Chapter 324

A sudden, high-pitched scream of pure excitement rang out from the teachers’ office at Vanguard High.
Ashley jumped out of her seat, eyes wide as she stared at Olivia. “Are you serious? You got a 714? That’s the highest score in the whole country?”
Olivia nodded, looking proud and completely sure of herself. “Yeah, I checked the results just now.”
To be honest, she’d been a little nervous before seeing her score. Charlotte and Shirley had both done great in physics last time, and that had her second-guessing herself. But the instant she saw that number, all her doubts disappeared.
“Amazing, Olivia, you’re incredible!” Ashley practically squealed, rushing over to wrap Olivia in a big hug. “I knew you’d crush it.”
Olivia had been at Vanguard for three years and almost always took the top spot in every exam. There was no way she’d suddenly slip up now. She’d earned this.
The other teachers, hearing the commotion, couldn’t help chiming in.
“Ashley, your class is definitely getting some attention now.”
“Seriously, Olivia’s our first ever national number one.”
“With a score like that, every university out there will be lining up for her.”
“I heard the school’s higher-ups are thrilled. They’re planning to give bonuses to all
of Olivia’s teachers, especially you, Ashley.”
“You better treat us to dinner when you get that bonus, Ashley!”
The office filled with laughter and congratulations. Ashley couldn’t hide her delight, grinning from ear to ear.
“Olivia, you should get ready. Once the official rankings are out, a lot of top schools and recruiters are going to show up for you.” Everyone knew Olivia was a lock for The Cabinda University, but now she could pick any major she wanted.
“I will, Ms. Ashley,” Olivia replied, smiling shyly.
While they were still celebrating, Eleanor walked in from the copy room, arms full of thick exam papers. She hadn’t heard the news yet.
Ashley spotted her right away and sauntered over, her smile turning smug. “Eleanor, Shirley did great this time, scored a 705. But Olivia got 714 and took first in the country.”
Eleanor’s hands tightened around the papers. Seven hundred and five was an amazing score, especially considering how hard Shirley had worked for it.
“Congrats,” Eleanor said quietly, her face impossible to read as she sorted through the stack of papers. She figured she’d go check the rest of the scores herself in a minute.
Ashley, not getting much of a reaction, decided to stir the pot a little more. “Oh, Olivia, did you see what Charlotte got?”
Olivia shook her head, a flicker of contempt flashing across her eyes, though she kept her voice soft and gentle. “No, I didn’t see her come down to check either. Maybe she didn’t do so well and doesn’t want to look.”
Ashley could barely hide her satisfaction. She remembered how, last time, Charlotte’s top physics score had everyone raving and even gor Eleanor promoted to head of the physics department. For once, the spotlight was on her instead.
“I see,” Ashley said, her tone just a little too sweet. “She was first in physics last
time, and now she didn’t do as well. That must be rough. Eleanor, you’d better make sure she’s okay.”