Chapter 21
Selena clenched her fists tightly, her gaze fixed on Hailey’s hack.
“Selena, I should’ve been more careful this time, but there’s no way Hailey’s score is real. Casey has been the top student in our grade for as long as I can remember, and now, suddenly, she didn’t even place above Hailey? Something’s definitely off Mateo said..
Selena nodded and reassured him. “Don’t worry, Mateo, I’ll make sure we get to the bottom of this. I just… Im so disappointed. I never thought my sister would go this far just to beat you?”
With that. Selena lowered her head, looking utterly dejected.
Mateo sofiened and gently comforted her. “She’s not worth your sadness, Selena. Don’t let this get to you.”
Selena glanced up at him, eyes brimming with emotion. “Thank you, Mateo. I’m just glad you’re here with me.”
The two of them stood close, their connection evident–enough to make others envious.
Just then, a voice floated over from behind them. “There’s always someone better out there. Some people just refuse to accept that.”
Selena’s expression stiffened. Mateo turned around and saw the girl who had spoken, his brows furrowing. He asked, “Casey, your spot as the top student was taken. Aren’t you mad?”
The girl had large, round eyes, straight bangs, and fair skin–an overall sweet and innocent look. She was Casey,
Casey blinked, then shrugged. “Why would I be mad? There will always be someone better than you. That’s just how life
works.”
Hearing this, Mateo felt his breath hitch.
“You two, though, Casey continued, raising a brow, “acting like you’re untouchable. There are tons of people out there more talented than you. Maybe accept reality now before life smacks you in the face”
After delivering that remark, Casey smirked, stretched her arms lazily, and strolled off, looking thoroughly pleased with
herself.
By the time morning classes ended. Hailey had just finished lunch when she was called to the office. Her homeroom teacher was there, along with the dean, Luke. Selena and Mateo were also present
Luke was a man in his forties, wearing glasses and sporting a noticeable beer belly. He was hunched over Hailey’s test paper, his expression unreadable.
Hailey’s handwriting was neat, the paper itself meticulously organized–it was pleasing to the eye.
Hailey knocked on the door and stepped in, scanning the room. She immediately understood what was going on.
“Mr. Stuart, Ms. Lugo. Hailey greeted them, her tone calm. “Is there something you need?”
Luke lifted his gaze, his expression stern. “Your test score has been invalidated.”
Hailey met his eyes. “Why?”
Luke let out a short, cold laugh. “Cheating, I’ve seen students like you before,”
“Do you have proof?” Hailey asked, unfazed.
06:16 Fri, 28 Mar b
Chapter 21
Molly spoke up from the side. The day before the exam, Joshua was in the office when no one else was around. The security footage captured it. And considering how close the two of you are, are you really going to say he wasn’t here to steal the test for you?
At that moment, Joshua arrived outside the office. Hearing that accusation, he bristled immediately. “You better have proof before you start running your mouth, he snapped. “Yeah, I was in the office last Wednesday, but I was handing in an assignment, not stealing anything”
Molly’s voice softened slightly–Joshua was from the Cooper family, not someone she wanted to cross. She answered. Joshua, you don’t have to be scared. We all know you’re a good kid. If Hailey forced you into this, it’s okay just tell us the truth, and we won’t hold you responsible”
“Like hell you won’t! Joshua snapped, fists clenching, ready to swing
Hailey grabbed his wrist. “Enough. No punching people. Dial it back.”
With a huff. Joshua forced himself to calm down, though his glare at Molly didn’t waver
Molly swallowed nervously, suddenly realizing she might have messed with the wrong person. But she had already taken Selena’s money–she couldn’t back out now.
Then Molly sneaked a glance at Selena before composing herself.
“In any case. Hailey’s test score is invalid. The academic office has reached a unanimous decision, Luke declared, his expression resolute.
“You sure about that?” A low, authoritative voice cut through the air.
The room fell silent. Luke’s arrogance instantly vanished, his face paling as he shot up from his seat. “Mr. Medrano,” he stammered, his previous confidence nowhere to be found.
Hailey turned toward the door, her eyes narrowing slightly. A man stood there, with sharp features, buzzed hair, and a crisp black shirt emphasizing his strong frame.
His presence was commanding–the kind that silenced a room the moment he stepped in. He was Nicolas, the principal of Everton High School.
Hailey’s gaze lingered on his face for a brief moment before lowering. She knew exactly who he was. Her mother’s biological brother. Her uncle.
Nicolas walked in and pulled out a chair casually, sitting down. His long fingers picked up Hailey’s test paper.
“Good work, Hailey,” Nicolas said, flipping through the pages. Then his expression hardened as his gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Hailey.
His eyes filled with something indescribable–shock, emotion, recognition. Then Nicolas surged forward and asked, “What’s
your name?”
Hailey knew the reason for his excitement and smiled slightly. “I am Hailey Dalton.”
“And who is your father?” Nicolas asked again.
“Aiden,” Hailey replied.
Suddenly, Nicolas pulled her into a tight hug. Tears welled in his eyes. “Oh my God… We finally found you,” he said.
The entire room was frozen, What… was happening? How was Hailey connected to the principal?
Casey, who had been watching from the doorway, was just as stunned. She had called her dad to straighten things out–not
06:16 Fri, 28 Mar b A
Chapter 21
to have him suddenly claim Hailey as his own.
Casey couldn’t help but come in. “Uh, Dad? Get a grip You’re kind of invading her personal space.”
Hailey turned her head and met Casey’s gaze, a smile tugging at her lips. Her smile was bright, radiant–completely breathtaking
Casey felt her face heat up. “This girl is way too pretty. Seriously, how is this fair?”
Meanwhile, Nicolas composed himself, wiping his eyes. The sight was almost comical for a man of his stature.
“Mr. Medrano, Luke said hesitantly, his posture cautious. “What’s–what’s your relationship with Hailey!”
Nicolas didn’t hesitate. “She’s my niece.”
The room fell into stunned silence. They were so screwed. If Nicolas found out they had been targeting his niece, they could all kiss their jobs goodbye.
Luke, ever the opportunist, recovered first. His face instantly broke into a flattering smile. “Well, no wonder! No wonder Hailey is so talented! It makes perfect sense now!”
However, Molly couldn’t bring herself to smile. She had taken Selena’s money. If she didn’t get Hailey expelled, she’d be the one in trouble.
“Wait, Casey cut in, her brows furrowed. “So Hailey is Valerie’s daughter?”
Nicolas nodded, his eyes still slightly red. “Yes, she is. Then he turned to Hailey, “We’ve been looking for you all these years. When Valerie passed, Aiden sent you away. We had no idea where you were. We thought we’d never see you again. But now, look at you, you’re so brilliant.”
