Chapter 100 Menu Aliceâs eyes gleamed with mischief as she watched Noah being interviewed. Noah was caught off guard by the reporterâs question about their contribution to Aliceâs academic success. He didnât understand what the reporter was asking.
Alice had moved out months before the exam, rarely visiting home. Her academic improvement had nothing to do with her family.
Luke had even made her miss study time for the gaming competition because of Chloeâs poor performance. The Windham family hadnât contributed to her success; theyâd actively hindered it. If Alice hadnât insisted on moving out and refusing to participate in the teamâs training, her chances of becoming top scorer would have been slim.
Realizing Aliceâs intentions, Noah looked at her. She was mocking them all. She knew they had no face to claim credit for her achievement. This was a humiliating slap in the face; he hadnât been a good brother.
Noahâs face was strained. He said hoarsely, âWe didnât do much. My sister is intelligent and hardworking.â
The reporter seemed disappointed. The homeroom teacher, however, understood; Alice was being sarcastic.
The principal approached.âCongratulations, Mr. Windham. Your family has a top scorer.â Noah felt shame. Heâd done nothing to contribute to Aliceâs success. The congratulations felt like a condemnation. He avoided looking at Alice.
The homeroom teacher tried to smooth things over.âLetâs go Alice, lagging behind, said to Noah, âYou should leave.â
to the restaurant.â
âAlice!â Noah looked at her, his expression complex, unable to speak as he had before. Seeing Noahâs silhouette from the car, Alice found the principalâs congratulations ironic. They arrived at the restaurant. Noah followed; he couldnât stay away. He received a call from Luke.âSecond Brother, whatâs wrong? Chloeâs at the hospital. Why havenât you brought Alice?â Noah took a deep breath.âWeâll after lunch.â
go âWhatâs more important than the Yates family situation? Garrett Yatesâs scores are terrible. Mrs. Yates called several times.
Garrett Yates refused video calls, fearing his grandmother would see him in the hospital.â
Noahâs voice trembled.âItâs Aliceâs celebratory banquet. I canât leave.â He hadnât contributed to her success, but he had to be there as her brother.
âWhat banquet? Aliceâs the top scorer? A banquet? She didnât do well. We need to handle the Yates family situation. Iâve been building rapport with Garrett Yates since last night; itâs not easy!â
âAlice is the top scorer.â
âWhat?!â Luke almost stumbled.âAlice is the top scorer? Wasnât her writing affected by the stationery?â Even without that, she wouldnât be the top scorer.
âThatâs what the school announced. Reporters are interviewing her. Iâm at the restaurant now.â Luke was stunned. Alice was the top scorer? Heâd never expected this from his usually average sister.
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After a long pause, Luke said, âShe should be celebrated.â
The shift was jarring Yes, Iâll be there. Iâll take her to the hospital after dinner. You handle Garrett Yares.*
Okay. Should we throw a party for her? Luke had been reflecting on his actions since the loss. He felt heâd been too harsh on Alice. He wanted to mend their relationship.
Noah said Of course! Big Brother will be happy.â
Noah excitedly entered the restaurant. Alice sat at the center table, the focus of attention. Someone stood up for Noah âThe top scorerâs brother is here.â
Noah sat beside Alice; a strange feeling washed over him. Heâd always been the respected Mr. Windham, yer he was now basking in his sisterâs glory. He felt a surge of emotion. He filled his glass roasting the teacher and principal. Thank you for taking care of Alice.â
It was Aliceâs hard work Sewing Noah drink repeatedly, Alice pulled his hand. âYouâll kill yourself.â
âAlice. Iâm fine. I should toast you. He felt he needed to do something for Alice. Noah toasted everyone. Alice felt uncomfortable.
She didnât need his belated efforts; she wouldnât She checked her phone; it was Jack. [Donât drink at the banquet]
ãOkay]
ãContact me if you need anything She felt relieved but didnât mention Noah being there.
The banquet ended; Noah was tipsy, Alice, after bidding farewell to the teacher and principal, helped Noah to the car. The driver helped Noah into the car.
Alice let go of Noahâs hand to leave, but he held onto her.âAlice, come to the hospital.â Let the driver take you!â Alice pulled away.
She didnât want to pretend. Theyâd dismissed her, because she was top scorer, they wanted to reconcile? Impossible.
now Noah clutched his stomach. âHow will you handle Garrett Yates?â
Alice stopped. âItâs none of your businessâ
Iâve asked Jack to go to the hospitalâ
Aliceâs face changed. âWhy did you do that?â
âBecause youâre my sister! I have to protect you!â
Aliceâs tone was mocking From today, we sever ties. Donât interfere in my life!