Chapter 158

She had never seen Andrew act this sweet with any other girl. Was he really falling for her? For this girl? If she managed to win him over, maybe even marry into his family, she’d go from nothing to someone important just like that. But how could trash like her ever be good enough for the Blair family?
Olivia glared at Charlotte, her fingers curling so tight her knuckles turned white. She bit her lip, trying to keep her anger in check.
“Charlotte, your seat’s over here.”
At the sound of Andrew’s voice, Charlotte finally looked up. Her eyes were cool as she glanced at her seat number. She made sure it was right, slid out the chair, and sat down. Then she pulled two pens from her pocket and tossed them onto the desk.
Charlotte’s seat was in the same row as Olivia’s. The moment she sat down, the whole noisy classroom went quiet.
Everyone at Vanguard High knew about the tension between them. All eyes were on Charlotte and Olivia now. Some kids tried to sneak looks, others just stared. Whispers spread across the room.
“Honestly, Charlotte is way prettier than Olivia. But these days, looks don’t get you anything.”
“I’ll bet you this. Forget second place. If Charlotte moves up even ten spots in the rankings, I’ll buy everyone milk tea.”
“My uncle works in the principal’s office. I heard a famous physics professor recommended Charlotte. Supposedly she’s a science genius.”
“A genius who scores dead last?” Nancy couldn’t help laughing. She leaned closer
to Olivia and lowered her voice. “You believe that? I sure don’t.”
Olivia’s lips curled in a mocking smile as she looked at Charlotte. She expected to see her flustered and embarrassed by all the gossip, but instead, Charlotte was wearing headphones, like she was listening to music.
Music, at a time like this? She really must be hopeless. Olivia couldn’t wait for her to bomb the test and get kicked out of Vanguard High.
At two ten, the proctor walked in.
Charlotte raised her eyebrows when she saw who it was, a faint smile tugging at her lips. What a coincidence.
Charlotte respected the rules, so she took off her headphones and handed them, along with her phone, to the teacher at the front. Eleanor gave her a gentle look and spoke softly.
“Do your best. Don’t be afraid.”
“Okay.”
Charlotte squinted, nodded casually, and settled in.
Once every student passed the security check, Eleanor opened the envelope with the test papers in front of everyone.
Vanguard High was known for brutal exams, and this test was no different. Most students frowned as they got their papers, looking like they might cry.
Olivia glanced at the questions, her brow creasing. It was tough, for sure. But she figured if she couldn’t solve something, nobody else could either. She was sure she’d stay at the top.
Shirley, meanwhile, thought every question was clever, packed with all the important points they had reviewed. Each problem built on the last, so if your worked through them it was like studying all over again
She sneaked a look at Charlotte, who was leaning on her hand, spinning a pen like she had all the time in the world Shirley wondered, How she so calm? If she’s this
smart, why did she score so dow before?