Chapter 469

“I heard there’s a new number one at Vanguard High. Any chance I could meet her in person?”
Dr. Larson, renowned for his work at the National Research Institute, smiled as he spoke. The room buzzed with anticipation.
Charlotte felt her stomach drop. She had no interest in being anyone’s spotlight for the night. Before she could slip away, an assistant had already handed her a microphone.
Suddenly, her face appeared on the giant screen overhead, catching her completely off guard.
“So this is Charlotte? The girl everyone says is both gorgeous and brilliant, but supposedly impossible to approach?”
“She’s unreal. Seriously, look at her.”
“Who else could make a school uniform look like designer fashion?”
“With that face and figure, she’s basically Vanguard High’s queen.”
“Charlotte, would you mind sharing your study tips with everyone?”
“Sure.” Charlotte noticed Melissa glaring at her from the stage. She met Melissa’s eyes head-on, unbothered and icy. “Just pay attention in class. Do your homework. That’s how you get first place.”
A wave of awkward silence swept over the audience. Even Andrew, who knew the real story, was at a loss for words.
On stage, Melissa stood frozen, listening to the whispers swirling around the room. She’d spent so much time digging for information about this elusive girl, and now, Charlotte had just walked right onto her stage. So this was the “once-in-a-century genius” her teachers always mentioned.
Halation. Top student. Melissa had always figured Charlotte was just a pretty face with some smarts. She never imagined she’d be this impressive. No wonder Anthony was so interested in her.
In the back, Olivia watched the
scene unfold, her brow furrowed. As far as she knew, Charlotte and Melissa didn’t even know each.
other But the way they exchanged looks it was obvious there was bad
Blood. Esper Melissa her glare
was pure hate.
Was there history between them? If so, that actually made things easier for Olivia.
After the assembly, Charlotte wandered out of the hall, sipping her bubble tea, taking her time.
She’d barely made it a few steps before someone called out to her.
“Charlotte, hold up.”
She turned to see Melissa heading her way, eyes locked on her. “Do you have a minute? Let’s talk.”
“No.” Charlotte didn’t even pause, not in the mood for games.
“Just five minutes.” Melissa’s tone
was
palmost smug, herdet
painted red in a sharp smile.
it’ll
Wavel
be worth your
“Worth my time?” Charlotte shot her a sarcastic smile. “Alright. Let’s hear it.”
A few minutes later, they sat across from each other in a private booth at the school café.
Charlotte leaned back, crossing her legs, her expression calm but intimidating.
Melissa pulled a blank check from her bag and slid it across the table, her voice dripping with arrogance “Fill in whatever amount you want. My only condition is that you leave Anth.”
She still called him that? Clearly, some people never learned.