Sometimes, dragging out someone’s hope–letting them believe, then watching them crash again and again–was far more satisfying than crushing them all at once.
Jade strutted toward me, looking down from her imaginary throne.§
“Gwen,” she sneered, “don’t think a few cheap tricks can help you win. When it comes to men, money, and your daughter’s future–you’re no match for me!”
I had no interest in trading barbs. Arguing with her would just be a waste of perfectly good oxygen. So I simply closed my eyes and leaned back, saving my energy.”
I have to admit, Hayden really had made some connections over the years. I didn’t know who he’d called in favors with, but in less than an hour, both exam papers were delivered.§
Excited, Jade grabbed the envelope containing Vivian’s test papers.
“Everyone here knows that applying for a manual re–check is to uphold the fairness of the college entrance exam,” she said loudly, putting on quite the show.
“Someone tampered with my daughter’s scores for money, trying to erase three years of her hard work. That kind of behavior is disgusting and despicable!“}
“But what they didn’t expect–was that we’d get the original test papers so quickly! Now, in front of all of you, I’ll prove it. Let’s see if my daughter really got zero, or if, as I predicted, she’s the top scorer!“}
Many of the people present were either friends or business associates of Jade and Hayden. Naturally, they rallied to her side.”
“Jade, I support you. How could a top student at Stanford University raise a daughter who scored zero? Someone clearly tampered with her results!”
“Good thing Mr. Shaw has power. If we had to wait for the standard re–check process, the college admissions would’ve been long over. This could’ve ruined the child’s future!”
“Typical behavior from people in the countryside–using dirty tricks just to win money. This can’t go unpunished. We should report this to the police!”
Listening to their smug, righteous indignation, I almost laughed aloud.
I wondered if they’d still sound so self–righteous a moment later.} Soon, with help from the notary present, Jade opened the envelope. But the moment she saw what was inside, her confident smile froze. Her fingers began to tremble, her lips parted–but no sound came out.
Then, as if possessed, she snatched my daughter’s envelope too and tore it open.
After scanning the contents, she turned and screamed at Vivian, “Why are they blank?! Why are ALL your papers blank?!“} Her eyes were bloodshot with fury.
Everyone in the room was stunned.}
Especially Hayden. He picked up a paper, examined it, and then–slapped Jade across the face.§
“This is the daughter you raised?! Turning in blank exam papers?! And you had the nerve to beg me to request a re–check?!” Clutching her cheek, Jade turned on her daughter with a scream.}
“I told you to take the test seriously! Why did you hand in blank papers?!“}
“I went to all this trouble, laid the groundwork so carefully, and you… you ignored everything!”
“M–Mom, I swear I answered the questions. I didn’t hand in blanks–I really didn’t…“}
But Jade was in full meltdown mode, too far gone to listen.
She began hitting Vivian, over and over again.
Meanwhile, I twirled the protective charm in my hand, smirking.
“Well, well. I guess they are both Hayden’s daughters–such perfect coordination, turning in blank papers together.“}
“But I’d say my daughter is the clever one. After all, her zero just won me half of Hayden’s assets.“}
Jade’s eyes widened when she saw the charm in my hand. Realization hit her like a brick.
“That–wasn’t Perrie wearing that earlier? Why is it in your hand? You did something, didn’t you?! You tricked us!“&
I shrugged, smiling.
“Oh, this? Yes, my daughter was wearing it. She only just took it off a little while ago.”
