Hazel's stare was cold and emotionless as if she were staring at an object instead of a person. This deeply disgusted Mildred.
"Yes! If you can get into the top ten of your grade and make the Murphys proud, you'll eam a nice room," Mildred said sharply.
"Got it," Hazel replied. Then, she turned to Lily. "Let's go."
"Huh?" Lily was momentarily puzzled before understanding that Hazel wanted her to show the way to the guest rooms. Lily's guilt deepened.
As Mildred watched them go, her face twisted with disdain. To her, it seemed absurd that someone like Hazel, a rural person with limited education, would dare to strive for a top ten spot in her grade.
Tonight's dinner was supposed to be a warm welcome for Hazel's return home and a celebration of the family's reunion
However, Alex, who had a bump on his head didn't want to join them. Gideon, whom Hazel had never met, was also missing from the dining table.
As they were about to finish their meal, Lily passed Hazel a list of schools to alleviate the awkward atmosphere.
"Hazel, school begins in a few days. I've researched some options for you to transfer to. Take a look and see if any catch your interest."
Hazel paused with a short rib hairway to her mouth, her gaze drifting to the list of schools. They were all high schools in Norburgh, varying from mid-tier to high-tier.
Giselle set down ber utensils and suggested, "Dad, heard Hazel did quite well at her school in the countryside. Why not just enroll her at Cavenridge International Academy? I could even help her out while she's there."
Her expression seemned concerned as if she truly cared about Hazel's future. But it was no secret that the academic standards at a rural school couldn't compare to those of an International institution. James glanced at Hazel and said, "Cavenridge International Academy teaches entirely in Terranish. Can you even understand that?"
Hazel had changed into a titted black dress that made her fair skin shine. With her refined manners at the dinner table, no one would guess she came from a humble rural background.
James found himself less judgmental of her as he observed her appealing appearance.
Hazel's attractiveness surpassed Giselle's, and her beauty could pave the way for a marriage that would benefit the Murphy family once she grew older.
After savoring a piece of short rib, Hazel casually said, "I've decided to go to Cavenridge International Academy."
Her announcement lett everyone at the table stunned.
Without seeming bothered, Hazel grabbed another short rib.
James staramed his hand on the table in frustration. "What are you thinking? That school of yours up in the mountains doesn't even have a good Terranish teacher,"
"How do you expect to cope with Covenridge? Do you want to bring shame to the Murphys by doing poorly on the SATS?"
The Murphys had looked into Hazel's previous academic records. She ranked as the highest-performing student in her school, which catered specifically to underprivileged students.
Only a few teachers were assigned to run the school each year, and they often juggled multiple responsibilities. Many of them would resign within six months due to the challenging conditions. Given this situation, even though Hazel excelled academically, some might doubt the real significance of her achievements.
Sitting at the head of the dining table, Mildred sneered and tamted, "With grades like yours, attending Centidge would be embarrassing! If you're capable, aim for Norburgh High School instead".
"Strive to be one of the top ten students in your grade. Actually, even being in the top ten of your class would be enough. Then, you can use Alex's study"
Norburgh High School served as the local public school in Norburgh. It prided itself on sending a considerable number of students to prestigious universities like Bradbury University and Quantford University every year.
Yet, its teaching standards lagged behind those of Cavenridge International Academy.
Cavenridge International Academy, founded by the Ludden family, one of the four influential families in the area, had been a prestigious institution for over a century.
It was focused on preparing students for renowned universities worldwide. Even if someone didn't meet the SAT requirements for these universities, en rolling directly into Cavenridge's undergraduate programs ensured a promising future with respectable job prospects in society.
"Hazel, what do you think?" Lily asked.
Her stayed quiet and savored her malata leisurely pere. [1
Mildred wasn't feeling very hungry. She barely picked at her food and put down her utensils soon after.
As Hazel enthusiastically devoured her meal, leaving not a morsel behind,red couldn't help but express her disdain. "Be careful not to stuff yourself to death."
"Grandma, Hazel ever had the opportunity to enjoy such delicious food when she lived in the mountains. It's her first experience with it, so it's natural it she indulges a bit a walk to help balance things out," Giselle explained.
While Giselle's wards seemed to defend Hazel, sable undertone implying Hazel's rustic upbringing and lack of sophistication lay underneath.
James had briefly entertained positive thoughts about Hazel due to her good looks. However, any such sentiments had now faded away. He openly displayed his disdain as he cast his gaze upon her. "Alright, your school matters are sorted," James stated as he pose from his seat. He was about to head to the study.
Hazel took the final bite of her meal and placed her utensils down with a graceful motion, she dabbed the comers of her mouth with a napkin and remarked, "I never waste food" James halted in his steps.
The Murphy began their company with newfound wealth, but their business was struggling in stay afloat it had been operating at a loss for some time.
They eventually started making a profit. However, after a few years, competition in their industry intensified, squeezing their earnings.
The Murphy wouldn't have been able to sustain their lavish lifestyle without business support from the Giselle in recent years.
Making money was tough, and even though James hadn't urged his family to pinch pennies, he'd stressed the importance of being careful with spending And now, Hazel seemed to be implying that they were wasteful.
"I'm going to Cavenridge. If you can't make it happen, don't bother planning anything else for me," Hazel declared before retreating to her guest room.
"Can't you grasp what I'm saying?" James grumbled as she walked away.
Giselle hurried to soothe James "Dad, please don't be upset. Maybe Hazel just wants to go to the same school as me"
"Who does she think she is? Does she believe she can simply all in Cavenridge whenever she pleases? coming from a rural village with average grades, does she even stand a chance of passing caveridge's entrance exam? Isn't she deliberately trying to embarrass the Murphys?"
"But if Hazel doesn't give it a shot, how will she ever know if she's capable?" Giselle's tone was gentle as if she was sincerely advocating for her.
Mildred nodded in agreement. "Giselle's right. She won't grasp how,unless we give her the chance to try it. she's set on attending Cavenridge, then we should allow her."
"Even though we've disclosed to outsiders that Hazel's adopted, we should treat every child equally. Let's grant her request."
"However, whether she secures admission to Cavenridge rests entirely on her shoulders."
James found Mildred's words convincing.
Even if Hazel fled to gain acceptance to Cavenridge, the Murphys could still assert that they didn't mind her rural background and bad chosen the best school for her as she had requested. The only problem was her incapability to secure acceptance. Nonetheless, the Murphys would continue moling her at Newburgh High School without hassle.
"Giselle,you're truly sensible and thoughtful," James complimited. He patted her shoulder.
"You should keep up the good relationship with your fiance. And when you tie the knot, I'll make sure you have a hefty wedding gift to ensure you may well" "Thanks, Dad," Giselle replied sweetly.
Glancing toward the quest room door where Hazel was string, She smirked to herself.
What did Hazel's biological connection to the Murphys even? Giselle considered herself a prime member of the Murphy family!
Hazel returned to her guest room and opened WhatsApp, specifically looking for someone the dubbed "Mr.Annoying"
Andrew Ladden was the dean of Cavender International Academy, and Bera had given him this nickname because she found him bothersome.
She clicked into their chat. Next to his nickname was a symbol showing that his messages were set to 'Do not disturb."
Hazel scrolled up in their chat history, which stretched back to practice.
Mr. Annoying: "Hazel, considering the limited educational resources in the mountains, would you like to consider changing schools? How about coming to avenge International Academy?"Hazel "I refuse"
Mr. Annoying "Could you kindly explain the reason? Is it because our education resources at Coverridge International Academy aren't good? Or?"
He attached a patrol emoji
Hazel: "Normon. I'm too lazy."
Andrew at an emoji that looked sad and hurt.
Three months later, Andrew reached out to Hazel once more.
Mr.Annoying: "Hazel, it's almost September, the start of the fallenollment sesion. Have you considered applying to Cavenridge International Academy?
"If you haven't, I'll check back with you tomorrow. Don't ask again."
The following day, Andrew messaged Hazel again.
Mr. Annoying "Hazel, the September enrolment season is here. Have you given any thought to Cavenridge International Academy?"
"I'll check back in two days."
Their chat history overflowed with invitations spanning two years.
Hazel's fingers flitted across the screen, and she finally responded to Andrew with a single word.
Hazel: "Okay."
As soon as the message was sent, Andrew replied without delay.
Mr. Annoying: "Awesome! I've been waiting for this for two years, and you've finally agreed, I'll arrange a car to pick you up on the first day of school! "Wait, scratch I'll personally come to pick you up!"