Chapter 41

Chapter 41 The Rosewood residence was filled with tension. Emma was sprawled in Bella’s embrace, sobbing uncontrollably. Ever since she learned about Elysia’s grades that morning, all her hopeful fantasies had shattered.

She had never imagined Elysia could score so well! Growing up, Emma had always been determined. Being adopted made her work even harder to prove herself.

But despite all her effort, she could only place in the top fifty of her grade, while Elysia? She had managed to snag the top spot!

Why was that fair?

What right did this country bumpkin have to sit on the throne of the top student? How dare she pull Justin down from his pedestal? It was infuriating!

When Elysia returned home and caught sight of the scene, she couldn’t help but think: Emma’s tears really are worthless! Crying all the time–it’s unbearable!

She chose to ignore the two on the couch, ready to head upstairs and retreat to her room.

But just as she took a step forward, Bella called out, “Where do you think you’re going? I need to talk to you!”

Reluctantly, Elysia stepped back, eyeing Bella with a brow raised. “What’s up?”

“What kind of attitude is that?” Bella asked, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice.

Elysia didn’t respond. Instead, she sauntered over to the sofa and casually propped her legs up.

Bella was about to explode with anger when Emma, still sniffling, tugged at her arm. “Let it go, Mom. My sister is just like that.

Don’t take it personally.”

At Emma’s words, Bella softened her grip and smiled gently. “Emma, you’re so understanding.”

Elysia rolled her eyes inwardly. Did they really need to put on such a melodramatic show in front of her?

Emma’s expression brightened at Bella’s compliment. “I’m the big sister; it’s only natural.”

Bella nodded approvingly, her eyes glowing with affection for Emma. This was her sweet girl–always kind and considerate, unlike Elysia, who was nothing but a source of frustration!

Turning to Elysia, Bella’s gentleness faded. “I want to know how you ended up at the top of the rankings.”

Upon hearing Bella’s question, Elysia realized what was happening. It was no surprise that Emma was at it again, stirring the pot.

With an amused smirk, she looked at them. “So what if I got first place? Are you gonna throw me a party or something?”

Bella pressed on, “Then, how did you manage to get first place?”

Elysia frowned, “What’s so hard about getting top marks on a test like that?”

While saying this, she cast a pointed glance at Emma, fully laced with mockery.

ཕ། ཇ ◌ོ་ཚ་ཇའོ Emma bit her lip, feeling the sting of Elysia’s words. How could she not hear the sarcasm? It was an outright jab at her inability to compete!

Her anger flared even more. Ever since Elysia had returned home, she felt continually overshadowed. How much longer did she have to endure this humiliation?

Perhaps everything would revert to how it used to be only when Elysia finally left for good. Then she could reclaim her status as the respected, envied young lady of the Rosewood family. Just wait! She would make it happen, no doubt about it!

As the tension hung in the air, Scott walked in from outside.

The moment Bella spotted him, she burst into tears. “Scott, you’re finally back! I can’t handle this daughter anymore!”

Scott pinched the bridge of his nose, looking thoroughly annoyed. “What’s going on?”

“You have no idea! She’s trying to prove herself by cheating! It’s just a small test, and if she can go to such lengths for this, who knows what she’ll do in the future?”

Elysia finally connected the dots–Emma’s skill in turning things upside down came from somewhere. It looked disturbingly similar.

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Download 12:01 PM Chapter 41 When Scott heard that, his brows furrowed into a deep frown. He turned to Elysia, raising an eyebrow. “Is your mom telling the truth?”

Elysia chuckled lightly. “If cheating can land the top score, then sure, it’s worth bragging about! But I have no idea what cheating she’s talking about.”

“Let’s hear what she has to say,” Scott said, his tone frustrated as he looked at Bella.

After a long day at work, Scott just wanted to relax, but instead, he came home to this messy family drama. It only made his mood worse! “Emma said that everyone at school is talking about Elysia cheating. There’s even a post on the forum about it...”

Bella’s voice trailed off toward the end.

Elysia couldn’t help but laugh. “A forum post? That’s hilarious! Did Emma miss Levi’s own clarification? By the way, she should know exactly who posted that I cheated!”

Emma froze at Elysia’s words. “How... how could I possibly know?”

“Oh, you know. Some people think they’re being clever using a fake account, but once it’s done, there’s always a way to trace it back!” Elysia shot back.

Emma was now utterly paralyzed. Elysia was outright accusing her of being the one who posted! But how did she find out?

Watching Emma’s reactions, Elysia smirked inwardly. Of course, it was her. She really needs to work on her poker face.

Honestly, Elysia hadn’t even bothered to dig for this information; she just guessed and prodded a little, and Emma exposed herself.

From their conversation, Scott started to piece together what happened. However, he wasn’t concerned with whether Elysia had cheated; he was surprised she managed to score first in her grade.

It looked like Levi wasn’t exaggerating. He genuinely didn’t expect a kid from a less privileged background to have such talent. In comparison, Emma seemed a bit lacking now!

Seeing everyone else silent, Elysia stretched and stood up. “If you don’t believe me, you can call Levi. I’m heading to my room.”

“Wait a second,” Scott said.

Elysia turned back, raising an eyebrow. “What’s the matter?”

“Your birthday is coming up in a few days. We’re throwing a birthday party, and we’ll reveal your identity then. Do you have any requests?” Scott asked.

“None. Just do what you think is best.”

“Okay, then.”

Elysia turned and walked toward the stairs, but Emma’s heart sank at Scott’s words.

If Elysia’s identity became public, then everyone would know she was the adopted daughter! Who would respect her after that?

She had to come up with a plan; she could not let Elysia get accepted back into the Rosewood family so easily.

At the villa near Royal Bay, Alice was happily tugging at Zane’s hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Uncle Zane, you won’t believe how amazing Elysia is! She ranked first in her class. She’s totally my idol!”

“She really is impressive. You should learn more from her!” Zane replied.

“I know, right? I was just thinking of calling Elysia later to congratulate her!” Alice beamed.

“You have her number?” Zane raised an eyebrow.

“Yep, she gave it to me the other day,” Alice said, but then she paused, feeling something was off. She looked at Zane and asked, “You don’t have it, do you, Uncle?”

Before Zane could respond, she continued, “Well, it makes sense. Elysia and I are closer.”

“Give me her number, and I’ll give you this amount,” Zane said, holding up five fingers.

“Five thousand?” Alice asked, her eyes wide.

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Download 12:01 PM Chapter 41 “Fifty thousand,” Zane corrected.

“Wow, I didn’t realize Elysia’s number was so valuable! But I won’t sell her out, no matter how much you offer.” Alice said, tucking her phone away protectively.

Zane’s tone turned casual, “If you don’t, your allowance for this month is canceled. It’s up to you.”

‘Does it have to be like this? My poor allowance!‘ Alice internally lamented. After glancing at her phone, she thought, Sorry, Elysia, but Uncle Zane can be such a cheapskate!

Reluctantly, she extended her phone to him, but as Zane reached for it, she quickly pulled it back into her chest. “Fifty thousand!

Not a cent less!”