Chapter 263
“Tsk, with scores like that, Dad and Bryan must be thrilled, huh?” Trevor said, more amused than anything else – he clearly enjoyed the drama.
With such stellar grades and an inspiring comeback story, Aubree was bound to be swarmed by reporters. Rithol High School was destined to become the center of a media frenzy today.
Alice’s expression darkened. She had been counting on Carmen’s stellar exam results to help her regain some standing with Ronald – there was no way she would let Ronald marry Carmen off in an arranged marriage. But now, her own position in the Wilson family had become downright precarious.
What Aubree said at the hospital last time had clearly planted a seed of doubt in Ronald’s heart. Alice had tried to dodge the issue afterward, but she still ended up having a conversation with Ronald about it.
Alice’s abandonment of Aubree was a fact, but whether her supposed breakdown had been real or just a cover, whether adopting Carmen had been coincidence or calculation – those things could not be proven. Alice pushed the blame for abandoning Aubree onto her PTSD. At least on the surface, Ronald had no choice but to accept that explanation.
Alice had no idea that Ronald had secretly ordered a DNA test on her and Carmen. Now, things between Alice and Ronald were extremely delicate, every interaction laced with unspoken tension.
Trevor’s right, Alice thought. ‘Now that Ronald regrets how he treated Aubree, he’ll no doubt be the first to rush to Rithol High School and act like the doting father.'
“We should go to Rithol High School too!” Alice said through gritted teeth. She had to see it for herself – there was no way she would believe Aubree could outshine Carmen, whom she had spent decades carefully nurturing!
Daxton’s expression darkened, and he clenched his fists tightly. “That bitch! Carmen had done so well – this was her chance to finally get Dad’s attention. But she just had to outdo Carmen and steal all the limelight!” he thought furiously. ‘Can’t Aubree just let Carmen be happy for once?'
“Carmen, let’s go see for ourselves,” he said.
Trevor strolled along behind the others, slipping on sunglasses and a baseball cap – he was not about to miss this spectacle.
When the SAT scores came out, Aubree, Alvin, and Matilda agreed to check their results together. The three of them met at Alvin’s place in Forith Bay, in his gaming room where two computers were set up. Aubree and Alvin checked their scores first while Matilda waited her turn, the room buzzing with anticipation.
When Aubree’s scores came out, even Alvin could not help but do a double-take. He had always prided himself on being sharp-witted, and until now, the only person who had ever truly earned his respect was his uncle, Bowen – in Alvin’s eyes, Bowen was practically inhuman, a real freak of nature.
And now, there was yet another one – Aubree!
“Sometimes I honestly wonder if you’re even human. Where do you get all these creative ideas? And on top of that, you’re way too smart,” Alvin said.
Aubree chuckled. “Don’t be too amazed. I’m the legend you’ll never catch up to.”
Alvin rolled his eyes, speechless, and checked his own score – it was just as impressive. Even as an art student, Carmen’s results were already something to brag about, but Alvin’s were a whole tier above hers.
“Wow, coming from the guy who’s always asleep in class and never touches a pen. Didn’t think you had it in you, Alvin.” Aubree had expected Alvin’s grades to be decent, but this was unreal. If the other students at Rithol High School found out, they would probably lose it.
Alvin scoffed. “Pfft, I mastered the school curriculum ages ago.”
Alvin always had one-on-one tutoring from renowned painting masters. “The only exception was when Uncle Bowen lost his mind and got Aubree to tutor me," he thought.
Matilda was also thrilled about their excellent scores. “Congratulations to you both! With results like these, getting into your dream colleges is pretty much guaranteed now,” she said.
“Matilda, aren’t you going to check your SAT scores?” Aubree asked.
“I’ll pass…” Matilda managed a weak smile. “I didn’t take the SATs.”
She had not told a single soul about this.
Matilda was already over the age of 18 when she met Aubree. She had already signed a coaching contract with the esports club, so taking the SAT no longer held much relevance for her.
Aubree frowned slightly. Ever since returning after Christmas, she had a nagging feeling that Matilda was hiding something from her. But with the SAT looming and the company about to launch a new project, she did not dwell on it.
“Matilda…” Aubree began.
Just as she was about to ask more, Bowen entered with a fruit platter. The computer screen was still displaying their scores. He glanced at it and remarked, “Not bad at all – you’ve made the Turner family proud.”