Chapter 14
Chapter 14:
Fred gave a smug chuckle. “Looks like you owe me, Rylie. A deal’s a deal p>
But Rylie’s eyes didn’t budge from the top of the list. “Why don’t you check the first part of this list p>
Fred scoffed in disbelief. “Still clinging to your pride, huh p>
Just then, a cluster of students surrounding the top of the list let out startled gasps.
“Oh my god! It’s Rylie’s name p>
“Rylie’s ranked first p>
As more voices joined the chorus, confirming what seemed unthinkable, Stacey’s face froze. “That’s not possible!” she snapped, yanking her hand from Fred’s and dashing to where those students gathered.
There it was — Rylie’s name gleaming in bold letters at the very top, while Stacey’s name sat quietly in tenth place. The margin between Rylie and the runner-up was wide enough to leave no doubt — it had been a sweeping victory.
“Impossible!” Fred echoed, trailing after Stacey, his eyes bulging in disbelief. “Rylie must’ve cheated p>
Rylie arched a brow. “So the moment I come in first, it must be cheating p>
Stacey stood frozen. She couldn’t fathom Rylie beating her, but rather than launch a direct accusation, she chose a gentler route, her voice low and carefully measured. “Fred, Rylie just wanted one moment to shine. She’s already been rejected by her brothers and carries that weight every day. Let’s just pretend her results are real. There’s no need to say they weren’t earned p>
Her words sounded forgiving, but anyone paying close attention could hear the implication loud and clear — Rylie had cheated.
Among the onlookers were three students who usually held top spots in the rankings. Outraged, they immediately voiced their protests, urging the school to nullify Rylie’s results.
The cheating rumors spread like wildfire and soon reached the school administration. Rylie, Stacey, and a few others were called into the office for questioning.
The school leaders insisted that parents be contacted to settle the matter, but Rylie calmly responded, “My family’s far away. I have no way of reaching them p>
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Before the principal could reply, Stacey stepped in sweetly. “Please don’t worry. I’ll call my second brother. Rylie’s still part of the Kirk family. She’s just upset… and made a mistake p>
Fred nodded in approval. “You’re too kind, Stacey. Rylie doesn’t deserve to be your sister — not with that spiteful attitude p>
Stacey’s reply was gentle, her tone polished. “Don’t speak about Rylie like that. I know she is a kind girl at heart, and I don’t want her to lose her way p>
Leland, who worked nearby at VitaLink Hospital, showed up soon after Stacey’s call, carrying a small, neatly boxed strawberry cake.
Stacey accepted the box with a smile, then turned to Rylie. “Rylie, Leland only brought one cake for me. He forgot you liked it too — but I’ll share half with you p>
But Leland stepped in, reclaiming the cake and addressing Rylie with open disdain. “Is she even worthy of sharing your cake p>
Turning directly to Rylie, his tone grew sharper. “Cheating on your exam just to get back at Stacey and win my attention? Do you even realize how foolish you’re being p>
Rylie’s expression remained unreadable. “I didn’t cheat p>