Chapter 46

Wendelyn and Ruth exchanged a shocked glance. They couldn’t believe that Shermaine, who they had always seen as a struggling student, had gotten straight A’s.

Wendelyn studied Shermaine’s expression, but couldn’t read anything from it. She tightened her grip on her fork and said, “Shermaine, you’re actually amazing.”

The use of the word “actually” showed her surprise, but it also carried an underlying doubt–she didn’t want to make it too obvious. After all, Janice, who adored Shermaine, was present, and she would defend Shermaine no matter what.

However, Ruth was not afraid to say what Wendelyn dared not say. “Straight A’s? Shermaine, you seriously think we’d believe you?”

Janice shot a sharp look at Ruth and scolded, “What’s wrong with you? Sheary is your biological daughter. She got good grades, and instead of praising her, you’re questioning her abilities? What kind of mother are you?”

Then, beaming with pride, she passed the drumstick to Shermaine and said, “Honey, have some chicken. You’re the best. Just like your brother, you’ve been smart since you were little. Some kids can’t even speak properly at three, but not only could you recite poems, you also knew so many words. Ever since that illness, your mom’s been a bit out of it. Don’t mind her.”

Shermaine’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Thanks, Grandma,”

The warm and harmonious scene made some people uncomfortable. Janice’s comment that Ruth was out of it made Ruth’s smile disappear. She set down her fork and said, “Janice, just because she was smart as a kid doesn’t mean she’ll be the same now. You know as well as I do, Shermaine has been in that poor village for over a decade. What could she have learned there? Even though she started studying again, there’s no way she’d suddenly have straight A’s.”

She added, feigning righteousness, “I’m not expecting her grades to be amazing right now, but when we ask her about it, could she at least be a little more serious? She shouldn’t have joked.”

Shermaine took a bite of the drumstick, her face serious. “I’m not joking.” Straight A’s wasn’t that big of a deal. People just assumed she couldn’t do it, so they acted like it was some impossible feat.

“Did you hear that? Sheary says she’s not joking.” Janice’s face darkened as she shot back, “Why is it impossible for her to have straight A’s? She can do anything! Do you even consider yourself part of this family? If you look down on us so much, why are you still here?”

“Janice, where’s this coming from? I’m not looking down on Shermaine. She’s my daughter. Why would I look down on her?” Ruth said, her eyes darting around uneasily.

She couldn’t even convince herself, let alone Janice.

Janice glared at Ruth. “Well, in your eyes, you only have one daughter anyway. I’m not wasting my time arguing with you. Let me make this clear–Sheary is the treasure of our family. If you dare say anything bad about her again, you’ll regret it!”

Ruth’s face turned sour as she thought, ‘Just because I humbled myself doesn’t mean I have to put up with this.’ Her lips twitched; it seemed that she couldn’t hold it in anymore. She said angrily, “What did I say about her? I’m her mother. Is it not okay to say something now and then?”

“Oh, so you do know you’re her mother,” Janice scoffed. “Sheary, bring me your papers. Let me have a look.”

Shermaine smiled and replied, “Sure.” It felt great to have a grandmother.

“Today, the math, economics, physics, and chemistry papers have been returned. The other papers haven’t come out yet, but Grandma, you can look at these four,” Shermaine said, handing the papers to Janice.

As soon as Janice saw the scores, her face lit up with joy. She pointed at the bright red scores and declared loudly, “See this? Full marks in math, full marks in economics, full marks in physics, full marks in chemistry. Shermaine says she’s got straight A’s, and I trust her. So tell me, are you impressed?” Ruth’s expression froze. Wendelyn stayed silent, but her grip on her fork tightened, ‘Full marks? How is this even possible?’ she thought.

Janice’s face flushed from the argument. She was old and had just recovered from a serious illness, so getting too worked up wasn’t good for her.

Shermaine knew that, so she spoke gently, “Grandma, please sit down and don’t get so worked up. It’s not good for your health. It’s just straight A’s, nothing worth showing off.”

Janice obediently sat down and took the juice Shermaine offered. “Sheary’s right. Having straight A’s isn’t that big of a deal. She can do even better. What she said was true."

Shermaine glanced at Ruth and Wendelyn. “Although I never took the SAT, I’ve never said my grades were bad. Since my return, you two have just assumed I’m terrible because of my experience in the village.”

Wendelyn’s eyes were dark and inscrutable. When she was in high school, she never got straight A’s, but Shermaine had achieved that effortlessly. It was hard for Wendelyn to admit that Shermaine was better than her.

Ruth didn’t feel pleased by Shermaine’s good grades. “Then why didn’t you say anything earlier?”

“Would you have believed me if I said it without proof?” Shermaine responded calmly, smiling at her mother. “Even now, with the scores right in front of you, you still seem to think it’s absurd.”

‘It is absurd. You shouldn't have gotten such good grades,’ Ruth cursed inwardly.

Caught out, feigning happiness, she forced a smile, looking awkward. “Of course not, I’m thrilled that you did so well. Why would I think it’s absurd?”

Then, adopting the air of a strict mother, she added, “But good grades don’t mean much. If you could write a book that becomes a hit overseas, like Wendy did, then you’d truly be impressive. And don’t forget, your sister’s also a famous painter. So many people are scrambling to buy her paintings. Even a casual piece of hers can sell for millions. Wendy excels in music, chess, writing, and painting. In Basterel, she’s recognized as the most talented rich young lady, hands down.”

As she spoke, Ruth’s pride swelled. After all, she had personally nurtured Wendelyn. No matter how good Shermaine’s grades were, they couldn’t hold a candle to that.

Janice sneered inwardly, ‘Basterel is full of real talent, but Wendelyn isn’t one of them. Her books are mediocre, and her painting skills aren’t anything to write home about. Most talented young lady? Just a hollow title meant to make her look impressive. How shameless to flaunt such empty achievements.”

Wendelyn smiled. “Mom, if it weren’t for your guidance, I wouldn’t have achieved what I have. Thanks to you and our family, I’ve been able to accomplish so much at this age.”

‘She’s such a sweet talker,’ Janice thought, rolling her eyes. ‘Excel? Ruth could be so over the top when praising her daughter.’

Shermaine was the kind of person who could hold a grudge. She knew Ruth wasn’t happy about her return to the Jean family and often gave her trouble, but she had decided not to take anything to heart. However, the different treatment Ruth gave her and Wendy was starting to bring out her mischievous and scheming side.

‘I’ll let Ruth see for herself how her perfect daughter gets completely outshone by me,’ Shermaine vowed inwardly.

She smiled, her brows arching slightly, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Wendy and Mr. Owen York taught me how to play chess last time. I’m very grateful. Too bad Wendy and I didn’t get to play a match. I’m free tonight. Wendy, how about a game?"

The smile Wendelyn had just put on her face disappeared.