Novel Ships
Chapter 289
Chapter 289
Cordelia anxiously tried calling Yates, but couldn't get through.
Frowning, she was about to give up when Flame rushed over. "Lia, Yates had a car accident today and couldn't make it to school. He asked me to let you know!"
Cordelia was baffled. "A car accident?"
Scratching his head, Flame explained, "Not sure about the details, but it doesn't seem too bad. He asked if you could jot down today's homework for him. I'll swing by the hospital to drop it off."
Cordelia was speechless. Homework? In the hospital?
Nodding, she handed over the day's assignments to Flame, who then darted off.
A thought struck Cordelia. Was Flame skipping class again?
By lunchtime, Flame was back, handing over Yates's assignments from the previous day. "The accident wasn't serious, just unlucky. Driving along fine and bam! A billboard fell on the car. Lucky for Yates, he chose the passenger seat today; otherwise, it could've been curtains. The backseat got totally smashed!"
Yates had recently been chauffeured around, following an odd rule set by Mr. Hackett, and had taken to studying from a vocabulary notebook and literature summaries during rides.
Today, on a whim, he sat in the passenger seat, finding it easier to read there due to better light...
And then, the accident happened.
Flame exclaimed, "Yates really has nine lives! But talk about bad luck, of all the cars, it had to be his. And yet, sitting in the passenger seat today, he got off with just a scratch. Good thing he's got deep pockets!"
After his somewhat insensitive remark, Flame turned to Merry, grinning. "Hey, Little Parrot, heard Bland's taken? Given up yet?"
Merry was taken aback. Why was everyone aiming at her today?
She managed a weak smile, "No way, not giving up in this lifetime!"
Flame burst out laughing. "You're into married men now?"
Merry's cheeks flushed. Bland was hers, after all.
Puffing up with defiance, she retorted, "Yes, I like him. What's it to you?"
Then, linking arms with Cordelia, she ignored Flame's teasing gaze and headed to the cafeteria for lunch.
After eating, Cordelia's phone buzzed with a message from Keen: "Math Olympiad results out this afternoon. Bet on who's top?"NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.
Cordelia's reply was brief: "Not interested."
Back in the classroom, celebrations erupted around Juliana and Hanley. "Congrats, Hanley! Top sixty nationwide, straight into the national team training for next year's IMO!"
Hanley's achievement meant direct admission to a top university's math program, bypassing the need for entrance exams.
As everyone congratulated him,
Hanley smiled, reflecting on his journey at the Ontoky City Autumn Gold Academic Bootcamp. It was Cordelia and Keen's brilliance that had spurred him on, helping him secure his place among the nation's best.
When Cordelia entered, his heart lightened. She had been his inspiration.
"Scores are out," he told her, "you and Keen tied for first again."
Cordelia acknowledged the news and the congratulations for Hanley with a simple "Congrats," before settling down to her studies.
The classroom buzzed with excitement and envy for Hanley's automatic university placement, fueling everyone's motivation as exams loomed closer.
In the midst of a quiet afternoon study session, Hanley walked in, a fresh sense of achievement glowing around him. He had just secured his spot at an esteemed university through early admission, and took his seat with an air of relief.
At that moment, Cordelia was
deeply immersed in solving some complex equations, barely noticing the murmurs that started escalating in volume in front of her. It wasn't until the murmurs turned into a loud dispute that she looked up
O
indifferent, only to catch Juliana standing up abruptly.
"Top Crest Academy has the best mathematics program hands down! Why on earth would you choose Superiority College over it?" Juliana's voice was filled with disbelief and anger.
Hanley's voice, now hushed, tried to bring some calm. "Why are you getting so worked up? Sit down, let's discuss this. We shouldn't disturb the others."
"Is it about not disturbing others, or is it that you don't want to disturb your dear Cordelia?" Juliana's voice pierced through the room, drawing everyone's attention.
Hanley's face flushed with embarrassment. "What are you talking about?"
But Juliana was relentless, pointing at Hanley accusingly, "Tell me, do you regret it? Regret swapping our engagement for hers? Have you fallen for Cordelia? Is that why you chose Superiority College?"
As Hanley opened his mouth to
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retort, Juliana didn't give him a chance. She stormed down the aiste to where Cordelia sat, jabbing a finger accusingly. "You little homewrecker! Was Mr. Watkins not enough for you? Why do you have to steal someone else's fiance?"
The classroom, a moment ago quiet and focused, was now a stage for a dramatic confrontation, with all eyes locked on the trio.