Clarissa snapped back instantly, glaring at Roschelle with intensity. “Rosc, don’t tell me you’re fooled by Alaricka like those stupid netizens! She definitely cheated! Look–Holter’s way smarter than her. Even studying his hardest back then, he never scored that high. She must’ve cheated!”
Holter winced at the words. “Clarissa, stop. There’s no cheating on the National Exam.”
“I don’t care!” Clarissa shrieked. “My score’s nowhere close! How dare hers be twice as high? I’ll never admit she’s better! And now she’s invited by Ivy League universities for computer science? If she were here, she’d be bragging nonstop!”
Holter firmly believed himself smarter and more worldly than Alarieka. Her exam results felt like a solid slap to his face—infuriating yet leaving his pride intact.
He hadn’t forgotten the humiliation she’d dealt him. Ever since she’d stripped him naked in public, he’d endured friends’ mocking whispers behind his back. Though backed by the untouchable Argent family, he couldn’t silence every taunt. Besides, those friends came from influential families. While not matching the Argents’ stature, they still commanded enough respect to prevent open confrontation. So he’d clenched his teeth and endured.
He pinned every ounce of bitterness squarely on Alarieka.
“This means nothing. She aced the exam, grabbed the top spot—but she’ll never get the Argent family’s backing.”
Clarissa froze for a moment.
Holter’s expression remained calm. “Don’t forget, Grandpa already arranged for you to study at NTG. NTG ranks higher than Ivy League universities. No matter how brilliant Alaricka is academically, she’ll never match the Argent family’s standing. She’ll forever be beneath you. Who knows? After graduating from an Ivy League university, she might end up working for you—or even me.”
Clarissa’s eyes lit up with understanding, a smile spreading across her face.
“You’re right. So many top students just bury themselves in books. They can’t do anything else. Alarieka must be the same. After graduation, she’ll only be fit to work for others. We’re different.” Clarissa giggled happily. “Right, Rose?”
Roschelle nodded. “Absolutely. Alarieka has no background. She can’t compare to you two. You’ll always have the Argent family behind you, while Alarieka…” Roschelle’s lips curved. “No matter how well she scores, she’s merely the daughter of Wallace’s driver. She’s in no position to measure up to you. Your monthly allowance alone is what she’ll spend years striving to earn.”
After a few more comforting words, Clarissa and Holter’s expressions shifted to smug confidence, utterly transformed from when they’d arrived.
Once Clarissa and Holter left, Roschelle’s smile widened until it reached her eyes. Finally, she slipped into a deep, contented sleep.
She’d been overthinking things. Now it all made sense.
So what if Alaricka was the National Exam Top Scorer? However brilliant she became, she’d still end up working for the wealthy. As long as Roschelle held the title of Mrs. Argent, she’d always be one step above Alaricka. Those vicious online critics? Their social class couldn’t touch hers. Their grueling daily wages couldn’t afford one of her bags. Why bother with their noise?
At Kierose Group’s executive office.
The television, which usually only played PPTs or financial news, had switched channels for the first time. Capital TV’s news replay filled the screen now.
The boy and girl on screen moved with unmistakable intimacy. Though not perfectly synchronized, their gestures radiated practiced familiarity.
Kieran adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. The lenses reflected the television’s blue glow, deepening the shadows in his obsidian eyes. His gaze remained fixed on the girl.
Alaricka’s every smile and frown seemed lighter, freer than months before. Her laughter, her exasperation—all flowed with vivid ease.
Kieran interlaced his fingers, rubbing his fingertips together.