Chapter 612

Eli’s eyes lit up before she even realized it.

Althea, walking beside her, caught the change immediately. A faint smile touched her lips as she asked, ” Are students allowed to use these facilities outside class hours?”

“Of course,” the principal replied. “With supervision, naturally. We want them to truly understand, not just

memorize.”

Althea nodded, clearly pleased.

They moved on, this time toward the music room. Even from outside, the soft sound of a piano drifted through the door. When it opened, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The room felt warmer, filled with neatly arranged instrument pianos, guitars, and even a separate vocal practice room off to the side.

Without realizing it, Eli stepped a little closer.

“This is where we develop students’ interests in the arts,” the principal explained. “Including vocal training.”

Eli’s gaze lingered on the vocal room; its walls lined with soundproof panels. Inside, a student practiced seriously under the guidance of a coach.

A small smile formed on her lips, almost without her noticing.

Althea saw it.

“Do vocal classes follow a fixed schedule,” she asked, “or are they more flexible?”

“We tailor them to each student’s ability and interest,” the principal answered. “Some even take additional training if they show strong progress.”

“Interesting,” Althea murmured, her interest unmistakable.

They continued on to the library. The space was quiet, lined with tall bookshelves and comfortable reading areas. A few students sat with laptops or books in hand, completely absorbed in their work.

“The library is open until late afternoon,” the principal said. “We encourage students to spend time here if they want to study independently.”

Althea smiled. “The environment is very supportive.”

“That’s exactly what we strive to maintain,” he replied.

Eli lingered slightly behind, taking everything in.

She couldn’t hide her awe anymore.

This place… was nothing like she had imagined. It didn’t feel suffocating. It wasn’t intimidating. If anything, it felt like a place that allowed someone to grow.

1/3

Chapter 612

+25 Bonus

Her eyes flicked briefly toward Althea. The woman was speaking casually with the principal, asking thoughtful questions-about the learning system, student activities, even small details most people might overlook.

And for the first time since they arrived, Eli felt something loose inside her.

Maybe… studying here wouldn’t be so bad.

Maybe… she could really try.

She stepped closer to Althea, walking beside her-just a little nearer than before.

“What do you think?” Althea asked softly.

Eli looked ahead. “Everything… feels different.”

“In a good way?”

Eli hesitated. “Yes… but it also scares me.”

Althea stopped walking and turned fully toward her.

“What are you afraid of?”

Eli lowered her gaze. “What if I can’t keep up… with everything?”

Althea didn’t answer right away. She stepped a little closer instead-just enough to make Eli feel heard.

“You don’t have to be able to do everything right away,” she said gently. “You just have to try.”

Eli bit her lip. “But what if I fail?”

“Then we fix it,” Althea replied without hesitation.

Eli lifted her head, looking at her as if to make sure, she’d heard correctly.

“I won’t let you walk through this alone,” Althea continued. “As long as you’re willing to try, that’s enough.”

Eli’s eyes began to sting, but she held back the tears threatening to fall. “I… don’t want to disappoint you.”

A faint smile curved on Althea’s lips. “You’re not being tested to please us.”

Eli fell silent.

“You’re simply being given a chance to live better,” Althea added softly.

That was something Eli couldn’t answer right away.

They resumed walking, heading toward the school’s back garden. A few students sat reading, others chatting quietly in small groups.

Eli watched them for a long moment.

2/3

Chapter 612

406

+25 Bonus

“They don’t seem to… bring each other down,” she murmured.

Althea followed her gaze. “A good environment shapes the way people think.”

Eli took a slow breath. “If I study here…” she said hesitantly, “can I really start over?”

Althea looked at her, her expression gentle. “Yes.”

Eli turned to her. “Without my past following me?”

Althea didn’t give a long answer.

“As long as you don’t carry it back with you, the past won’t chase you.”

Eli stood there, quietly. A few seconds passed before she finally gave a small nod.

She looked at the school again.

This time, not with the same uncertainty. The fear was still there-so was the awkwardness-but beneath it, something new had begun to grow.

A quiet willingness.

For the first time since everything had come to light, Eli didn’t feel like she was running away.

She was… choosing.

And beside her, Althea continued walking calmly. “You can tell Daven your decision yourself,” she said. “I think, aside from my husband, Grand Dad and GrandMom would also want to hear it directly from you.”

Eli looked at her, steady this time.

“So… I hope you choose wisely.”