Chapter 82
Suzan wasn’t wrong about one thing.
The release of the SAT scores was a nationwide spectacle.
On score release day, countless people were live–streaming their score checks or waiting to flaunt their numbers online.
Kathryn had dolled herself up early in the morning. Her mom had said that once the scores were out and the college admissions were confirmed, they’d snap a photo for the internet to boost her popularity. This content belongs to Nô/velDra/ma.Org .
Even Barton had come to the hospital early, waiting to check his girl’s scores.
Kathryn pouted when she noticed that Quincy hadn’t shown up.
“Has Quincy not come to see me for two days because he’s still mad at me and Mom?”
She felt wronged at the thought of Quincy’s outburst in her hospital room. Despite her pitiful state, Quincy had shown no tenderness and even wanted to take away her Amulet.
Kathryn decided that when Quincy came to apologize, she’d play hardball before she forgave him.
As she mused, Barton spoke up, “Your brother is at the Breeze Monastery, dealing with family troubles. He’s staying there these past few days.”
Kathryn was surprised but replied sweetly.
“Breeze Monastery is said to be quite the haven. I’m sure Quincy will sort his issues out there. Don’t worry too much, Dad.
Barton smiled at his daughter’s thoughtful words, nodding in appreciation.
Suddenly, his phone rang. Assuming it was a business call, a frown creased his brow, but it was the nanny from home.
Upon hearing the news on the phone, a look of excitement spread across Barton’s face.
Kathryn and Suzan were curious.
Barton was always composed and gentle, rarely showing such excitement unless it was big news, like when they got a deal with the Bright Group.
The mere thought of The Bright Group and Winnie left Kathryn and Suzan feeling cursed.
As Barton hung up, Suzan softly inquired, “Honey, is it some good news?”
Barton’s smile was uncontainable as he turned to Kathryn with pride in his eyes,
“It is! The admissions officers from Capital University and Emerald College have personally delivered the acceptance letters. They’re at our house right now!”
12:35
Kathryn and Suzan were stunned by the news and then overwhelmed with joy.
Capital University and Emerald College!
And with admissions officers personally delivering the news, that kind of treatment was usually for valedictorians!
Suzan’s face flushed with excitement, her gaze burning with intensity as she looked at Kathryn. Kathryn was thrilled, too, but questions flickered in her mind.
“Had I done that well on the SAT? Although my grades were always in the top twenty, I had never been in the top three. Could it be a stroke of genius on the test day?”
But that fleeting thought was quickly replaced by the joy in her heart.
With the status of a valedictorian, those online trolls would have no choice but to stop their slander.
The whole issue had been blown out of proportion online, and she was sick of it.
They would have to shut up.
“Honey, if the admissions officers are in our house now. Shouldn’t we hurry back? But what about Kathryn?”
She was the star of the day, yet here she was in the hospital.
They couldn’t possibly ask the officers to come to the hospital, could they?
“We should go home, but Kathryn can’t leave the hospital yet,” Barton said, his gaze turning to his daughter’s leg with concern.
Kathryn grew anxious. “Dad, I want to go home. The officers came for me. I can’t be absent.”
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She wanted that photo with the admissions staff!
Kathryn was sure those online would have to fall silent and might even sympathize with her if she appeared in a wheelchair, looking pitiful with the halo of a valedictorian.
She had to go back!
It seemed Barton had the same thought.
The online debacle these past few days had affected their family and the Quentin family. After the Bryant family’s dinner debacle, their company had lost a significant number of orders, and with the bullying scandal, things were tough, and Barton was running ragged.
Their family desperately needed this honor to cleanse their tarnished reputation.
“I’ll talk to the doctor. Kathryn’s fracture is stabilized. She can be in a wheelchair for an hour or two without issues.”
Even though Kathryn was still suffering from a spell of bad luck due to her fate, she had her Amulet.
Otherwise, Barton wouldn’t dare to take her out.
In no time, nurses helped Kathryn into a wheelchair and gave careful instructions.
The trio quickly set off home in the car.
But Barton had underestimated the combined misfortune of the three of them together.
Not only was Kathryn’s bad luck spreading due to her fate, but the Henderson Manor was laden with negative energy, and Barton’s mother was already affected by it.
Even with the Amulet to suppress it, their car still encountered two significant accidents on the way home.
First, a car malfunctioned and headed straight for them. Then, a signpost suddenly toppled in their direction.
Kathryn was shocked. Instinctively, she clutched her Amulet.
Barton did the same while Suzan, lacking an Amulet, clung to their hands, tears welling in her
eyes.
They finally arrived home after a harrowing journey, each a bit worse for wear.
But at least they were home.
The Hendersons straightened their clothes as they were to see the admissions officers. Two security guards wheeled Kathryn in, her wheelchair making a soft thud as it crossed the threshold.
The grand entrance stunned the admissions officers from two prestigious universities waiting in the living room.
“Is… is this Ms. Henderson? What happened to her?”
Barton wiped the sweat from his brow, struggling to maintain a businessman’s composure. “She had a car accident recently. She was supposed to be resting in the hospital but insisted on coming when she heard you were visiting.”
The admissions officer from Capital University was stunned.
“There was no need for that. Ms. Henderson should be recovering in the hospital. We could have easily come to her.”
By then, Kathryn had composed herself, her face a picture of sincerity and fragility.
“College admission is a milestone in life, a testament to the hard work of the past few years. I wanted to receive the acceptance letter in person.”
The officers from Capital University and Emerald University were touched by her determination.
Their expressions grew more serious.
“Let’s get straight to the point, then. Ms. Henderson, congratulations on getting a perfect score in your exams, making you the valedictorian of Emerald Bay. We, Capital University, are thrilled to invite you to join our esteemed institution.”
The officer from Emerald University, not to be outdone, cut in swiftly, “As a key institution in Emerald Bay, Emerald University also extends its heartfelt invitation for you to join us, Winnie Henderson!”
The Hendersons had been glowing with excitement at the words from Capital University’s representative, and Kathryn was on the verge of accepting the offer.
But then, they froze, their smiles stiffening as they heard the Emerald University officer speak. Their eyes slowly widened in disbelief.
Whose name did he say?