Chereads / playmates / Chapter 9 - I'm investing in your future

Chapter 9 - I'm investing in your future

Avery's eyes were still fixed on her, concern etched on her face. "Charlotte, what's going on? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Charlotte forced a smile, her eyes avoiding Ethan's. "I'm just...just a little surprised. That's all."

Charlotte forced a smile, her eyes avoiding Ethan's. "I'm just...just a little surprised. That's all.

The final bell rang after a few other activities, signaling the end of the school day. Students poured out of their classrooms, chattering and laughing.

Claire turned to Ethan, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Hey, Ethan, are you coming to the extra lesson today?"

Ethan shook his head, his expression uninterested.

"Nah, I'm good. I've got other plans."

Claire's face fell, but she quickly recovered. "Okay, no worries. See you tomorrow, then!"

Ethan nodded, already turning away. Charlotte watched the exchange with bated breath, She couldn't believe she had made it through the day without Ethan discovering her secret.

As the crowd began to disperse, Charlotte let out a sigh of relief. She had done it. She had survived the day without Ethan finding out who she really was.

She turned to Andrew, who was waiting patiently by her side. "Shall we , it's time to go home" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Andrew smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. " Yes Buttercups."

Charlotte smiled back, Together, they walked out of the school building, leaving the drama of the day behind them.

Ethan sat at his desk, staring blankly at his textbook. He was supposed to be studying for his upcoming preliminary exam, but his mind kept wandering back to the masked girl from school.

"Charlotte Ryder".

He couldn't see her face, but there was something about her that seemed familiar. He couldn't shake the feeling that he knew her from somewhere, but he couldn't quite place her.

Ethan sighed and rubbed his eyes. He was getting distracted again. He needed to focus on his studies, not some mysterious girl who refused to show her face.

But his mind kept drifting back to her. He wondered what she looked like under that mask. Was she beautiful? Plain?

"Argggghhh..!!",

He shook his head, frustrated with himself. Why was he wasting so much time thinking about her?,

But deep down, he felt like he has seen those eyes.

Ethan groaned and tossed his pen aside. He was never going to get any studying done at this rate. He might as well give up now and admit defeat.

As he leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifted to the window, lost in thought. Who was this masked girl, really? And why did he feel like he knew her so well?

Ethan stood up from his desk, unable to focus on his studies any longer. He needed a break, some fresh air to clear his mind.

He walked out of his room and into the garden, the cool evening breeze greeting him like a gentle embrace.

As he strolled along the winding path, the sound of gentle splashing caught his attention.

He followed the sound to the fountain, there he found Piper sitting on the edge, her feet dangling in the water.

Piper suddenly felt a chill run down her spine. She turned her head, and her eyes met Ethan's cold stare. He was standing behind her, his eyes fixed on her with an unnerving intensity.

Piper trembled, her heart racing. She quickly removed her legs from the water, feeling a sense of unease.

"Ah, I'm sorry, Master Ethan," she apologized, bowing her head."

Ethan didn't respond, his gaze still fixed on her. Piper felt like she was frozen in time, unable to move or look away. She took a step back, trying to break the spell, and made to walk away.

But Ethan's voice stopped her. "Piper," he said, his tone low and commanding. "What are you up to this days?"

Piper hesitated, feeling like she was trapped. "I-I was , nothing is going on, Master Ethan," she stammered.

Ethan's gaze narrowed, his eyes piercing , he grabbed her hand and pulled her closer

"Continue what you are doing with Landon but If my mother ever gets hurt in this game of yours , you will regret ever stepping into the Landon's house ," he said, his voice dripping with warning.

Piper's heart skipped a beat. How did he know? She tried to protest, but Ethan's stare silenced her. She felt like she was drowning in his gaze, unable to escape.

"Get lost".. he ordered in a cold metallic voice

The next day at school Charlotte wore the mask expecting Ethan to be at school but there was no sign of him.

Andrew after completing the swapping procedure he carried a basket into Charlotte's classroom,

Jessica's eyes narrowed as she watched Andrew walk into their classroom, a smug grin spreading across his face. She felt a surge of anger and frustration, her hands clenching into fists.

Andrew grabbed the microphone and everyone turned to him, waiting to hear the announcement,

"Hy everyone, I Andrew Miller is officially joining this classroom from today",

"What ?, when ...how is that even possible ?", Samantha protested in outrage but Andrew scoffed and dropped the microphone and walked towards his friends.

"I just hate that Claire , I know she must have processed his swap", Jessica cried in frustration looking distainfully at the group of four behind her.

Her gaze landed on Charlotte, sitting serenely at her desk, her face uncovered today. Jessica's scowl deepened.

"What was she doing, showing her face like that because Ethan wasn't in school ?" Jessica bellowed slamming her hand on her desk.

After a while the classroom erupted into chatter as students noticed the post on the Springdale school page.

"Wow, it seems the almighty scientist needs an assistant this year," someone read aloud from their phone.

"It seems that this year's competition would be tough", Julian muttered thoughtfully, worried about her boss Ethan.

"Julian why don't you give your boss a hand , he clearly needs it ", Melly suggested chewing her bubbles.

"Come on Melly , don't joke around . You know that I'm not good in science I only know Finance that's all".. Julian protested.

"Pathetic Melly, do you think Julian would stand a chance against Jessica in science" Zoey said proudly,

Claire and Avery exchanged a glance, but said nothing. Andrew, however, spoke up, his voice booming across the room.

"Hey, Buttercups, why don't you join the competition? You're really good in science."

Everyone's attention turned towards Charlotte surprised by Andrew's review.

Charlotte's eyes widened in protest. "No, no, I don't think so. There are other students far better than me." But Andrew persisted, and Claire and Avery joined in, urging Charlotte to participate.

"How can she participate when she clearly has nothing to offer", Samantha snickered aloud.

"What's with you Salamander", Charlotte fired back at Samantha purposely calling her Salamander.

Samantha gritted her teeth in frustration, "Don't call me Salamander"

"That's what you are , just like a Salamander you keep spilling poison and bitterness out of your mouth," Charlotte stood firmly on her word.

The argument between Samantha and Charlotte was escalating, with neither side willing to back down.

Hazel, who had been watching the exchange with interest, suddenly spoke up.

"Hey, why don't we settle this once and for all?" she suggested, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"What do you mean?" Samantha asked, her voice still laced with hostility.

"Let's have a match between Charlotte and Jessica," Hazel said, her voice growing more excited.

"We can test their science skills in the inter school competition and see who's really the best. Whoever wins gets to be the Tan's assistant in the competition."

The classroom fell silent, with all eyes on Hazel. Charlotte and Jessica exchanged a wary glance, both of them clearly hesitant.

"Are you serious?" Avery asked, her voice laced with doubt.

"Why not?" Hazel replied, shrugging. "It's a fair way to decide who's the best. And it'll be fun to watch."

"I think it's a great idea," Andrew said, his voice booming across the room. "Let's do it."

Claire and Avery nodded in agreement, and soon the whole class was buzzing with excitement.

Jessica, however, was not convinced. "I don't know..." she said, her voice trailing off.

"Stop being a chicken", Hazel scowled at Jessica rolling her eyes.

But Charlotte, seemingly fueled by her earlier argument with Samantha, nodded her head. "I'm in," she said, her voice firm.

Finally, Charlotte relented, and Avery immediately uploaded her name to the competition roster.

"Yeah the Dollar Duo is in", some of the students screamed out loud.

Jessica seethed, her mind racing with resentment. Why was everyone fawning over Charlotte? She was nothing special. And now, she was going to steal the spotlight in the science competition? It wasn't fair .

"There's no way I'm going to let her win", Jessica muttered inwardly.

"I'm in", she muttered in a hoarse tone , clenching her fist in frustration.

And just like that, the match was set. It was agreed that the test be carried out in the football field, so that none of them would get the chance to cheat.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, the students poured out of their classrooms, buzzing with excitement.

The match between Charlotte and Jessica was the talk on everyone's lips.

"I don't think Charlotte stands a chance," Melly said, walking alongside her friends. "Jessica is a science whiz."

"But Charlotte doesn't seem like a girl to be messed with," her friend, Emily, countered. "She might just pull off a surprise."

"I doubt it," Melly replied, rolling her eyes. "Jessica's been doing this for years. She's a pro."

Nearby, a group of students were engaged in a heated debate. "I think Charlotte's got this," one of them said. "Her performance in the last few days had be tremendous, she really is a genius."

"Yeah, but Jessica's got experience on her side," another student argued. "She's been in competitions like this before against Tan the science wizard ."

As the students walked in twos and threes, the conversations continued. Some were confident in Charlotte's abilities, while others thought Jessica was a shoo-in.

"I don't know, guys," Claire said, walking alongside Avery. "Charlotte's really smart, but Jessica's got a reputation for being ruthless in competitions."

"Last time she competed with Tan , she was only a few point below"

"I think Charlotte can take her," Avery replied, smiling. "She's got heart, and that counts for a lot."

The discussions continued as the students made their way to their luxurious cars already wait for them, all of them eagerly anticipating the match scheduled for the following week. Would Charlotte emerge victorious, or would Jessica prove to be too much for her? Only time would tell.

At the Landon's Mansion ,Avery and Ethan sat in their opulent dining room, surrounded by crystal chandeliers and fine artwork.

The table was laden with a sumptuous feast: roasted duck, garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, and a selection of exotic cheeses.

As they had their Dinner, Avery brought up the topic of the upcoming match between Charlotte and Jessica. "Ethan, have you heard about the competition brewing in school?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.

"The national science project", Ethan asked raising an eyebrow,

Avery leaned in, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Nah , The match between Charlotte and Jessica. They're vying for the position of your assistant in the national science project."

Ethan's interest was piqued. "What ?, who turned it into a match ?".

Avery shrugged, spearing a piece of asparagus with her fork. "They almighty Springdale Students did .

"Jessica and her friends were being overly confident. But I think Charlotte might have an edge."

Ethan's eyes narrowed, his mind working overtime. "I see. And what makes you think that?"

Avery leaned back in her chair, her gaze locked on Ethan's. "Let's just say I've seen Charlotte in action. She's a force to be reckoned with."

The dining room was filled with the soft clinking of silverware on fine china, the aroma of roasted duck and freshly baked bread wafting through the air, and the soft hum of conversation, all combining to create an atmosphere of luxury and refinement.

Meanwhile in the Ryder's house ,Andrew smashed his piggy bank on the floor, the sound of shattering ceramic filling the air. He grinned mischievously as he scooped up the coins and bills, stuffing them into a backpack.

"Come on, Buttercups! We're going shopping!" he exclaimed, holding out his hand to her.

Charlotte's eyes widened as she took in the scattered remains of the piggy bank. "Andrew, what have you done?!"

Andrew chuckled. "I'm investing in your future, Buttercups! We need to get you ready for that match."

"But you were saving that for your father's birthday", Charlotte protested.

" Shusssh..!, No buts" Andrew led her to their neighborhood textbook supply store, the bell above the door jingling as they entered.

The aisles were stacked high with books and study materials, and Charlotte's eyes grew wide as she scanned the shelves.

"Wow so many books" , Charlotte exclaimed

"I wonder how you always pass without reading, Andrew teased her.

"Anyways Welcome to the mecca of learning! Let's get you set up with everything you need.", Andrew said with a grin.

As they browsed the shelves, Andrew enthusiastically recommended books and study guides, loading their basket with an impressive stack.

The store keeper rented the books to them for some cash.

Meanwhile, Jessica sat in her own home, surrounded by stacks of books and notes, her tutor guiding her through a rigorous study session. Everything was effortless, organized, and perfectly planned.

"Next topic: advanced quantum mechanics," her tutor announced, handing her a thick textbook.

Jessica nodded, already confident in her grasp of the material. She was ready for the match, and she knew it.

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Note : The contrast between Charlotte's enthusiastic but chaotic preparation and Jessica's polished, professional approach was stark. Who would come out on top in the end? Only time would tell.

Who do you support team Charlotte or team Jessica