Chapter 253

Daxton personally escorted Carmen into the exam hall. “Aubree hasn’t been studying for long. Carmen, your scores were solid–you’ll surely do better than someone like her who’s just looking for a shortcut,” he said.

“Mhm!” Carmen looked up at Daxton, her eyes sparkling with admiration and dependence–something Daxton clearly enjoyed.

Carmen was undoubtedly sharp. She had a clear grasp of her situation. At first, she enjoyed the privileges of being the family favorite and acted without restraint. But now that the dynamics had shifted, she no longer knew whose side she needed to be on.

So now, she was putting all her energy into winning over Daxton.

Daxton relished Carmen’s admiration. He knew that Ronald had plans to use Carmen in a marriage alliance, but what really got under Daxton’s skin was the fact that Carmen had feelings for Alvin.

After a moment’s thought, Daxton said, “Carmen, don’t stress. Even if your results aren’t great, I’d never let them marry you off.”

Carmen did not catch the storm of emotion in Daxton’s eyes.

She turned and walked into the exam hall.

Aubree sat in silence, the heavy air of the exam room awakening long–forgotten memories.

Her mind drifted to “Mr. Quinn,” the mysterious man funding her education. In her mind, “Mr. Quinn” was a stern, successful middle–aged man, the type who rarely smiled. Beyond the regular monthly funds and occasional check–ins about school, they had hardly any interaction.

All Aubree had ever wanted was to make it into college and thank Mr. Quinn in person. He might not expect anything in return, but a sincere thank you–spoken face–to–face–was something Aubree felt he deserved.

Aubree blinked, a trace of uncertainty passing through her eyes. Ever since she returned to the Wilson family, “Mr. Quinn” had vanished without a trace—as if he had disappeared from the face of the earth. Aubree had no idea if she would ever have the chance to meet him again.

The exam papers were soon distributed. Aubree skimmed through the questions and immediately felt at ease.

The first subject was Odionlandian. It was not Aubree’s strongest–math and science were her real strengths–but her language skills were not bad either.

Aubree bent over the paper and started writing with focused determination. The essay topic was simple—life.

The word struck something in her. For a second, Aubree froze, a flicker of emotion passing through her eyes. But without even needing to outline her thoughts, Aubree started writing.

Aubree finished her paper with time to spare, reviewed her answers twice, and only left the exam hall when the final bell rang, joining the stream of students filing out.

Aubree instinctively scanned the crowd of eager parents waiting at the school gates, hoping to catch a glimpse of Bowen.

“Aubree!” Bowen was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the people Aubree did not want to see made their presence known.

Ronald stood not far away with Bryan, waving at her. Behind them, a long black Lincoln limousine gleamed under the sun, drawing attention like a magnet.

Aubree could not help but frown. ‘Ugh, so annoying!‘ she thought.

Reporters were still gathered outside the exam venue, and Ronald and Bryan’s luxurious outfits paired with a flashy car instantly turned heads.

Aubree thought, ‘Do they really have to be so ostentatious? When Bowen had dropped me off in the morning, the most over–the–top thing he’d done was hang a ridiculous banner. The car he drove, at least, had been perfectly modest!

Aubree glanced at the two, then averted her gaze and was about to leave when Carmen’s crisp voice, laced with feigned surprise, called out, “Dad, Bryan, are you guys here to pick me up?”

Carmen had spotted them the second they called Aubree’s name.

Deep in Carmen’s eyes, a seething jealousy burned. ‘Why is it that no one shows up for me, while Aubree gets Dad and Bryan going out of their way just for her?‘ she fumed inwardly.

Carmen knew full well that Ronald and Bryan were here for Aubree, but she was hell–bent on making Aubree miserable.

Carmen approached with a bright, exaggerated smile, while Ronald and Bryan froze in surprise–she had not even crossed their minds.

Aubree sneered, then turned on her heel and walked away.

Ronald and Bryan gave Carmen neither a glance nor a word–their attention was entirely fixed on Aubree as they hurried after her.