Chapter 9

The following day, Susan gave Lily a cold look when she went downstairs. Even the domestic staff treated Lily with disdain, no longer as polite as before. They had all heard about what happened at the engagement party and looked down on Lily even more. However, Liam’s attitude toward Lily remained unchanged. “Lily, I’m sorry. I pulled a lot of strings but still couldn’t get you enrolled at Ember Creek High School. For now, you’ll have to go to Eureka High School. It’s not as good as Ember Creek, but it’s still decent,” Liam apologized during breakfast. He was genuinely making an effort regarding her admission to Ember Creek High School. Although the Martinez family was the second wealthiest family in Lagersfield, they were ultimately just a business family and couldn’t influence authoritative decisions. He had contacted many acquaintances but couldn’t get Lily into Ember Creek High School because her grades were too poor. “That’s really unfortunate,” Shannon said with a smile upon hearing this. “I was hoping you’d attend the same school as me!” Shannon smiled sweetly, but there was a malicious glint in her eyes. Yesterday’s events had been a severe blow to her, and she needed to reclaim her pride. Shannon would stand out as long as Lily appeared incapable. “Unfortunate?” Susan glared at Lily with resentment, her eyes filled with fury. “With her grades, getting into Eureka High School already took a lot of effort. She should take a look at herself in the mirror. How dare she even think about going to Ember Creek High School? That’s way out of her league!” After returning home yesterday, Julia reprimanded Susan harshly. Susan wished she could drive Lily out of the house. But instead of that, she had to treat her well and cater to her needs. After all, Loid had taken a liking to Lily and had asked her to move to his estate today, which essentially confirmed her status as his fiancée. Susan felt as though something was stuck in her chest, and it caused her great discomfort. Hearing her most beloved daughter expressing regret for Lily made her fly into an uncontrollable rage. Frowning, Liam was about to rebuke Susan when Lily suddenly looked up. Her gaze was mischievous as she stared at Shannon. “Do you really want to go to the same school as me?” “Of course. If we’re at the same school, we can look out for each other,” Shannon replied sweetly. “Then I’ll go to Ember Creek High School,” Lily said. She put down her cutlery and turned to Liam. “You don’t need to worry about the school. I have a recommendation letter from the principal of Ember Creek High School.” Hearing this, Shannon froze, and her expression turned twisted. “Lily, do you even know who the principal of Ember Creek High School is?” She had only wanted to embarrass Lily but hadn’t expected her to brag so shamelessly. A recommendation letter from the principal? What a joke! Had living in the countryside made Lily’s brain dull? Susan also widened her eyes as if she had heard the most unbelievable thing in the world. She quickly slammed the table and scolded harshly, “It’s one thing for you to act all nonchalant, but now you’re lying through your teeth. Do you even know who the principal of Ember Creek High School is? Do you think he’d give you a recommendation letter? “Lily, just because Loid has taken a liking to you, don’t think you can act high and mighty and lie so blatantly. You’re now living with the Martinez family, and you represent us. You’d better keep such nonsense to yourself and never say it again.” The principal of Ember Creek High School, Joseph Woodly, was well-known in Lagersfield. Though the Woodly family ranked fourth among Bridgeport’s elite families, below the Laurier family, they were still one of the most prominent families in Bridgeport. Joseph was known for his integrity, never giving anyone special treatment. Over the years, his presence had made Ember Creek High School famous in Lagersfield and nationally renowned. People from all over the country strived to get into Ember Creek High School, and many elite families would try to pull strings to get their children admitted. However, Joseph valued the quality of education so much that no one had ever managed to get in by getting special favors. What made Lily think she could get a recommendation letter from Joseph? Even Shannon had to take the exam and meet the requirements to get in. Liam’s expression nearly cracked. He had been accommodating toward Lily, but her current claim was too much to swallow. The atmosphere grew tense. Liam cleared his throat and said, “You might not be aware of the rules at Ember Creek High School. Mr. Woodly has never written a recommendation letter to any student.” He paused, then added, “Eureka High School is quite good too. Many students from there get into prestigious universities each year. If you work hard, you can do well too.” “Thank you, but I think Ember Creek High School is a better fit,” Lily replied politely but with an undeniable firmness in her tone. She came to Lagersfield not only to investigate the issue of Jason’s heart but also to attend school, fulfilling her grandmother’s wish. Her grandmother did not expect her to become extremely wealthy but hoped she would get a high school diploma. Although Lily had been rather lazy over the years and couldn’t care for her grades, she would never go against her grandmother’s wishes. Upon learning that she was coming to Lagersfield, Joseph had contacted her numerous times. In the end, he insisted on giving her a recommendation letter. Initially, Lily hadn’t decided whether to attend Ember Creek High School, but after listening to what Shannon and Susan had to say, she made up her mind. Susan was about to scold Lily when Jenny suddenly hurried over and said in an urgent tone, “Sir, Madam, Ms. Laurier is here.” Susan’s expression fell instantly. She quickly withdrew her hand and put on a big smile. Liam glanced at her, then stood up and instructed Jenny, “Please invite Mr. Laurier in.” Jenny hurried out and soon returned with Loid, accompanied by Shaun and Daniel. As soon as Loid entered, he sensed the tense atmosphere. His deep eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Lily and asked in a calm voice, “What’s going on?” Knowing that Lily would speak out, Susan quickly interjected, “Nothing. We were just discussing which school Lily would enroll in.” Lily raised an eyebrow, a cold smile playing on her red lips. However, she remained silent. She stood with her hands in her pockets, looking indifferent. “Oh?” Loid asked curiously, and his handsome eyes sparkled with interest. “Which school?” She scored zero for nearly every subject. Loid was interested to see where the Martinez family would put her. “She wants to go to Ember Creek High School,” Shannon said shyly from the side. “But her grades are too poor. My father tried to use his connections, but Ember Creek High School still refused.” Shannon looked genuinely concerned as if she were truly worried for Lily. But Loid didn’t spare her a glance. He kept his gaze on Lily and asked slowly, “You want to go to Ember Creek High School?” “Yes,” Lily replied nonchalantly. “That’s quite difficult,” Loid remarked, his eyes roving over Lily. It seemed she had a preference for wearing black. “It’s not difficult. I have a recommendation letter,” Lily said. Her head was lowered, and she showed little interest in everything around her. Upon hearing this, Loid’s eyes narrowed in surprise as he stared at her.