Chapter 261

Maybe it was the pressure from Aubree, but Carmen did really well on her art exams. She had talent all along, and this time she performed beyond expectations. Carmen could have easily gotten into Rithol Art School on her own merit–if she had not stirred up so much trouble before.

But unfortunately, she had already been blacklisted by Rithol Art School.

Ever since Carmen made a solemn vow to Ronald, she had been working tirelessly–from the moment she left the hospital right up until the SAT.

Looking back on the SAT, Carmen thought confidently, “My scores are definitely Rithol Art School material.”

Upon hearing the news, Alice was overjoyed. She rushed back from abroad overnight, feeling she finally had something to boast about.

Alice said with a proud smile, “Aubree doesn’t know what’s good for her–she switched to academic subjects for a whole year. Even if she used to get good grades, there’s no way she could’ve scored higher than you, Carmen.

“If you really put your mind to it, Carmen, not even 10 Aubrees could hold a candle to you. I even asked around–your scores put you easily in the top 100 among all art students in Rithol City.”

Bryan and Ronald could not care less about how Carmen did on her SAT. At most, Ronald would ask to be sure she could get into Rithol City’s art school. Even if not Rithol Art School, the cutoff scores at Rithol Academy nearby were no less competitive.

Trevor smirked as he listened to Alice and Ronald Wilson taking turns praising Carmen. He thought, “Did Mom and Daxton really forget that Aubree not only won the International Mathematics Competition, but that Carmen even got her award by plagiarizing Aubree’s artwork for the contest?

How could Carmen ever measure up to Aubree?”

But Trevor did not say anything to ruin the moment. Deep down, though, he still hoped that Carmen could outshine Aubree.

Carmen pursed her lips with a faint smile. “I was wrong before. I was too impatient–terrified you’d think I wasn’t as good as Aubree and would abandon me…” She lowered her eyes, her gaze turning somber. “I did things I shouldn’t have, even brought trouble to our family. But now I’ve thought it through–Mom will always be my mom, and my brothers, too. I don’t need to be afraid anymore; I just need to keep moving forward, knowing you’ll always be my unwavering support!”

Alice and Daxton had always believed Aubree was in the wrong. In their eyes, letting Carmen suffer such humiliation only proved once again that Aubree did not know how to value the goodwill she had been shown.

Carmen’s sudden confession and self–blame moved them deeply.

“Clearly, it’s our failure to give her enough security that made Carmen feel so anxious and scared,” they thought.

“Once your SAT results are out, Carmen, I will throw you the grandest celebration!” Alice declared proudly. Before she even returned home, Alice had already boasted to her circle of friends that Carmen would surely make a name for herself in Rithol City with her outstanding scores.

She thought to herself, “I’ll make sure Aubree sees this–leaving the Wilson family will be the biggest regret of her life!”

Everyone who heard the news showered the Wilson family with praise, marveling at how well they raised their children. Their four sons had always been exceptional–each more outstanding than the last–so everyone thought it must be in their genes. But to their surprise, even their adopted daughter, Carmen, turned out to be truly remarkable.

“If you ask me, Carmen’s been smart since she was a kid,” someone remarked.

“Alice, you really are blessed. Having four sons who are the cream of the crop is impressive enough, but even your adopted daughter is miles ahead of everyone else’s,” another chimed in.

“Carmen really is outstanding,” echoed someone else.

Alice was practically glowing from all the compliments Carmen was getting. “That’s my daughter, after all–of course, she’s exceptional!” she thought.

The SAT results were released soon after.

Carmen held her breath as she typed her ID with trembling fingers into the webpage. In an instant, her scores popped up.

She had scored 1200 on the SAT, accompanied by an impressive 300 on her art exam.

With these results, she was undoubtedly among the top art students in Rithol City. Forget the top 100–she was easily in the top 50!