Chapter 19
Chapter 19 Tropped out in middle school Shilohs face went pale .
over a decade of teaching , she had only worked I with top performing students .
Now , as she was faced with a middle school dropout , her composure was visibly shaken She turned to Noelle , struggling to process the situation .
Noelle , why did you drop out of middle school ! As straightforward as ever , Noelle replied bluntly , Because sitting in a classroom was boring ? I was the kind of response Shiloh had heard countless times from students who despised school still hearing it now made her feel faint .
This wasnt just a mismatch of expectations it was a full blown crisis of professional pride .
Observing qurily , Leis couldnt help the flicker of satisfaction inside .
She had planned to subtly mudge Shilohs opinion of Noelle in the wrong direction , but it turned out there was no need .
Noelles own words and actions were doing the job perfectly .
Leia was certain Noelle wouldnt last long .
Shiloh was a renowned private tutor , known for her pride and selectivity .
Once she dismissed a student as hopeless , no amount of persuasion or money could change her mind .
Mom and Dad went to so much trouble to hire Ms.
West , and Noelles going to scare her off in a single day .
Theyll be so disappointed .
Well , its her own fault Leia thought smugly .
With a sharp thud , Shiloh dropped a middle school textbook onto the desk in front of Noelle , who looked distracted .
Though shed kept her composure around Kimberly , now that they were alone , Shilohs patience had run out .
Noelle , how much of middle school do you remember ? she asked .
Her expression was cold , her tone curt .
It had been years since Noelle had set foot in a classroom .
Shilohs plan was to get through this session , find a polite excuse , and leave for good After all , her reputation was built on a 100 % admission rate to top universities .
Now , she was asked to teach a middle school dropout .
It seemed like a waste of time and a potential stain on her pristine track record .
For her part , Noelle wash interested in tutoring either .
Neither wanted to be there , and the tension was obvious .
Tiling her head , Noelle lazily flipped through the textbook .
This stuffs too easy .
Got any high school material ? Shilohs eye watched .
Did she just order me around she thought .
Does she think shes s some entitled princess ? Shes nothing like Leia You have lunds , dont you ! Get it yourself Shiloh snapped Noelle glanced at her , unimpressed .
If Shiloh was going to be rude , she wasnt going to play nice either .
With an exaggerated pout , she stood and huffed , Fine , Ill get it myself .
She munched to the bookshelf , pulling down a stack of high school textbooks .
Warching her , Shiloh nearly laughed in disticlief .
This country bumpkin .
Shes nothing like Leia .
Wheres the grace ! The manners ! Shes rough , clueless , and unrefined she thought .
Noelle flipped through the high school material , her expression unbothered .
The content seemed simple far below her level .
During a previous mission , shed spent time at a tutoring center , soaking up lessons from teachers across all grade levels .
Thanks to her sharp memory , shed retained most of what shed overheard .
Now , as she looked at the high school material , all that knowledge came floading back .
Shiloh crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow .
Had enough ? If so , come sit down and start studying she said , her voice dripping with She didnt believe for a second that Nuelle could handle high school material .
To Shiloh , this was just another empty attempt at posturing .
Noelle put the high school textbook down and turned to Shiloh .
Tin done studying What did you just say ? Shiloh stared at her , stunned , 1/3 $ 25 AM c Chapter 19 Before Shiloh could lose her temper , Noelle added , Just give me the test papers .
I want to try the senior year exams Eli returned from his run to find Damson , Leia , and Kimberly sitting in the living room .
Kimberly glanced toward the stairs , her expression worried .
I wonder if Noelle can keep up after being out of school for so long Mom , dont get your hopes up Damon said , setting a plate of peeled walnuts in front of Leia .
He scoffed , Why did Noelle drop out in the first place ? Because she couldnt handle it .
Making a slacker pick up a book after all these years is like dragging a mule uphill Damon , dont talk like that , Kimberly said with a sigh .
She knew Damon had always disliked Noelle .
Noelle might seem a little behind , but shes still my daughter with your father .
If she puts effort , she could surprise us in the Kimberlys words hit Leia like a slap .
So Mom really plans to accept that brat ? she thought , her fingers curling into the fabric of her skirt .
Noticing Leias expression , Damon immediately spoke up .
Mom , I dont care if youre planning to take Noelle in or not .
But to me .
Leia is the Anderson Emilys daughter my only sister .
Leia is sitting right here , and youre not even thinking about how your words might hurt her Realizing her mistake , Kimberly turned to Leia with an apologetic look .
Leia , Im sorry .
I didnt mean to upset you .
Lea shook her head , forcing a smile even as she clutched her skirt tightly .
Mom , its okay .
Im not upset She gently tugged Damons sleeve and said hoarsely , Damon , dont be mad at Mom .
Noelles her biological daughter , so of course , she cares about her .
I really dont mind .
But as she finished, her eyes reddened with unshed tears .
You always keep everything to yourself , Damon muttered , his chest tightening with sympathy .
Leias such a good girl , and yet theyre all obsessed with Noelle just because of some bloodline nonsense .
Have they lost their minds ? he thought .
The mood in the living room turned heavy .
Eli , sensing the tension , changed the subject .
Damon , why are you still home ? Dont you have practice with your team today ! After graduation , Damon had become a race car driver , winning the world championship in his rookie year .
But even for a prodigy , the training schedule was relentless .
Still seething .
Damon replied coldly , Why else Im staying to watch whatever ridiculous stunt Noelle pulls next Eli sighed and thought Damon really had too much time on his hands .
Just then , a servant came rushing down the stairs , nearly tripping in his haste .
Damon frowned .
Whats the hurry ? Did you forget all your manners ! The servant bowed slightly .
Tm sorry , sir , he said .
Miss Noelle Anderson asked for a practice test , so Im heading out to buy one .
Werent there test paper papers prepared already ? Why go out now ? Damon asked , his frown deepening .
Yes , sir , but we only have e middle school tests .
We didnt think to buy high school opes , the servant replied .
What ? Damon scoffed , barely hiding his disdain .
She didnt even finish middle school , and now , she wants to try high school tests , huh ? Yes , sir , the servant said with a nervous nod .
Actually , she asked for the senior year mock exams .
25 AM ch