatic view on the matter.

Chloe was Celine's cousin on her aunt's side. The family had money, but the daughter was a complete trainwreck.

"Mira was right. Back during our Leadership & Discipline Orientation, she told me I was too vulnerable and urged me to learn self-defense. I just couldn't handle the grueling physical exertion, so I brushed her off.

Now look at me. It nearly cost me my life."

A suffocating wave of delayed terror washed over Celine.

"As long as you realize that now, you need to stick close to Mira and learn from her.

I'm not saying you need to become as formidable as her, but if you keep striving for improvement, you'll be just fine."

Sterling's tone softened slightly.

"Celine, even though you and Mira don't go to the same school, keep in touch over the phone.

Remember, surround yourself with exceptional people, and you'll become exceptional yourself."

Sterling made sure to hammer the point home.

Liora sat in silence, feeling as though she was being implicitly called a failure.

Sterling had showered Mira with endless praise and gratitude, yet he had completely ignored her.

She had stayed up all night, terrified out of her mind for her friend, didn't that count for something?

Swallowing her bitterness, Liora turned to her friend. "Celine, I need to get back to campus. I have morning classes."

"Of course, go ahead. Celine needs to rest anyway so she can hopefully make it to her own classes tomorrow."

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