Chapter 91

Amber listened to Hobson with a wave of relief washing over her, but she defended Winnie.

“Look, if she’s been picked by the Supernatural Department, she’s got to be special. It’s not just any religious school that gets accredited, and besides, Winnie’s got some real chops. Remember that time at the Sanchez place…”

Amber trailed off mid–sentence, leaving the others hanging on her every word, their curiosity piqued.

“What happened at the Sanchez’s? Do tell!” they insisted, eager for the scoop.

So Amber just went ahead and laid it out, keeping it brief: how Winnie had supposedly cured Mrs. Sanchez of her ailment.

Their faces were a picture of shock. “So she’s the real deal, huh? No wonder she was scouted. by the Supernatural Department.”

Before Amber could respond, Hobson scoffed, “Cured? That’s debatable.”

Someone who was in the know leaned in closer, “My mom visited the Sanchez family not long, ago, and Lucy.was just the same. So much for being cured.”

“Oh, come on! They said she’s better. You gonna argue with them?”

“Them” being none other than Winnie.

Winnie, who wasn’t far from this exchange and had ears like a hawk, caught every sarcastic remark. But she couldn’t care less. Whether or not Mrs. Sanchez was cured wasn’t up to them. It was for the Sanchez family to declare.

Speak of the devil, and they shall appear. Malcolm and Carola soon approached Winnie, gifts in hand, and this time, Lucy was with them. Since her tragic horse riding accident which had left. her a little touched, the Sanchez couple seldom brought her to social events. Her presence today was Everyone’s minds raced back to the rumor that Winnie had healed Lucy’s foolishness. They couldn’t help but cast their gaze her way.

Lucy was dressed in her favorite frothy princess dress, the sixteen–year–old still playing the part of a little princess, her eyes alight with innocence and wonder. But it was a child’s. clueless innocence, not the romantic naiveté of a teen.

Nothing seemed to have changed. She was still simple–minded.

Some guests, who had been convinced of Winnie’s abilities after Ramona’s story, now felt a twinge of disappointment. It seemed the stories had been embellished after all.

As these thoughts bubbled in their minds, the Sanchez couple reached Winnie, their enthusiasm unchanged, “Winnie, congratulations on topping the citywide exams. We have boude you a special gift to celebrate your achievements.

Trex unveiled a silver and diamond–studded ladies watch.

These in the know could tell at a glance that it was the latest model from a luxury brand, valued ; a cool, eight nsition, avaliable only to elite members.

The generosity of the Sanchez family was unmistakable.

Besides, Winnie’s gift. Malcolm had also prepared presents for the other three.

They were watches too also from the same luxury brand, but in terms of value and series, they couldn’t hold a candle to Winnie’s But from an elder, such a gift was still respectable. Well if one didn’t compare it to Winnie’s.

Amber and Yates expressed their thanks with smiles, and while Hobson didn’t show it. I his displeasure was obvious.

Ater all being treated differently like this, who wouldn’t be miffed?

Normally, such favoritism would be quite rude.

After all, even though Winne was the top scholar, today’s event was about celebrating all four Carola was forthright, explaining warmly. “Please don’t mind the difference in gifts. We wanted to thank Winnie especially for what she did for our daughter ”

front of all the guests, Carola could hardly admit her daughter had been bewitched; instead, She framed it as curing an illness.

Winnie put in a lot of effort for our Lucy and refused any payment. So we thought we’d honor her with a special giff today.”

Her words justified the extravagant watch for Winnie and left no room for criticism.

Even the Bryant family couldn’t feel slighted about the kids being treated differently.

Thanks to Winnie, the Bryants and the Sanchezes were on good terms again.

Winnie had waived her fee on behalf of the Bryants, preventing any ill will from the Sanchezes.

Clifford and the Bryants hadn’t known about this beforehand.

It was only after Malcolm called Clifford that they learned Winnie had forsaken the one million Cifford had given her, claiming it was her payment, thus preserving the families” rapport.

To make it up to her. Clifford had transferred another million to Winnie and made a point of acknowledging her actions within the family.

Everyone finally understood that the Sanchez family’s continued association with the Bryants. even after the revelation that a maid from the Bryant family had caused their daughter’s eight–year bout of foolishness, was all thanks to Winnie’s good graces.

Even those who had been critical of Winnie, like Hobson and Cutler, couldn’t muster a word against her.

The Bryants, it was clear, had a sharp sense of right and .

Carola, speaking frankly in front of everyone, managed to dissipate any lingering discomfort in Hobson’s heart.

And Carola had a hidden agenda for bringing this up.

Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez had arrived late that day, but having seen the online discussions about the spokesperson’s poster and the Supernatural Department, they guessed that someone would surely bring up Winnie’s choice to attend the Supernatural Department at Silverpine University over Capital University.

Their goal was to prove to everyone that Winnie had sound reasons for her choice.

Indeed, she was truly capable!

As if to reinforce everyone’s belief in Winnie’s abilities, Carola suddenly smiled and spoke up, “On such a festive occasion, Lucy would also like to express her congratulations to Winnie. Lucy, come here.”

Lucy obediently stepped forward. Her , big eyes were full of admiration for Winnie. She spoke with a sweet and clear voice, still youthful but without a hint of her past silliness, “Winnie, I’ve prepared a piece of music for you. May I play it?”

Her voice was clear and pure, and though it still carried the innocence of her young age, it had none of the foolishness from before. And she wanted to play a piece of music?

Could a foolish child play the piano? The answer was surely no.

The guests looked on with disbelief, their gazes filled with scrutiny.

Despite their doubts, the little girl’s eyes still shone with an innocence that belied her years.

So, had she truly recovered?

The guests harbored this question in their hearts until… a piano was brought in by someone on Bacchus‘ orders.

Lucy, under the watchful eyes of all, sat down at the piano with poise and grace. Her demeanor transformed as she placed her fingers on the keys.

With the first note, a delightful and lively piano melody danced forth from her fingertips