Choosing something less flashy, she swapped the keys for a Mercedes and sent a quick message to her brother, “The pink diamond sports car in the garage is a bit much. Your taste could use some work, Felix.”

Felix responded confidently, “They say young girls love pink. I hope you stay young at heart.”

Rylie didn’t bother replying. She was already on her way to Brightwood High. Brightwood High was the top school in Crolens, yet its students were split into two extremes.

The school admitted either kids with little money but exceptional brains, or those with average grades who could pay their way in.

Rylie’s first stop was Melany’s class. She knocked on the door, and the chatter inside died instantly. All eyes turned toward her, standing in the doorway. She wore a plain white blouse and black trousers, her hair tied back in a simple ponytail — but nothing could hide her striking, flawless face.

Sunlight streamed through the corridor windows, casting a golden glow around her, making her look like she had stepped out of a painting.

“Wow,” a few boys whispered from the back row.

“Is she the new teacher? She’s gorgeous!” a girl with glasses muttered to her classmate.

“No way. She’s way too young. She must be a transfer student,” another girl replied.

Melany, who had been dozing at her desk, lifted her head when the noise broke her half-sleep. When Rylie appeared, Melany jumped up, but someone else rushed forward before she could move.

Zaylee darted over, her eyes shining with innocent excitement. “Rylie! What are you doing here at this hour? Did something happen?”

Two other girls quickly gathered around Zaylee, glancing curiously at Rylie. “Zaylee, you two know each other?”

Another student, who sometimes tutored at Brad’s house, spoke up. “She lives in Serenity Manor too.”

A wave of gasps filled the room.

“Zaylee, is this rich young lady your friend?”

Zaylee nodded with a mix of shy pride, quietly savoring the envy flickering among her classmates.

Students crowded near the door as Zaylee added, “Rylie, we’ve been taking lessons from Ms. Carter these past two days, but don’t worry, I’ll visit your place soon too.”

Rylie glanced only at Melany, who sat off in the corner, her eyes dim. Melany had already sunk into her seat, her arms wrapped around her head.

“I’m not here for you,” Rylie said evenly, brushing past Zaylee’s awkward smile and tapping lightly on Melany’s desk. “I came all the way here to help you, and this is the welcome I get?”

Melany’s head shot up, her eyes lighting with sudden joy. “I thought… I thought you weren’t here for me,” she stammered.

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