Chapter 34
Sanderson’s face went momentarily blank when he heard the news.
It was like when Cordelia aced her exams, topping her year. He was stunned at first, but after getting to know her life in the orphanage, he realized her brilliance was no fluke.
After finishing junior high, Cordelia had taken to studying on her own.
But Math competition required more than just talent. They also demanded hard work. No matter how clever Cordelia was, having just returned half a month ago, how could she score well in such a challenging competition?
He patted Lorna’s shoulder, sighing with a tinge of self–reproach. If he hadn’t lost Cordelia all those years ago. she would undoubtedly be the brightest star among her peers.
While they were talking, Steward suddenly strode over with his hands clasped behind his back and addressed Sanderson, “Come here, son.”
Sanderson hastily followed. “What’s up, Dad?”
Steward gazed at Sanderson. “Have you got any news on that Calvert fellow?”
Sanderson shook his head.
Steward frowned. “Try harder to find him.”
“Will do.”
As usual, Cordelia got off at Midnight Scent, had breakfast, and held hands with Everard for some time.
Lately, their hand-holding sessions were getting longer by the day. It lasted two minutes that day, and she still felt a faint ache in her chest.
As Cordelia tuned into her body’s signals, Everard leaned back on the table, propping his forehead with his free hand. “Girl, don’t you think this wastes time?” His voice was low and seductively charming.
Cordelia paused. “So what can I do?” she asked.
Everard’s lips curled into a teasing smile, and at that moment, it seemed as if all the light in the room gathered on his face. His features, sharp and firm, took on an enticing glow. “I have a method that’s quick and easy. Want to hear it?”
Cordelia suddenly realized what he was hinting at. She quickly averted her gaze, answering indifferently, “No, thanks.”
Her cold demeanor didn’t provoke him. Instead, he chuckled softly, his laughter wrapping around Cordelia’s heart, which made her throat parched.
He prodded, “Why not?”
Cordelia hesitated before replying, “I know what you’re suggesting.”
Everard arched an eyebrow, “So, you’re not willing to try it with me?”
Cordelia frowned as if making up her mind. “Fine.”
Everard was stunned. Did this girl agree to a kiss and embrace?
The thought barely crossed his mind when she extended her other hand. “Let’s try holding both hands at once. Maybe it’ll cut the time in half.”
What the hell?
1/3
It took five seconds before Everard burst out laughing again. How could this girl be so adorable?
Before he could respond, Cordelia was already on her feet. “That’s enough for today. Let’s try it tomorrow” She slung her backpack over her shoulders, her oversized school blazer swishing as she left.
Once she was gone, the smile on Everard’s face slowly vanished, returning to his usual cold and taciturn demeanor.
When Cordelia entered the school gates, she saw a sea of red. Flame squad numbers one to seven plus Merry was squatting at the entrance, their red hair quite a spectacle. Yates leaned against a nearby tree, engrossed in his phone.
Passing students steered clear of them, visibly intimidated.
Latham pedaled by on his beat–up bike and halted to shout when he saw them. “School rules say no dyed hair, Yates. Take them and get it fixed!”
Yates ignored him.
Flame number one retorted, “Latham, we’re not in your class. Mind your own business”
Latham tried to reason with them. “You’re students. I have a right to say.
He was about to launch into a lecture when Flame number one spotted Cordelia, his eyes lighting up. “Lia!”
Immediately, the eight of them and Yates hurried over to Cordelia’s side.
Cordelia looked at them, puzzled. “What are you doing here?”
Merry quickly linked arms with her. “Today’s the Galaxy Math Whiz Competition results day. We’re here to back. you up!”
Yates had said that lest the results stirred up any trouble, they’d escort her to school so no one could get under her skin with their taunts.
Hearing that, Latham dismounted his bike and joined them, pushing it along Cordelia. He spoke, “Cordelia, relax. Results don’t define you, and the Galaxy Math Whiz Competition is just a warm–up. The real deal is the National Math League coming up in September.”
Cordelia murmured, “OK”
Why did everyone think she was anxious? She wasn’t nervous at all. She thought she’d done pretty well.
But results were imminent, so she didn’t say much more.
The group made their way to the classroom, causing a clear path as everyone gave them a wide berth, which scuttled any plans of onlookers to interfere.
Cordelia was thus escorted safely to class and settled in for the following two periods.
The Galaxy Math Whiz Competition results were announced during the long break at ten.
Cordelia had just finished her exercises on the field and was strolling back to the classroom when the clock
struck ten.
Latham was already there, a crowd huddled around Hanley, fixated on the scoring app on his phone. “Quick, check the score! Did you enter the registration number correctly?”
Hanley nodded and hit the search button, revealing the score of 212
“Wow!
“That’s sky–high! A top–tier award!”
“Yeah, last year’s lowest top prize score was 180. Our province’s top score was only 224. And apparently, this
Chapter 34
year’s test was tougher. Hanley’s definitely in the top ten! Amazing!”
Basking in reflected glory beside Hanley, Juliana glanced at Cordelia with a smile that masked her true feelings. Feigning concern, she asked, “Cordelia, how did you score?”
Cordelia couldn’t be bothered with the buzz around her as she walked with her head down to her seat. She plopped down and was about to pull out her phone to check her scores when an unfamiliar landline number flashed on the screen.
With a slight frown, she answered, “Hello?”
The voice on the other end was hasty. “Is this Cordelia Delaney? I’m calling from the admissions office at Greenmeadow University. We’ve come across your score from the Galaxy Math Whiz Competition. Normally, as it’s an unofficial contest, we wouldn’t consider it for direct admission, but our Mathematics Department is quite impressed and is interested in offering you a special scholarship. Would that interest you?”
Cordelia paused for two seconds before replying, “No, thanks. I’m not interested”
Greenmeadow University was indeed prestigious, a beacon of academic excellence, but Cordelia had always set her sights on the Superiority College. Her resolve had never wavered.
The caller tried to persuade her, but Cordelia was firm in her decision.
After she hung up, she finally opened the score–checking website on her phone.
Merry was practically vibrating with impatience beside her. She craned her neck, trying to glimpse at Cordelia’s phone as slender fingers danced over the screen. When Cordelia entered her registration number and hit the enter button, Merry’s eyes bulged in disbelief. “Holy s