Chapter 33

Noelle thought of Justin Parham, the transfer student from Yasnia. He was one of the wealthy students from Tuxbridge. She’d heard rumors that he’d caused trouble at his previous school and was now keeping a low profile. He was flashy, known for his luxury cars, designer clothes, and passion for gaming.

In Noelle’s previous life, Xenia had stolen her win in a gaming championship. Because of this, Justin had fallen for Xenia, and they began dating.

Smiling, Noelle tucked the letters under her desk unopened. She also ignored Justin’s request for her phone number.

Xenia couldn’t hide her jealousy. “Noelle, aren’t you going to look at them?” she asked.

“It’s nothing new,” Noelle replied. She used to receive letters in elementary school, before her parents’ accident and Xenia’s arrival.

Noelle’s indifferent tone stung Xenia, who felt she was being smug. Envy clouded Xenia’s eyes. She remembered the submissive Noelle of the past, wondering why she had changed so much. She worried Noelle would steal Justin from her.

After school, Noelle packed her bag and left immediately. Xenia hesitated before sneaking to Noelle’s desk and taking the letters.

Meanwhile, Noelle headed to the infirmary, planning to surprise Cedric, but he wasn’t there.

She texted him, “My results are out! I got tenth place! I think I have a real shot at Yole University now!” Overjoyed, she eagerly awaited his reply when someone spoke.

“I heard you did very well, Noelle. Congratulations.”

Noelle looked up to see Frank. Her smile vanished. “It’s no big deal,” she said.

Frank handed her a gift box. “I picked this out to congratulate you. Didn’t you say you liked this jewelry brand?”

Noelle glanced at the necklace. She wondered if this was meant to compensate for the emerald necklace he’d given away.

Just then, Xenia approached. She saw the necklace and stiffened. “What a beautiful necklace! You should try it on, Noelle,” she muttered bitterly.

Noelle barely looked at it. “I don’t like it.”

Frank’s smile faltered. “I’ll change it to something you like. Tell me what kind you want,” he said stiffly. He’d bought this necklace after she’d refused the emerald one, confident this would work.

Noelle knew he was trying to make amends, but a necklace wouldn’t erase her pain.

Xenia was surprised by Frank’s change of attitude, wondering if he was trying to reconcile with Noelle. This was far from her plan.

She quickly interjected, “Noelle, it’s not Frank’s fault for not knowing what girls like. That’s just how he is. I’m so jealous of you!”

Annoyed, Noelle snapped, “Then you should try making it into the top ten.” She wanted Xenia to drop her innocent act.

Tears welled up in Xenia’s eyes. “I didn’t do so well this time because of Gwen. I would’ve done better otherwise.”

Frank awkwardly comforted her. “I know it wasn’t your fault. Come on. Get in the car. I’ll take you both out to celebrate.” He had a headache and wanted to change the subject.

Xenia stiffened. What was there to celebrate when she hadn’t done well? This meal was clearly for Noelle.

Displeased, she asked pointedly, “Noelle, how did you improve so much? Do you have a secret trick?”

“The only trick is to focus on studying instead of gaming,” Noelle replied flatly.

Xenia’s tears spilled over. “B-But you even received so many love letters.”

Hearing this, Frank demanded, “What’s this about?”

Xenia quickly explained, “Noelle’s really popular now. Even students from other schools are trying to get her number.”

Frank frowned, thinking of Cedric. He warned Noelle, “You’re still too young. Your only priority right now is your education. Don’t let other things distract you.”

Chapter 34