Chapter 24
In no time, the proctor entered the classroom, and the entire room
room fell silent.
Citrine’s memories from her past life flickered to life the moment she picked up the exam paper. She’d already studied these high school subjects abroad, so the questions were almost laughably easy. One glance was all it took for her to know the answers–she didn’t even need to jot anything down on scrap paper.!
Back then, any time she showed even a hint of talent, Aline and Jeanette would find new ways to make her life miserable. She’d done nothing wrong, yet somehow always ended up being scolded by everyone, singled out as the problem.
That was why, in the Iverson family, she’d had no choice but to play the part of the useless, good–for–nothing daughter.
But now? That wasn’t an option anymore!
Would Jeanette really be able to keep her cool this time?!
Citrine was more than a little eager to see the look on Jeanette’s face after the exam results came out.
The
next moming, with all the tests finally over, the students returned to their classrooms.
Amelia was practically bouncing with excitement. She flung her arms around Citrine “Citrine, I absolutely adore you! I’m pretty sure won’t have to drop out this time.
For once, taking exams hadn’t felt like torture to Amelia in the past, every test had been pure agony.
“You keep talking about me–what about you? How’d you do?” Once her initial excitement faded, she remembered to check on her friend. “Pretty well,” Citrine replied, a small, confident smile tugging at her lips.3
“That’s amazing! We’ll get to stay classmates.” Amelia’s delight was genuine.”
Neither of them noticed the unfriendly gaze fixed on them from across the room.
That aftemoon, after the final bell, Citrine spotted a sleek black Phantom waiting by the school gates. It was obvious who’d come to pick her up–Raymond.
She slid into the car with practiced ease.
“What brings you here?” she asked.
“What I’m not allowed to pick you up?” Raymond shot back, for once not bothering with any excuses.
“I didn’t say that Citrine replied coolly.
But the slight upward curve of her lips betrayed her good mood ||
Raymond glanced at her, trying to seem casual, but couldn’t help smiling. This kid was stubborn and proud, no doubt about it.
“So…. judging by that look, I’m guessing exams went well?” The words slipped out before he could stop himself
Then he remembered the report Adler had found: for the past six months, the kid had always ranked at the bottom of her class. Not exactly stellar grades. Would his question make her upset? She was so proud, after all
Raymond was about to reassure her when Citrine spoke up, her chin tilted defiantly. Tm taking first place this time.” The pride in her eyes was unmistakable.
“Well, that’s great,” Raymond managed, a little stunned, but he didn’t call her bluff.
He thought to himself, Even if her grades aren’t great, it doesn’t matter. He had more than enough money to hire tutors if she ever wanted to go to college or send her abroad if she decided school wasn’t for her.
After dinner
Citrine was about to head upstairs when her phone rang–Amelia was calling
They usually chatted often, but something about the call gave Citrine a bad feeling. She quickly answered.
A familiar voice came through: “Citrine, your best friend is with us right now Want to come over?”
It was Alicia.!
Citnne’s tone turned icy. “Cut the crap. Where are you?‘”
“At your friend’s family’s shop. Il text you the address: Alicia replied
The moment Citrine got what she needed, she hung up!
Half an hour later, she arrived at the location X
A crowd had gathered outside the shop. Citrine pushed her way through without hesitation
