Chapter 14
I stopped, my tone polite but distant.“Nathan, Brandon, Lucas.” If I didn’t greet them, they’d accuse me of being rude. I didn’t have the energy to waste time arguing.
Lucas looked at me skeptically.“How was the exam? You chose studying over the team. Let’s see how well you do!”
I ignored his taunt; they disapproved of everything I did.“I’ll do my best.” My best to improve my grades and escape you all by getting into Harvard.
Brandon scoffed.“Lina’s never been a good student. Her grades were mediocre in high school. A last–minute cram session doesn’t mean anything. She’ll still rank below Sophie!”
Sophie smiled.“Brandon, don’t say that. Lina has been studying hard; the teacher praised her. Rankings aren’t everything.“”MORE! MORE!” Her wolf wanted Brandon to humiliate her even more. She was born evil.
My fists clenched. My poor grades in the past had a reason. Whenever I outscored Sophie, she caused trouble, making my brothers dislike me. To avoid their disapproval, I deliberately underperformed. This didn’t mean I was academically incapable! In my past life, I’d wanted to surpass Sophie, to prove myself. But my eldest brother forced me to attend the same inferior university as her, even though my grades qualified me for a better one!
I managed to control my emotions.“I’ll go to my room.” My gaze was cold; I wouldn’t be foolish again.
The next day, I slept in. Downstairs, the house was empty; they’d gone to training camp. I didn’t care. After eating, I went to my room and checked the gaming news. The official announcement for the loser’s bracket was up. Just like last time. Lucas was determined to win; it was his chance for revenge against Miles. In my past life, our championship was a fluke; Miles had withdrawn at the last minute, creating an opportunity for us. I never learned why. Some said it was illness; others said he was called home to take over the family business, but he never clarified.
I felt a pang of longing to play. Then Jason’s words echoed in my mind: the monthly exam would decide. I’d have to wait.
I hesitated before messaging him.“*Master, I didn’t go to the infirmary last week because Nathan noticed I wasn’t home on time. I didn’t want him to discover my secret base.*
I stared at the screen, waiting for a reply. There was none; his profile picture was blank. He didn’t even post on social media? Odd.
Jason saw the message, his eyes narrowing.
“Jason, who messaged you?” He locked his phone.
Leo Cross raised an eyebrow.“It’s a girl. Is it the girl from that day? Her name is… Lina, right?”
“You talk too much.”
“You’re guilty! You’d been working overtime in the infirmary, then stopped. You’ve been gloomy. Did you have an argument
with her?”
Jason turned away, a dangerous glint in his eyes.“You talk too much.” His wolf let out a warning growl, telling Leo to keep quiet.
“We grew up together; I know your business! Don’t fool me!”
Jason went to the balcony, looking at her message. My secret base?” He smiled. He opened her Moments; typical teenage girl posts. He lingered longer than he intended, a sense of unease washing over him. He closed the app and went back inside.
I didn’t receive a reply. Was he angry? I didn’t dare message him again, deciding to wait until Monday.
I spent the weekend studying. Sophie and my brothers stayed at the training camp.
Monday morning, I saw Sophie and my brothers. They were laughing and joking; their bond seemed stronger. I went to the
< Chapter 14
dining room, saying nothing.
Lucas sneered, “The results are released today, right?”
I nodded.
Menu
“I told you to join the team. Your grades aren’t good enough for a decent university. It’s better to become a pro gamer. With the Ashford Family’s resources, fame is guaranteed. Too bad you missed your chance. It’s Sophie’s now.”
I remembered the humiliation of being replaced.
I replied calmly, “I don’t mind.”
I grabbed breakfast and left. Lucas was furious.“I can’t wait to see her ‘good‘ results!”
Sophie breathed a sigh of relief. If Lina joined, she’d lose her spot. She feigned happiness, “Lucas, don’t be angry. Lina is just sulking. When she agrees to join, I’ll quit.”
Lucas smiled.“You’re so understanding!” Sophie’s smile faltered; she was resentful. She’d worked hard to gain his approval, but he still seemed to favor Lina. She was determined to prove herself in the game and make him forget about Lina. This stupid werewolf, still unable to tell who’s his best sister.
