Chapter 233
Claire spoke loud enough for people nearby to hear, and suddenly, all the students walking by turned their heads to look.
Sammie had a reputation that everyone respected. Students actually competed for the chance to carry his tray or even just help him get lunch. It wasn’t about sucking up. They just genuinely admired him.
But after Carr’s comment, he became the center of everyone’s attention, and not in
a good way.
“What’s Howler even talking about? I’d do way more than carry Sammie’s tray. I’d wash his laundry if he asked,” someone joked.
“Honestly, Claire could do anything and Carr would still find fault. He’s just jealous, plain and simple,” another student whispered.
“Is Howler about to lose it again? Sammie’s right there,” someone else murmured.
Sammie heard them as soon as he stepped out of the cafeteria. He didn’t say anything, just gave Carr a single look.
Carr was already red in the face after Claire’s pointed words. He hadn’t meant to start anything serious, just wanted to make a snide little comment. He had no idea Claire would call him out in front of everyone.
When he saw Sammie, Carr just wanted to disappear. Without saying a word, he turned and took off, running like he was in a race.
Claire couldn’t help herself—she laughed right out loud.
She caught Sammie’s eye and smiled, waving. “Professor, don’t worry about what Carr said p>
Sammie’s smile was gentle. “I know you’re a good kid. I won’t let it bother me p>
After lunch, they all went back to the dorm, but no one could sleep. Carr was old news already. Everyone was too nervous about the results coming out that afternoon.
Nanette was already packing up her things.
“Nanette, why are you packing now?” Linsey asked, watching her.
Nanette sighed. “Just getting ready, you know? Only fifteen people will make it through the first round. My grades are average at best. I’m not getting my hopes up p>
She looked over at Linsey. “But you’ll definitely make it p>
“Claire has basically been giving us private lessons these last few days, and you pick up on things so quickly. You work hard too, so you’ll be fine p>
Even though there weren’t official rankings for the previous tests, everyone had a pretty good sense of where they stood.
Linsey started frowning, her nerves showing. “I’m not so sure. If I do make it, I’ll probably just scrape by p>
Wendy was quietly putting her stuff in order as well. She didn’t think she had much of a shot either. Out of the four of the Claire was a sure thing, and Linsey had a decent chance But Wendy and Nanette both felt like it was already over.
Claire, on the other hand, looked completely at ease. She wasn’t
pretending or trying to sugarcoat
anything. “Even if you
“Even if you
save to
leave, it won’t be today. Why don’t
we all go out for dinner tonight p>
Some teachers had planned a little day trip around Cabinda, even a flag-raising ceremony. Others were anxious to get their students home as soon as possible. Everyone’s plans were different.
“Can we really go out?” Nanette paused, hopeful.
She wanted to pick up a few things for her family before leaving.
“Probably. Just check with your chaperone,” Claire said, thinking it wouldn’t be a problem.
The other dorms were in the same boat. With so many students about to leave, no one could sleep anyway. Honestly, even on a normal most students e hap Everyone was caught up in the competition and wouldn’t waste even an hour. If they weren’t reading, they were working on practice problems.
By two-thirty, everyone had gathered in the classroom.
This time, it was Norris who would announce the results of the first round.
He walked up to the front, holding their tests, and adjusted his glasses. The room was completely silent.
“Waiting for the results?” Norris looked around, meeting everyone’s eyes.
He’d learned every student’s name in just seven days.
“Yes, sir!” the class replied together.