Chapter 309
Chapter 309 The English Contest
Finished
Each school had a sign posted up front; it didn’t take long for Lillian to spot Riverdale High School’s placard tucked into a corner. Eda and Daylen were already there, along with a few other classmates.
“Lillian, over here!” Daylen called, waving her over.
Lillian’s eyes flicked to Eda, who was seated beside him. The girl, usually so smug and arrogant, looked subdued and quiet; still, the moment her gaze met Lillian’s, that familiar hatred and disdain burned through.
Lillian could only shake her head helplessly. Women’s jealousy was often irrational; from the moment she’d set foot in this school, Eda had carried this inexplicable hostility toward her. Is it really just because of something as small as jealousy?
Choosing to avoid unnecessary trouble, Lillian walked past them and sat in the row just behind Daylen.
Seeing her settle in behind him, Daylen’s expression shifted with understanding; Eda, meanwhile, pretended to be busy with something else. Ever since learning that the girl she had always looked down on was, in fact, the legendary Maiden Healer whispered about in high society, every shred of superiority she once clung to had crumbled. Perhaps now, the only thing keeping her upright was her simmering resentment toward Lillian.
After all, Lillian had humiliated her at her own birthday party-then came the slap from her father.
“Lillian, I heard you came to Kingston early,” Daylen said, turning toward her. “If you need anything, just say the word p>
Lillian smiled. “No need, but thank you p>
Truthfully, she hadn’t been very open toward Daylen at first. Because of the mess with Jeremy, she hadn’t wanted to attract any more attention at school. But that night at the birthday party, when everyone else had looked at her with ridicule in their eyes, he had chosen to believe her.
For that alone, he was worth keeping as a friend; but a friend was all he would ever be.
Her answer didn’t surprise him-he’d half expected it. Still, he smiled and said, “Well, once you’re in college, if you ever get the chance, I’d love to show you around Kingston. Let you soak in the city’s charm. I think you’d fall in love with it p>
“Sure,” Lillian replied easily.
Her quick agreement threw him for a moment; he’d assumed she would find some polite way
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to decline. The unexpected answer left him momentarily speechless.
Catching his stunned expression, Lillian arched a brow and teased lightly, “What? You don’t want to p>
“What? No, of course, I do!” Daylen said quickly, snapping out of his daze. “You said it yourself -if you ever need a tour guide, I’m your guy. I promise, you won’t be disappointed p>
Lillian’s clear gaze held no hint of anything deeper as she said, “Alright, then I’ll be counting on you p>
“It’s no trouble,” Daylen replied cheerfully. “I grew up here; I know Kingston like the back of my hand p>
Eda stared down at the book in her hands, though her mind was far from the words on the page. Every word exchanged between Lillian and Daylen reached her ears. Listening to their easy laughter, she squeezed the book so hard that the pages crumpled in her grip.
She just didn’t understand. What kind of spell did this Lillian have over these boys? Why were they all so hopelessly drawn to her?
She wasn’t any less than Lillian… or so she told herself.
Before long, the teacher overseeing the contest walked in. His sharp gaze swept across the room as he said, voice serious, “Each school, take attendance and confirm your headcount. If anyone isn’t here, they’ll be considered to have forfeited p>
Once the numbers were verified, he continued, “I trust your teachers have already explained the rules of the contest.
“The preliminary round will be held tomorrow morning; each school will select one top performer to advance.
“The finals will take place in the afternoon. Those who make it to that round will be
epresenting their schools, and the final champion will determine your school’s standing in the rankings p>
He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the room. “For those familiar with the English contest, you know it’s a prestigious event with nationwide attention. It can be a huge boost for your college applications. What gives it such weight isn’t just the extra points it can add to your SATs —it’s the competition’s fairness and transparency. Each round will be streamed live, so hold nothing back. If you’ve got the talent, the whole world’s about to see it p>
When the teacher finished speaking, the lecture hall erupted into a round of enthusiastic applause.
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.