Before long, their exam ended, and Zaylee welcomed her first holiday in Crolens. On the last day, she discussed the paper with her friends and Letty. She felt she’d done well — answering most of the questions, except for a few tricky ones meant to test for honors-level admission.

Letty told her, “Stick to what I taught you. Those extra questions just test how you apply what you know. Think a little broader, and they’re yours.”

Zaylee felt a spark of confidence. She believed her answers were right. The holiday ended on a high note with her birthday celebration.

She invited all her classmates to a party at Savory Haven — a place most thought only the wealthy could afford.

At first, she hesitated to tell Sean about the idea, afraid he might say no. But he agreed without a fuss. The restaurant’s owner was an old friend of Brad’s from their military days.

“I just heard Brad had ties with the owner. After one call, I got the main hall for my party.” Zaylee showed up in a soft pink strapless dress, her face glowing and shy.

A girl nearby whispered, “My dad dropped me at the underground lot. I saw military vehicles in the reserved section. Zaylee, is Brad coming to your party tonight?”

As she spoke, the girl’s gaze wandered across the room, a flicker of anticipation lighting her eyes.

Zaylee had never been certain of Brad’s exact whereabouts, relying only on the occasional brief updates from Sean and Brock.

With everyone’s attention fixed on her, she said softly, “I told him about the party, but you know how demanding his work is. I’m not sure if he’ll make it. He only mentioned that he left a birthday gift for me at home.”

Her fingers brushed over the custom necklace gleaming at her collarbone as she murmured shyly, “I can’t help wondering what he’ll give me this time.”

The girls surrounding her exchanged envious looks. “He must really adore you. I remember eating here once, and even a simple meal cost nearly eight thousand. This party has to be at least fifty thousand.”

“Fifty thousand is hardly anything,” another wealthy girl muttered, sipping her juice with an air of superiority. “With his status, he should’ve booked a five-star hotel or a grand mansion for the occasion.”

Zaylee turned toward her, her tone sweet yet edged with steel. “I asked to keep it simple. Brad serves in the military, and I don’t want him portrayed as ostentatious in front of others. If you’ve never interacted with people of that caliber, it’s best not to speculate.”

The girl flushed crimson but swallowed her irritation, forcing a stiff smile as the conversation moved on, with the rest continuing their flattery toward Zaylee.

Meanwhile, on the lower floor of Savory Haven, Melany approached the elevator, clutching a math workbook in her arms. She spotted a plainly dressed woman holding a cake, staring uncertainly at the control panel.

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