My eyes were dark and intense, as if I could devour someone.
Chloe took a step back. “Alice, why are you looking at me like that? I didn’t drop your supplies.”
Noah approached.“Alice, what’s wrong?”
I suppressed my anger with great effort. The supplies are defective.”
“Impossible!” Noah looked at the supplies and his face paled. “Go inside. I’ll buy you new ones.”
I regretted staying at the mansion. I’d been careless. I planned to call Jack, not trusting Noah’s promises.
Chloe said, “Noah, give Alice mine. I’ll wait for you to get new supplies.”
“No, I’ll get them.” Noah turned to me. Alice, trust me. Go inside. You’ll be late.”
I glanced at Noah before heading to the exam hall. The rain and traffic could make me late. I had a bad feeling
about this.
Chloe, under her umbrella, said sweetly, ‘I hope Noah gets back before the exam starts.”
I, holding my black umbrella, stared ahead, ignoring her. Chloe, frustrated, stomped off. She’d wanted me to discover the problem during the exam. My luck was unbelievable.
The rain intensified. I called Jack
He answered immediately. “What’s wrong? Shouldn’t you be in the classroom?”
“My supplies are broken. Noah’s getting new ones, but he’s not back yet.”
Jack sat up straight. “Wait in the classroom.”
I continued watching until the teacher reminded me to go inside. I trusted Jack
I sat down, the bell ringing just as the principal rushed in, holding supplies for the exam proctor to check and then gave them to me. I was surprised. Why was he here? I didn’t have time to dwell on it.
Time ticked away. After the first exam, I felt relieved. Leaving the exam hall, I looked up at the sky, feeling optimistic.
At the school gate, Noah rushed over. “Alice, how are you? The rain caused traffic, and the driver took a wrong turn. I found supplies, but I’m late.” He was drenched, his face filled with guilt.
My expression was cold. I should have expected this. I was used to my brothers‘ disappointments. Indifference meant no pain.
Noah looked at me anxiously.“Alice, say something! Yell at me!”
I stepped back, creating distance. Noah’s heart sank.
Chloe ran up.“Noah, you’re late! This will affect Alice’s exam!” Seeing my impassive face, she felt a surge of triumph.
Noah looked at me, full of guilt. I’m sorry. If this affects you, I’ll help you retake the exam!”
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< Chapter 52
I sneered. “Noah, let it go.”
Menu
Noah was stunned. What did I mean? He’d rather I yelled at him than be indifferent, treating him like a stranger!
I turned to see Jack standing there, holding a black umbrella, waiting quietly. I ran over. “Did you ask the principal to get me supplies?”
Jack, seeing my smile, knew the incident hadn’t affected me. He suppressed his annoyance.“Yes.”
“Thank you! You saved me!” I rubbed my stomach.“I’m hungry. Let’s eat. I have another exam this afternoon.”
As I got into the car, Noah’s frantic voice echoed, “Alice, where are you going? I need to talk!”
He reached for the car door, his heart racing. My expression was flat.“Unnecessary.”
“Alice, I didn’t mean to be late.”
My gaze was unwavering.“I know. Can you let go now?”
But Noah didn’t. He was afraid to. He had a bad feeling that if he let go, I would never come back.
Andrew couldn’t stand it anymore. He grabbed Noah’s collar.“Dude, this is ridiculous!”
“I’m her brother! What’s so funny?” Noah was losing control.
Andrew scoffed.“I’ve never seen such a useless brother! You guys prepared her supplies, and they mysteriously broke. You made her wait, and you were late. Are you guys that malicious?” Andrew had witnessed my struggles and couldn’t take it anymore. This was insane! It was obvious the supplies hadn’t broken accidentally!
Noah was stunned.“I didn’t know.”
“Then find out! Why are you harassing Alice, forcing her to forgive you? I’m worried that next time, her food will be tampered with, and she’ll get diarrhea and miss the exam!” Andrew didn’t hold back.
Noah was shoved aside, stumbling as I drove away. He felt a wave of panic–his first in thirty years.
Chloe, feigning concern, approached. “Noah, Alice is right to be angry. You were late. But the exam is important. Let her come home.” If I left, her plans would be ruined.
Noah was breaking down. His voice was hoarse.“Where’s the butler? He prepared the supplies!” He wanted to know why my supplies were damaged.
Chloe was tense.“Noah, why are you suspecting the butler? He prepared my supplies, and they were fine.”
Noah, his face stern, strode away. Chloe frantically texted the butler:[Noah is investigating. Be careful.]
Even though I left, it might affect my performance. Good. I seemed done with Noah.
In the car, I looked at the lessening rain. It was quiet. Jack looked at me, his tone calm.“Don’t let this affect you. Don’t go back for the next few days.”
I nodded. “That’s what I was thinking. The apartment is easier.”
The rain stopped by the afternoon exam. I took the exam smoothly. The math problems were difficult, but I felt confident. Leaving the exam hall, I heard students complaining about the difficulty.
At the school gate, I saw Noah. I paused, then walked in another direction.
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Alre. I brongile the hurler to apologize.
