Chapter 8
“If you don’t have anything better to do, why don’t you read more? Vanessa scored tenth in the entire school for her first high school exam. What about you?”
“… I was first..”
“Yeah, right, first from the bottom, and you’re still bragging about it.”
He had already arranged for fifty thousand dollars to be deposited into her account each month, yet she had the audacity to demand five
million.
Vanessa never asked for that much money, so who did she think she was?)
Tears welled up in Claire’s eyes, as if she had suffered the greatest injustice.
He felt a wave of imitation, losing even the mood to read his financial newspaper.
Thankfully, Vanessa was considerate. She clung to his arm playfully. “Brother, I came tenth this time. Do I get a reward?”
How could he resist the sweet charm of his little sister? Instantly, he forgot about the discomfort Claire had caused. Pinching Vanessa’s check affectionately, he asked, “What does Vanessa want as a reward?”
“I’ve had my eye on a purse that costs a thousand dollars. Can you get it for me?“)
for
course, as long as Vanessa likes it. Even if it costs ten thousand, I’ll get it for you.”
After pacifying Vanessa, he tumed his displeasure back on Claire. “What are you still standing here for? Go to your room and study.“2
Feeling utterly wronged, Claire turned and ran out.
Nathan and Adah sighed in unison.
“If only Claire were half as sensible as Vanessa.”
“Mr. Ethan, have you remembered?“}
Claire’s voice pulled him back to reality, each utterance of “Mr. Ethan” tearing at his heart. He was her brother, her own brother, not some
“Mr. Ethan.
Since her release from prison, she hadn’t called him “brother” even once.
With a somber look, he vented his frustration, “It’s still about your poor grades, coming last in class, and you still have the nerve to ask for money. I don’t even have the face to reward you.“)
Hearing this, Claire’s gaze grew colder Confronted by such an unfeeling stare, Ethan felt a pang of guilt. He snapped, “I can’t even say a few words without you being defiant”
“For three years in high school, my grades were consistently first in my year. How did that turn into last place in Mr. Ethan’s eyes?“:
Seeing Ethan’s incredulous expression, Claire smirked, a sense of vindication washing over her. “Well, Mr. Ethan doesn’t even know which school I attended, so it’s understandable you’re clueless about my grades.”
Ethan stood there, as if struck by lightning, unable to move.!!
It felt like he had heard something beyond belief, his voice barely a whisper, “You’re not attending Crest High?
Crest High was the most prestigious prep school in Cresthaven, the alma mater of Vanessa: Every family with wealth and status in Cresthaven sent their children there.
Ethan had simply assumed Claire attended Crest High too.
He turned sharply to Nathan and Adah, his voice trembling. “Dad, Mom, did you transfer Claire’s school records when she came back?”
Nathan’s face flushed deep red, mouth opening only to stammer incoherently, as if his strength had deserted him, his usual authority vanished
Adahis lips quivered slightly, her eyes filled with panic and helplessness. Even her meticulously applied makeup couldn’t hide the embarrassment on her face.
The two stood frozen, the air around them seemingly solidifying.
Ethan’s complexion paled gradually, his previous understanding of Claire crumbling like a collapsing tower. All the certainty and disdain he once held now turned into sharp blades, mercilessly piercing his own heart
He struggled to find his voice, his throat constricted as if strangled, the words shaking as they left his lips, “Claire, where did you spend
your high school years?”
