"To the hospital? To see Justin?" Noelle scoffed. "I rejected this plan last night, Frank. Did you even hear me?"

"Nelly, this isn't a tantrum time. The Parhams could drag the whole family into this!"

"Don't worry, I won't let that happen," she retorted.

"It's not up to you! Lucas already talked to Justin. Just apologize to Mr. Parham, and it's over."

Noelle frowned. "I refuse. I have more important things to do."

"Like what?" Frank demanded.

Rachel's voice cut through, sharp and clear. "Attending the city's top scholar banquet, of course!"

Frank scowled. "That's someone else's business. You need to handle your problems."

"The banquet can't start without Noelle!" Rachel insisted.

"Noelle isn't that important," Frank snapped.

"She's the top scorer! How can the banquet begin without her?" Rachel's voice rang with defiance. She'd been waiting for this moment. Frank had been so dismissive, so arrogant.

"Noelle is the top scorer?" Frank's voice was incredulous. He looked up, seeing the banner at the school entrance: "Congratulations to Noelle!" The words hit him like a slap. "But… didn't you say your language exam was ruined by bad stationery?"

Noelle's sarcasm was thick. "So?"

Guilt washed over Frank. "Nelly, I'm so happy for you. It's just… shocking."

Rachel added, "It wasn't Noelle whose language score suffered – it was Search The find novel.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. someone else. Xenia blamed Noelle, probably jealous."

Frank stammered, "Xenia wouldn't… it was probably just a misunderstanding about the stationery."

Suddenly, Lionel, Bruce, and reporters appeared. Lionel smiled at Frank. "Perfect timing. Join us for the banquet, Noelle's brother."

A reporter thrust a microphone in Frank's face. "Noelle's grades improved dramatically. What family support helped her achieve this?"