Chapter 34

“Drive.”
The driver had seen just how fierce Charlotte could be, so there was no way he was going to argue with her. He started the car right away, tires spinning as they sped off and left a cloud of dust behind.
…
Vanguard High School.
This was the most prestigious high school in Cabinda, maybe even in the whole country. Every year, one hundred percent of its students got into top universities.
To get into Vanguard, you either had to be seriously talented or come from a family with money or power. For most people, getting accepted was nothing more than a dream.
The car rolled to a stop.
Charlotte stepped out, tossed her bag over her shoulder, and headed straight for the main entrance.
The driver stared after her, completely stunned, and hurried to call out, “Charlotte, Mr. Main set you up to attend Pathfinder Academy
She’d asked him to switch routes partway through the drive, but he never imagined she was taking him here, of all places. Vanguard High School? She was just a girl from a rural school who hadn’t even finished her senior year. How could she possibly have the right to walk through those doors?
Charlotte just gave him a quick, easy smile, skipped any explanation, and walked up to the gate. She exchanged a few words with the security guard, and just like that, he waved her inside.
The driver could only stare, totally confused.
Once she was inside, Charlotte asked for directions to the principal’s office. She slung her bag over her shoulder and made her way through the crowded halls.
It was the busiest time of day, and students were everywhere. Since she hadn’t received her uniform yet, her looks and her different style of dress made her stand out, especially among all those students in matching uniforms.
“Who is that? What class is she from? She’s gorgeous.”
“I’ve never seen her before. Maybe she’s new.”
“Is she really one of us? She’s so pretty! Let’s go see where she’s going!”
“Aren’t we supposed to watch the basketball game?”
A boy smacked his friend on the back of the head. “Are you out of your mind? This
is way more interesting than some basketball game.”
By then, Charlotte had already found the principal’s office.
“Come in.”
When she heard the voice, Charlotte opened the door and stepped inside.
The principal didn’t even look up from his paperwork. “What do you need?” His voice was cool and sharp.
“Good morning, sir. I’m Charlotte. Mr. Lane recommended me.”
At the mention of Mr. Lane, the principal’s head shot up. When he saw the girl in front of him, he frowned, clearly surprised. Was this really the all-round genius Mr. Lane had talked up so much? He heard she was especially talented in science.
How many people in the world could get called a science prodigy by Mr. Lane? As far as he knew, only Dr. Cole, his idol and a legend in physics, had ever gotten that kind of praise.
“Mr. Lane said he called you and told me to come straight here.”
“Yes, yes, of course.” The principal’s expression changed instantly, breaking into a broad smile. “Mr. Lane had nothing but good things to say about you. I trust his judgment completely.”
If this girl ever made a name for herself, it would be great for Vanguard High.
Charlotte just smiled a little, not saying much.
She’d never met anyone as stubborn as Mr. Lane. He’d gone all out, begging and pleading for her to attend school, saying the country would be missing out if she didn’t. He even promised that once she graduated college, he introduce her to his own mentor, Dr. Cole.
Charlotte thought to herself, “Like I need him to introduce me.”
The principal couldn’t hide his excitement. After thinking for a moment, he picked up the phone and called for the homeroom teacher from Class A.
Class A was the top senior class at Vanguard. The students there were the best of
the best, the future leaders everyone talked about.
But when Ronald Lee, Class A’s homeroom teacher, took one look at Charlotte’s file, his face dropped.
Lamplighter College? A kid from some tiny, out-of-the-way place was already a stretch. Getting into Vanguard at all was almost impossible, but Class A? No way. Pulling strings wasn’t going to work on him.