Chapter 38

Chapter 38

On their way back to Amer Heights, Shaun could’t contain his frustration at Susan’s behavior. He turned to Lily and asked, “Is that really your mother?

Lily propped her chin on her hand, a cheeky grin spreading across her face “Yes, that’s her.”

Shaun squinted, pondering for a moment and then blurting out, “I can’t help but feel Ske you’re adopted. Why don’t you go for a paternity test?”

He couldn’t shake the feeling that Susan and Lily weren’t biologically related. What kind of mother created her own child like that?

Abandoning her daughter at birth was bad enough. But Susan even brought Lilyback for her own gain. If she was determined to have Lily in her life, she should at least treat her

However, Susan not only looked down on Lily but also threatened her at every born. Was this how a mother should behave?

it were him, he’d tear his mother’s house down. He’d be damned if he didn’t.

“Right?” Lily laughed with a carefree fone.

Shaun couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for her. In fact, Lily had already done a paternity test. The day Susan found her, she had taken Susan’s DNA for a test. The results were disappointing–she was indeed Susan’s biological daughter.

“From now on, you won’t have to deal with her anymore. No one in the Laurier family will dare to bully you. If anyone does, I’ll beat them up for you.” Shaun declared nonchalantly “Besides, Mrs. Laurier is a very kind person. She’ll definitely treat you like her own daughter. You don’t need a mother like Susan.”

Lily’s eyes softened at the mention of Melanie.

She had a rather introverted personalty, which made it difficult for her to get along with many people.

Growing up without parents, she had never experienced parental love. Melanie was the only person besides her grandmother who had ever shown her warmth. While many people who approached her had ulterior motives, Melanie was different.

Melanie’s gaze held a calm sincerity, and there wasn’t a hint of pretense. Her warmth toward Lily was genuine. Melanie provided Lily with the affection

Concerned about Lily’s emotional state, Loid said, “My mother really likes you ”

A faint smile curled Lily’s lips as she glanced at him. “Thank you,” she said ina flat tone.

Loid just looked at her without saying anything.

that had been missing in

On Monday morning, Loid drove Lily to school.

They arrived early, and there were hardly any people around the school.

“Do you want me to walk you in Loid reached back, retning Lily’s black shoulder bag and handing it to her.

Lily draped her handbag casually over ber shoulder and stepped into the school grounds. With familiarity, she made her way to the principal’s office

Having long since hacked into the Ember Creek High School administration computer system, she possessed a copy of the school’s map. She knocked on the door, and a slightly weathered voice called out from within, “Come in.”

Dressed in a sharp black suit and spectacles rimmed with white, Joseph sprang to his feet on be lifted his head to see who had entered.

A moment of surprise flashed across his face before he said, “ans. Brooks? Why didn’t you let me know you were comin1 could’ve picked you up.”

“Mr. Woodley, just call me by my name,” Lily responded politely

base.harma seat

Overwhelmed with excitement, Joseph pulled out a chair and gestured for her to sit “Please,

Lily nodded in acknowledgment and took her seat

Joseph picked up the phone and made a tew calls t before hanging up

A wave of relief washed over him, and a smile broke across his face as he looked at Lily with joy bubbling over. “You’re finally here! I thought you weren’t coming”

“I just happened to have some business in Lagersfield Lily replied in a listless tone. It was clear she wasn’t eager to discuss it burther.

Knowing her temper well, Joseph remained silent.

Soon, there was a knock on the office door.

The door opened, and three men and one woman entered the room.

so early in the moming? I’m

A woman strode toward Joseph’s desk and held her chin high. “Mr. Woodley,” she called, her voice dripping with arrogance. “Why did you call me in so in charge of the honors class. Thave to supervise their morning reading”

This woman was Nancy Hanson, the homeroom teacher for 12th grade class 1. Known for her arogant demeanor around the school, she had been leading honors classes for the past five years

The other three men also greeted Joseph

Joseph gestured toward Lily seated opposite him and introduced her, “Let me introduce our new transfer student, Lily. Which of you would like to take her into your clas

Nancy raised an eyebrow at Lily. “A transfer student? It’s been over a month since the semester started, and midterms are just around the corner. Why would she transfer now?

While the other three teachers didn’t share Nancy’s skepticism, they remained perplexe

Kown for his strict adherence to rules, Joseph had never personally introduced a student in all his years. Yet there he was, personally handling Lily’s transfer procuri.

with an unreadable expression, Joseph slid Lily’s student records across the desk. “Here’s the file”

Nancyflijgedät open and gasped. “She rafted all the subjects? You can’t be serious, Mr. Woodley!”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” jourph rabbed as eyebrow, then picked up his thermos. He took a sip of tea, his expression remaining one hanged.

“How did someone with such grades get into Ember Creek High School? Nancy’s expression hardened as she asked, “Mr. Woodley, you’ve never pulled any strings before. What’s going on this time?”

Joseph’s expression remained unchanged, “Well, she had some unforeseen circumstances last year and couldn’t take the entrance exams. However, I’ve tested her myself, and her scores meet the requirements.”

Putting down Lily’s records, Nancy declared, “I don’t want her in my class.”

Joseph turned to the three male teachers. Looking at them, he asked, “What about the three of you?”

These three male teachers were also homeroom teachers for the honors classes.

Fennel Hayes was the homeroom teacher for 12th grade Class 2.

Bruce Dawson was the homeroom teacher for 12th grade Class 3

“I don’t want to either” Fennel and Bruce exchanged glances before declining as well

The pressure of the 12th grade was palpable, with all the teachers throwing their all into getting their students to score well in the upcoming exams,

Even though Joseph had confirmed Lily’s admission based on her entrance exam results, the teachers were still apprehensive. What if Lily’s work in class turned out to be far below expectations? Would it drag down the group’s average score and hinder their overall performance?

“In that case, hand her over,” demanded John Everton, the homeroom teacher of Class 18,

Among the four teachers, John stood out as the oldest and most experienced

Already in his 50s, he had dedicated nearly his entire life to Ember Creek High School

However, his college admission rate was low. On the other hand, he had been teaching the lower–performing and most difficult–to–handle classes.

Joseph looked at Lily and asked, “Will you go?”

“Sure,” replied Lily.

Joseph personally wanted Lily to go to one of the top three classes where she could learn more. However, the homeroom teachers of those classes refused to accept her, and Joseph couldn’t force them.

“Alright then. Mr. Everton, she’s in your care now.”

John acknowledged him and led Lily to get her books and uniform. Lily walked very slowly, as if she was deliberately slowing her pace to match John’s.

John was older, and his stamina couldn’t keep up with the younger students, so he walked very slowly. To his surprise, Lily was walking beside him… He turned his head to look at Lily.

Dressed in black with a cap pulled low, she held her head down. There was an air of defiance about her, making her seem like someone not to be trifled with

Chapter 14