Chapter 72

“Susan, I value talent. I’d like to sponsor your two daughters,” Sienna offered.

Susan looked up at Sienna, startled. She knew Sienna was anything but ordinary. Every word Sienna uttered was worth its weight in gold.

Susan asked in disbelief, “Miss Hart, do you really mean it?”

As a teacher at this elite private school, Susan was all too aware of the power that wealth and influence bring. Even the underachievers in Class 10 would have futures a hundred times brighter than her children.

Getting into any university was just a simple phone call away for them.

Their performance was remarkably good. Despite being the lowest-ranked class, everyone was above the passing grade, with the sole exception of Amber.

At this prestigious school, even the most playful students never ended up at the bottom. Their parents simply wouldn’t allow it.

These kids were all sharp-minded, and Amber was no exception. She was incredibly smart, especially in mathematics. Even without paying attention in class, when called to the board, she could work out any problem right away.

Susan couldn’t bear to let such talent go to waste.

“I never make empty promises,” Sienna said firmly. “In return, I want you to help Amber improve her grades this semester and earn admission to the university of her choice on her own merits.”

Susan’s face clouded with concern. She thought to herself, ‘I want to help, but Amber just isn’t willing. How could I possibly force her? What’s more, Amber is pretty rebellious. She just won’t listen to anyone.’

Susan looked apologetic as she replied, “Miss Hart, to be perfectly honest, I’m not sure I can do what you’re asking. You might not fully understand Amber yet. She has no interest in studying whatsoever.

“I believe this stems from her family circumstances and the influence of those around her.”

Susan made it quite clear. She was referring to none other than Jocelyn.

“Don’t worry,” Sienna said firmly. “I’ll make sure Amber attends school properly and changes her attitude toward studying.”

Susan looked puzzled and asked, “Miss Hart, with your resources, you could easily hire someone more qualified than me to tutor Amber and help her get into her dream university. Why choose me?”

Sienna gently spun the cup on the table. “Susan, I’m not really concerned about Amber’s grades. What I truly want is for her to enjoy learning. I believe you understand what I mean.”

As for which university Amber would attend, that was the least of Sienna’s worries. Even if Amber got expelled right now, Sienna could chart the best path for her, making sure she’d blossom and live an extraordinary life.

Susan finally understood. What Sienna cared about wasn’t Amber’s actual grades, but her attitude toward learning. Sienna wanted Susan to help Amber build a positive learning mindset.

Susan thought to herself, ‘Of course, they would never let her child go astray.’

“Miss Hart, I can’t guarantee anything. I can only give it a shot. Actually, I was hoping to talk to you about Amber as well, but you reached out to me first. I’m really glad you did, but to be honest, I also have an ulterior motive,” said Susan.

It was related to her two kids. Susan just wanted to pave an easier path for them. With today’s cutthroat competition, she could already see where things were headed.

Even if they got into the best schools, they would probably just end up stuck in mediocre corporate jobs, climbing the ladder one exhausting rung at a time. They wouldn’t even be able to land jobs at decent companies.

Sienna said calmly, “Okay. I’ll only provide the funding. If your children have what it takes to excel within the scope of my sponsorship, their future will be quite promising.”

Upon hearing this, Susan couldn’t suppress a smile. Receiving the sponsorship was already a tremendous blessing. She knew exactly what it meant. Her children could attend Fellington University.

This offer alone was more than Susan could ever hope for. Meanwhile, Susan was determined to do everything in her power to help Amber transform.

Susan hesitated, then looked at Sienna and asked, “Miss Hart, may I ask one last question?”

“Go ahead,” Sienna replied calmly. Her eyes remained as calm and detached as ever, giving off no trace of warmth.

“Miss Hart, why did you choose me?” Susan asked. After all, she was not exactly the star teacher here.

Sienna’s reasoning was straightforward. She simply didn’t want Amber to know she was pulling strings behind the scenes.

“Miss Hart, you’re truly an exceptional guardian,” Susan said sincerely.

A trace of guilt flickered in Sienna’s eyes as she said, “Is that so? I hope so.”

She was making amends in her way, helping them grow stronger, until they could weather any storm without fear, even when she was no longer there to shield them.

‘And Winifred too,’ Sienna thought to herself. A trace of heartache flickered in her eyes as she got into the car.

Lana glanced at her and asked softly. “Miss Enna, where should we go?”

Just as Sienna was about to speak, her phone rang.

It was Jason calling. Apparently, Vivian had come in for a check-up today. Jason was amazed at how quickly she had recovered, both physically and mentally, and he couldn’t wait to share the good news with Sienna.

“Enna, shouldn’t we get together? Are you really planning to keep your return a secret from all our old friends?” Jason suggested.

Sienna gazed out the window, her gaze profound. “Soon. I’ll show myself when I’ve taken care of a few things.”

Jason said, “Enna, first things first, you have to go see Nora. She’s been thinking about you all these years. She even goes to pay respects to you every year. Well, I mean, she just misses you.”

Sienna replied quietly, “Got it.”

Seeing Jason fall silent, Sienna asked, “Anything else?”

Jason hesitated, fumbling for words, too embarrassed to ask what was really on his mind. Worried that Sienna might lose patience, he finally muttered, “It’s nothing,” and hung up.

After hanging up, Jason slumped into his chair with relief, breathing heavily. The image of that stunning red-haired woman flashed through his mind, so sophisticated and alluring that she made his pulse race.

Jason thought to himself, ‘She must be someone Enna sent to help Vivian grow!’

“Dr. Everett? Dr. Everett?” The nurse had already called his name several times, but Jason remained unresponsive.

Finally, she rapped on the desk and raised her voice, “Dr. Everett?”

Jason was startled, snapping out of his thoughts with a frown. “What is it? I can hear you just fine.”

The nurse muttered under her breath, “I’ve called you several times already.”

Jason snapped, “What is it? Spit it out.”

“There’s a patient waiting to see you,” she said.

“Got it.” Jason nodded.

Lana felt a pang of heartache when she saw the dark circles under Sienna’s eyes.

Sienna hadn’t even been back a month, yet she’d already lost weight, every day juggling endless problems, managing both domestic and overseas companies, all while worrying about each of her younger sisters.

Late at night, Lana would always wait until Vivian had fallen asleep before catching up on work and meetings. Even in the past, Lana had never seen Sienna look so weary and burdened.