Chapter 484

484
484
Vanessa muttered , “ She’s like a piece of gum stuck to his shoe . ”
Tina said with relief , “ Thank goodness we’re not Luther . ”
Jonathan deftly steered the conversation elsewhere .
The grocery shopping segment alone would’ve been too dull , so Finn set some mini – games . The cast played as they shopped , finishing the task within an hour before returning to Mayen Garden.
Vanessa keyed in the code and let them in .
Calista swept her eyes around the room . Not spotting Aria , a flicker of delight crossed her face . She said , “ Aria is not here . Should we start cooking ? Luther , let’s team up in the kitchen . I’ve just mastered two new dishes . Come be my sous – chef . ”
Luther glanced toward the entrance . “ Aria’s back , ” he announced .
Calista’s smile vanished instantly .
Vanessa guessed where Aria had been , gave her a knowing look , moved closer , and whispered , “ Did Owen make that ? ”
“ Yeah ,” Aria replied .
“ Quick , let me try some , ” Vanessa said . Then , she suddenly shook her head . “ No , there are too many people , not enough to go around . Take them to Lily . and Pearl first . I’ll sneak in later for a bite . ”
Aria chuckled , “ Alright .”
Luther had also guessed where Aria had been . Seeing the box in her hands , he moved closer , but Aria walked past him without a glance and went inside . “ You guys handle the cooking ,” she said dismissively . “ I’m giving food to the girls . ”
Tina handed her the items they’d just bought . “ These are for them , ” she said .
Aria took them . “ Thanks , ” she said .
Tina rolled her eyes . “ Don’t thank me . It’s not for you .”
“ Oh , then I take my words back , ” Aria replied .
Tina was speechless .
As Aria entered the room , Lily sprang up excitedly . “ Aria , it’s almost time to check the SAT results ! ” she exclaimed .
Hearing this , Calista stopped in her tracks . “ Oh , right , ” she said , “ the SAT results are coming out today . My little brother also took the SAT this year . He’s always the best in his class with straight A’s . I need to call him and ask him to check his scores . ”
Jonathan smiled and said , “ Ms. Archer , you’re getting anxious . I’m sure your brother hasn’t forgotten to check his scores . There are only three minutes left . You can wait a few more minutes before calling him .”
Calista laughed and played along , saying , “ Yeah , this whole thing’s got me all worked up too . ”
Calista cast a casual glance at Aria and , as if making conversation , asked , “ Aria , which school does your sister attend ? My brother’s at Mar School . ”
Manxon High School was a prestigious prep school where students were either top achievers or trust fund kids .
Aria replied coolly , “ Lily attends Larkridge High School . ”
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Calista’s smile faltered for a moment . “ Larkridge High School , huh ? That’s the best in Mandino City . Thet your sister gets straight #G
Aria shrugged . “ She’s doing alright . ”
Calista didn’t know how to respond , so she quickly changed the subject to her brother . “ My brother’s estimated score is at least 1300 on the SAT said . “ What about Lily ? Has she estimated hers yet ? ”
Aria said flatly , “ No. Almost time . ”
With that , Aria shut the door firmly in Calista’s face .
Calista scoffed disdainfully and pulled out her phone . “ I’m calling my mom ,” she announced .
Lily sat before the computer , her fingers trembling slightly as she typed in her exam ID and password . She exhaled a long , shaky breath
Aria and Pearl stood on either side of Lily .
Aria reassured her , “ Don’t worry , you’ll do just fine . ”
Pearl nodded eagerly . “ Lily , you’re the best . ”
Lily clicked the mouse , her eyes glued to the screen , heart pounding .
The results page flashed onto the screen .
Her SAT score showed zero .
The three were stunned by the score . Then they noticed the notification : [ Congratulations ! Your SAT score ranks among the top 50 statewide . }
Lily covered her mouth . “ My score … My score is withheld ! ”
This year’s senior class was fiercely competitive , with several dark horses rising through the ranks and a top – scoring contender from last year repeating his final year .
In the final statewide SAT mock exam , quite a few students scored above 1450. Lily ranked second in Mandino City and third in the state , just several points shy of the top scorer .
Calista’s triumphant voice rang out from outside . “ My little brother scored 1350 on the SAT ! ”
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