Chapter 23
Since Yolanda’s allergy incident and Lillian’s sharp comebacks leh everyone speechless, the Wilson residence had been quiet for a few days,
Yetta still hoped that Yolanda and Lillian would turn against each other.
However, ever since Yolanda joined the Lewis Group, she seemed more energetic than ever, her outfits becoming sleeker every day She appeared way too busy to pay Lillian any attention.
Yetta worried as she watched Yolanda’s ambition grow, fearing that one day she’d climb high enough to catch Samuel’s eye.
Even though as a fake Wilson, Yolanda couli’t marry Samuel, jst having a fling with hirm would be enough to boost her pride.
But Mindy was even more distressed. She had lost her title as the math whiz to Lillian, and whether at home or school, she past couldn’t escape her. That made her hatred for Lillian grow more and more
After lunch, Mindy was the first to head back to class from the cafeteria. Once seated, she tuned out the world around her and got back to her work.
“Come on, genius, take a break, Talent isn’t something you can make up for with hard work, just accept it,” Sierra teased, enjoying the chance to poke fun at Mindy,
Even though Sierra wasn’t a fan of Lillian who was just too beautiful, it felt good to see the arrogant Mindy being put in her place.
Mindy ignored Sierra and kept working on her problems. After a while, Sierra, realizing it was pointless to continue, went back to her own seat.
After finishing a problem, Mindy reached for her tablet to look something up, only to find her drawer was empty
Soon after, Michelle rushed into the classroom because Mindy’s phone and tablet had been stolen, just as most students. returned
A girl who was friends with Sierra and didn’t like Lillian either raised her hand. “Ms. Thompson, we’ve all checked our desky except for Lillian’s”
The other students whispered among themselves.
“Lillian normally gets back right after lunch, but she’s taking longer today. Could it really be her?”
“She’s from the Wilson family, Would she really be missing out on things like this?”
“Exactly. Without any proof, making claims like that is just over the top
Sierra added casually, “Maybe she has some quirks we don’t know about.”
Mindy quickly glanced over at Lillian’s seat. Her eyes didn’t show anger about Lillian stealing her stuff; it was more like she was hoping Sierra’s words were true.
If Lillian was indeed the one who took her things, Mindy would make sure the whole school knew about it. She wanted Kevin, Zack, and even Bradley to find out too.
Michelle tapped the desk. “Alright, everyone, quiet down and get back to your seats. Mindy, did you leave your stutt somewhere else and forget about it?”
Mindy blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. “In the last class, Agatha saw me put my phone and tablet in the drawer. But
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Chapter 23
when I got back, they were gone.”
Agatha nodded, adding, “I tried calling Mindy’s phone and table but they were both turned off
Michelle’s gaze shifted to Lillian’s empty seat.
Lillian was casually strolling back to the classroom, sipping from water bottle she had just bought.
“Lillian!” The literature teacher cross paths with her in the hallway, looking clearly upset. “Can you explain why you didn’t write the essay for this test again?”
Lillian felt a bit flustered. Tve already explained.”
The literature teacher pressed on. “Too many words? Lazy? Do you think that’s a reasonable excuse? What about the SAT? Are you planning to skip that essay too?”
He wore a crisp white shirt and glasses, his slim figure complemented by neatly combed white hair. Although he was usually a classy and handsome older gentleman, right now he seemed more frustrated with Lillian than ever.
With the SAT looming, high school seniors were busy cramming or preparing for practice tests. Every paper Lillian turned in, as long as she answered the questions, was perfect–even her literature tests. But she simply refused to write essays.
“If you dislike me, just say it. Why did this?” The literature teacher wouldn’t back down, insisting on an explanation, “Your excuses aren’t convincing. If you skip writing for the SAT, then I truly think you’re just as lazy as you claim.”
Lillian shrugged, “You can see for yourself then.”
The teacher’s expression shifted immediately. Sure, you might be lazy or against me, but you can’t keep being stubborn when it comes to the SAT.” His tone changed from demanding to almost pleading. He genuinely believed she might do something like that.
As soon as Lillian walked in the classroom, the entire class turned to her, their eyes following her to her seat.
“What’s going on now?‘ she wondered.
“Lillian, Mindy’s phone and tablet are missing. The classmates searched already, and I trust you.” Michelle said.
Lillian glanced at the cameras in the room. “Didn’t you check the footage!”
“The school respects students‘ privacy, so the classroom cameras only record during major exams. You don’t know?” Sierra said, her skeptical tone suggesting that she thought Lillian was pretending ignorance.
“Am I supposed to do it myself, or is someone else going to?” Lillian just a step away from her seat, paused. Fler expression was indifferent, but there was a spark in her eyes, as if she was ready to watch the drama unfold
“Do we even need to check since she looks so calm?” someone questioned.
Another one added, “Who would stash stolen stuff in their desk to confidently? She probably got rid of it already.” The girl who was friends with Mindy piped up, “Ms. Thompson, let me search. She stood up and started right away. Although it seemed unlikely they would find anything, all the stents leaned in for a better look.
The girl approached Lillian’s desk, pulled out the chair, crouched down, and began sifting through the contents. After flipping through a few papers, she seemed to spot something and quickly reached in to grab it. It’s Mindy’s phone and
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Chapter 23
tablet!”
Both the phone and tablet had recognizable protective cases–they were Mindy’s. Instantly, the classroom erupted.
“Was it really Lillian who did the stealing?”
“Then why did she even let her search? Why was she so calm?”
“Maybe she thought no one would actually look, and now it’s backfiring
“Is it really worth all this for a phone and tablet? If she wanted them, I could give them to her!”
“So, is it true she’s so unwelcome in the Wilson family that she’s gesorting to stealing?”
“I heard from Mindy that her dad initially wanted Lillian to go to Sillview High, but she transferred to Fillcrest High on her
own
“This level of rejection is basically abuse, isn’t it?”
“Damn, that’s really gross. If she wants some excitement, why steal? And if she’s going to steal, she should at least keep it to herself!
“Her perfect illusion is shattered!”
Sierra sneered, “Geniuses, huh? They’re kind of a special bunch, and a little weirdness here and there makes sense.
