r 186 Rumors and Scores

“Aurora totally fell from grace in my eyes.”

“Let’s not forget, that question didn’t count toward the score. She could stille out on top.”

“Maybe the person who caught the error just got lucky.”

8 Pearts

“Seemed like someone from Trenwyn University. That school’s nothing special–can’t evenpare bto /bJalindale.”

“Yeah, probably just a fluke.”

“Let’s wait and see. The resultse out in two hours.”

Scarlett and Sharon strolled over to the artificialke by Jalindale University.

As contestants, they weren’t allowed to wander far.

This was the only peaceful ce to rx.

“Scarlett, do you think we’ll make it to the finals?b” /b

Scarlett didn’t answer–she asked back, “What do you think?”

Sharon chuckled sheepishly. “I think I did okay. Hopefully, yeah.”

“The principal said if we ce in the top three, he’ll throw us a celebration dinner.”

Scarlett shrugged and gave a helpless smile.

The principal probably had more pressing things on his mind.

Word was, Wendy’s court case was about to begin.

Two hourster-

The written test results were posted on the official site.

Scarlett’s team ranked first with an average score of 98.5. Jalindale University followed with 95. Deerville scored 92. Laketown came in at 90.

No one could believe it!

In thesepetitions, a team breaking 90 was already considered outstanding. Jalindale’s 95 made sense- they had better resources, more training, broader exposure. High scores were expected.

But Trenwyn?

Who even were these people?

Nobodies from an unheard–of school.

How could they possibly get such high–marks?

Something had to be wrongb. /b

Chapter 186 Rumors and Scores.

Christian stared at the results, astonishment in his eyes.

Scarlett had scored a perfect 100.

Her score alone had pulled up the average andunched Trenwyn into first ce.

For a school like Trenwyn to produce a once–in–a–century genius?

Unbelievable.

“She must’ve cheated.”

Dreame mmed her desk, her fury nearly uncontainable.

li

Since everyone was still waiting on the afternoon skills exam and interviews, the testing center bwas /bbcrowded/bb. /b

Her outburst drew every eye.

Faye leaned in to whisper, “Ms. Dreame, keep it down. If there was cheating, the proctors would’ve bcaught /bbit/b. Don’t forget how many cameras were in that room.”

Of course Dreame knew.

Those cameras covered every angle.

If anyone had cheated, they’d be busted already.

Besides-

The exam questions were infamously tricky.

Even outside help wouldn’t guarantee a perfect answer.

Which meant—

Cheating was highly unlikely.

Jose scoffed. “What’s the rush? The official site’s going to publish the answer sheets next. Then we’ll see for ourselves.”

After everypetition, graded answer sheets were posted to ensure fairness and shut ido /i

umorsb. /b

The students around them nodded.

They didn’t believe someone from a school like Trenwyn could be a prodigy.

Better to look at the answer sheet before jumping to conclusions!

Aurora had been quiet ever since the results came out.

She sat on a stone bench, staring down at her hands.

Christian scoring a 98? That didn’t surprise her.

But her own score–just a 90–shocked her.

13:47 bTue/b, b12 /bbAug /bero

Chapter 186 Rumors and Scores

If not for the rest of the team scoring well, their average might’ve dropped even further..

Winning and losing were normal in an exam.

But-

She’d turned in her test early!

And now she was near the bottom?

She couldn’t even bring herself to talk about the questions with anyone.

8 Pearl

“Your cousin’s impressive. When thepetition’s over, think I could invite her to dinner? Maybe bask /bbabout /bher study methods?”

Christian’s tone was gentle as always.

Usually, it felt like a spring breeze.

But now, Aurora’s heart was in turmoil.

She wasn’t in the mood for this.

“She’s proud. Probably wouldn’t agree. Plus, her mom keeps a close eye on her. Forget it.”

Christian looked a little disappointed, though he didn’t show it.

“What’s your take on her perfect score?”

Aurora bit her lip.

What could she say?

She wanted nothing more than to see that bitch exposed for cheating.

cklisted from academia forever.

But in front of others, she had to grit her teeth and pretend to be happy.

“Of course I’m happy for her. She scored high–of course the Lane family will be proud.”

Others didn’t miss the sarcasm in her voice.

“I heard some of the exam writers are from the Lane Group’s research institute. Think they leaked the questions to her?”

“Yeah, trying to pave the way for their golden girl–and using us bas /bstepping stones?”

“So unfair!”

“I’m reporting this!”

“Me too!”

“Let’s all do it!”

Chapter 186 Rumors and Scores

Aurora, feigning tears, quickly tried to calm them down.

“Don’t stir up trouble, please.”

“You’re her cousin–of course you’re defending her.”

148 Pearls

“Ms. Aurora, we all know how capable you are. But the way you slipped up today? There had bto /bbbe /bbsome /bkind of unfair advantage.”

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