Chapter 235

And that dress Mr. Harrison Lancaster bought? It was for Alice!
Piece by piece, the evidence was undeniable—Alice was the very girl everyone whispered about, the one Mr. Harrison Lancaster treasured like a rare jewel.
With a background like hers, there was no question: the spot had to go to Alice. As for that troublemaker, Anastasia-
Mr. Pierce snorted dismissively to himself. Compared to Rosewood Manor, the Sterling family was hardly worth mentioning. So what if her spot was revoked? It was easy enough to take it away. If Anastasia wanted to stay, let her. It would just give him the perfect excuse to put her in her place and keep Alice happy in the process.
Anastasia nearly laughed out of sheer frustration. She stared coldly at Mr. Pierce and asked directly, “Who’s taking my place?”
There was no way her spot was revoked for no reason. She hadn’t made many enemies at school-her one real rival, Penelope, had already been sent packing. The only thing that made sense was that coveted opportunity to assist the visiting dignitary.
Mr. Pierce didn’t even bother to hide it. “It’s Alice, the freshman. She’s a much better fit than you.”
-Alice?
Anastasia’s eyes narrowed. She hadn’t expected Alice’s name to crop up here. Still, she couldn’t see why Alice, of all people, should get her spot.
As she puzzled over it, Maggie tugged at her sleeve, quietly urging, “Anastasia, maybe… just let it go?”
Only moments ago, Maggie had been fuming on her behalf. Now, she seemed nervous, ready to back down.
Anastasia looked at her in surprise.
Maggie leaned in, whispering, “Remember what we told you about that freshman with powerful connections? That’s Alice.”
“If Alice wants this spot, there’s nothing we can do. It’s better to step aside than risk crossing whoever’s backing her
Anastasia’s expression was unreadable.
Alice had powerful connections?
Who, exactly? The same Mary she’d scolded yesterday?
“Let it go, Anastasia, let’s just leave,” another friend whispered, trying to coax her away.
Sandra muttered awkwardly, “Forget about the regular spot, too. You were
supposed to be first, but now that Alice has your place, she’s bound to resent you f you join the welcoming committee
if
“No. I want it. Why shouldn’t I?” Anastasia replied, calm and unruffled. Before they could say more, she turned and said to Mr. Pierce, “I’m staying.”
“Anastasia, how could you agree to that?” Thıs text ıs hosted at.net
The moment they stepped out of the office, Maggie was beside herself with worry.
The others looked at Anastasia, concern etched on their faces. “Yeah, Alice is definitely going to make things hard for you!”
“If even the vice principal is showing her favoritism, you know she’s got serious backing. What if she makes your life miserable?”
Anastasia met their worried stares with a steady, reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”
The group made their way out of the administrative building.
“That’s Alice!” Maggie suddenly gasped.
Anastasia followed her gaze, spotting Alice in an instant-surrounded by a crowd,
at the center of everyone’s attention.
She narrowed her eyes.
Alice saw her, too. Her heart skipped a beat, and she froze in place, suddenly unsure of herself.