Chapter
The classroom fell into a sudden hush, as if someone had hit the pause button on a remote control. Every student was frozen, their eyes wide with disbelief as they turned towards the dean.
Juliana dropped her jaw, her eyes bulging as if sheâd seen a ghost. Hayley felt as though sheâd been slapped across the face, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Those who had spoken up for Cordelia reveled in the discomfort that Juliana and Hayley now wore like a second skin. They remained silent, as did the who had joined Juliana and Hayley in their campaign against Cordelia, all of them now looking down at their shoes, unable to muster a word.
There were no cheers or applause in response to the deanâs announcement, and the dean felt a twinge of unease, turning to Latham with a puzzled look. âWhatâs wrong? Not happy with the result?â
Clearing his throat, Latham was about to reply when the dean hastily added, âOf course, this is just part of the award. Weâve also got a cash prize. Our school has a tradition. A firstâplace win gets you a scholarship to a topâtier university and a ten thousand dollar reward. Cordelia, with her special circumstances, won two firstâplace awards and a scholarship offer. Our school has been called nonâstop for asking about Cordelia. Sheâs brought us a lot of pride, so weâve decided to award her an additional 180 thousand dollars. Cordelia, could I get your bank account details?â
The mention of additional cash awards elicited a collective gasp from the class.
Though they were all children of affluent families, those in the honors class were under strict allowances their parents, with a fixed amount of spending money each month.
180 thousand dollars still a decent sum, even to them.
Cordelia, who had been engrossed in her work, looked up blankly and muttered, âOhâ¦â
The dean sighed, feeling a bit deflated. Heâd expected to see a burst of excitement from the students but instead was met with their stoic calm. He then turned to Latham, asking if he could leave.
Latham, visibly annoyed, retorted dryly. âWhy donât you stay and sit in on a class before you go?â
With a pointed look from the dean that seemed to calm Lathamâs pride, he left the classroom.
A few moments after the departure of the dean, Merry was the first to break the silence. âWow, Lia, youâre killing it. You were late just now, but then youâre getting more awards!â
The others chimed in with their praise.
âCordelia a genius!â
âWell, that put the bullies in their place, didnât it?â
Latham coughed to get their attention, and the class fell silent. His gaze shifted to Juliana and Hayley as he spoke, âThis Honorable Medal isnât a reason to turn on each other, Besides, our class was tied with Class 2. According to the school rules, even in a tie, the Honorable Medal goes to them. Is Cordeliaâs rare tardiness that important?â
His words hung heavy in the air, causing Juliana and Hayley to lower their heads. Juliana whispered sheepishly, âMr. Latham, we wanted the Honorable Medal.â
Latham shook his head in mild disappointment and turned on the projector, plugging in his USB drive. âThese are last monthâs performance. Without any tardiness or absences, we were ahead of 2. Do you know why?â
Juliana knew. âBecause our class had a higher average score!â
The Honorable Medal was linked not only to discipline but to performance as well.
Latham nodded, then , âAnd do you know who brought up those points?â
1/3
He proceeded to remove Cordeliaâs scores from the class average. Instantly, the total dropped by a full four points.
Latham looked at Juliana, âCordelia has been with us for two months. Last month, it was because of her that we won the Honorable Medal. This month, itâs the same story.â
The classroom fell deathly silent.
Juliana stared a disbelief at the projector screen, her teeth clenched tightly.
Latham concluded, âClass honor isnât about blaming individuals when things go wrong. Itâs about shared. success and shared responsibilityâ
With a final and meaningful glance at Juliana, Latham left the room.
A prolonged silence followed, broken only by Merry, âMr. Latham is right. Those who Lia should apologize to her.â
All eyes turned to Hayley and Juliana. Hayley bit her lip, her gaze fixed on the floor, Juliana simply clenched her fists.
Merry pressed on, âWhen Lia apologized, she didnât hesitate. Now itâs your turn, why canât you handle it?â
Juliana, pale with anger, muttered apology.
Merry cocked his , âWhat was ? I didnât hear you. Did you, Lia?â
Cordelia, her concentration broken again, lifted her head slowly, âWhat?â
Merry pointed at , The person concerned didnât hear it. How can that count as an apology?â
Juliana flushed, tears rolling down her cheeks as she shouted, âIâm sorry, okay? Is that good enough?â
Merry grinned, âIs a flippant apology really all we get? At the very least, you can give everyone a bow, right?â
Merry shot back by repeating what Juliana had just said.
Watching Merryâs retreating figure, a smirk pulled at the corners of Cordeliaâs mouth. This little chatterbox was morphing into quite the âSass Queenâ.
Juliana wouldnât bow, instead, she ran out of the room, escaping the awkwardness.
Cordelia didnât care about the apology. She never took Juliana seriously and went back to her work.
Soon, the lessons were all over, and
waiting in a different car than usual.
ordelia packed her bag and headed for the door, where she saw Larry
Cordelia was a girl of few words and even less interest in the affairs around her, so she didnât ask any questions.
Larry drove her straight to their new home at Radiant Ridge Villas.
Nestled in the heart of a suburban enclave, their home was a quaint threeâstory cottage that sprawled across roughly 2,000 square feet.
Just outside, a charming garden unfolded over a few hundred square feet, with a single tree casting a comforting shade over a garden . The whole setup screamed rustic charm.
Upon their arrival, Lorna rushed out to greet them, bubbling with excitement. âLia, I canât wait to show you your room! Iâve put my touch on it this time!â
Cordella trailed behind, stepping through the front door.
Meanwhile, Sanderson shot a puzzled glance at Larry, âWhatâs with the change of wheels today?â
Larry shrugged, âWell, this morning when I went to pick up Cordelia from the old estate, Mr. Kermit stopped me. He told me my services wouldnât be needed and didnât even let me through the door. Come afternoon, when I
Chapter 97
to reach Mr. Kermit to fetch the missus, I couldnât get ahold of him. Had no idea where to get the car, so I just took this one.â
Furrowing his brow, Sanderson took on a sharp tone, âIf you didnât drive Lia this morning? Then who the hell did