Chapter 192
“Oh my god, that was so clear,” one student said, practically bouncing in his seat. “I’ve been struggling with this section forever, but the way Payton explained it? It actually seems easy now p>
“Right? I used to feel completely lost doing these problems,” another student chimed in. “Now I actually feel like I can handle them p>
Kayla watched her classmates light up with newfound confidence. Their energy filled the room–that spark of determination she’d been hoping to see.
She thought, ‘It’s working.
“Alright, everyone,” she said, her voice cutting through the chatter. “This is just the beginning. From here on out, we’re in this together. Remember–we all move forward, or none of us do p>
Kayla’s words hit like a spark to dry kindling. The entire class felt something ignite in their chests.
Heads nodded around the room. Eyes sharpened with determination.
They understood now–from this moment forward, they weren’t fighting alone anymore. A united team stood behind them, ready to back them up.
With renewed determination burning in their chests, they prepared to face whatever challenges came next.
At Sexton Villa, Marianna followed the servant down the hallway toward Tristian’s room. Each step deeper into the estate made her chest tighter with longing. The opulent furnishings, the soaring ceilings, the quiet luxury of it all–it was everything she’d ever wanted.
“This is where Kayla grew up?‘ The thought burned through her.
‘Why does she get all this? What makes that useless waste of space so special that she got to live here, while I spent my entire childhood crammed into that disgusting walk–up, breathing in mold and poverty p>
Jealousy burned through Marianna, sharp and consuming. Her hands curled into fists at her sides as she made a silent promise to herself.
She thought, ‘One day, I’ll live in a mansion like this too. I’ll have servants waiting on me hand and foot, and I’ll make Kayla look like the worthless nobody she is!
Before she could dwell on it further, they arrived at Tristian’s room.
The servant said, “Sir, Ms. Walter is here p>
Heavy footsteps sounded from inside, followed by the distinctive click–click of his obsidian bracelet rotating.
While Marianna waited for Tristian to open the door, an unfamiliar feeling stirred in her chest.
She knew how Tristan felt about her. Especially after her injury, when he’d practically abandoned his company obligations to stay by her side day and night. His heart was entirely hers, and he didn’t bother hiding it. For original chapters go to
Marianna understood the art of push and pull perfectly. Every time Tristian tried to get closer, she’d pretend not to notice and brush him off, keeping him dangling on the hook.
Ruby had drilled it into her head. “The grass is always greener on the other side p>
The more a man wanted something, the less you could give it to him. Once he got what he wanted, he’d stop appreciating it.
The only way to keep a man hooked was to make sure he never quite had you. That’s what kept them obsessed.
That was how Marianna handled Davon. And that was how she handled Tristian, too.
She’d give them just enough–a taste of sweetness to keep them devoted–but she’d never let them have everything they wanted.
She thought, ‘But Mom’s been playing this game her whole life, and she still hasn’t married into wealth. Doesn’t that prove her methods might not actually work p>
She frowned. ‘Mom keeps saying our struggles are temporary, that good times are coming soon, that we’ll have all the money we need. But when is soon?
She looked at the fancy mansion. ‘I’ve already waited almost eighteen years. I don’t want to wait anymore. And I definitely don’t want Kayla looking down on me anymore. I can’t stand this situation we’re in for another second p>
Tristian was the only male heir in the Sexton family. Eventually, everything the Sextons had would belong to him.
If she could wrap Tristian around her finger completely, if she could marry him and become his wife, then she’d be Kayla’s family.