Chapter 9
The next morning, Lillian come downstairs with a backpack stung over her shoulder.
“Oh, so you’re going to Fillerest, huh?” Mindy teased, remembering how Lillian had bragged about her plan to get into Fillcrest High. But when she saw Bradley, she quickly quieted down and headed into the dining room.
At the table. Bradley asked. “Did you go to the hospital yesterday? What did the doctor say? Is it serious?”
Lillian continued eating vithout looking up. “The initial treatment costs 300 thousand dollars We’ll discuss the rest later.”
Yetta laughed. “What kind of illness needs 300 thousand just for the initial treatment? I hope you didn’t get scammed by some shady doctor.”
“I don’t think it’s the doctor scamming her, Mindy chimed in. “You don’t need to pretend to be sick, Lillian. Dad would still bring you home.”
Yetta’s expression suddenly shifted to one of understanding. “I know you’re feeling down, but that’s just how life is. Now that you’re back. I’m sure you’re all better, Lillian. If you need cash, just say the word. Whatever your sisters have, you’ll get too.”
This way, the mother and daughter teamed up to pin the blame on Lillian, accusing her of faking an illness just to return to the Wilson family and scam them out of money.
Bradley stared at Lillian in silence, waiting for her explanation. Whether he believed Lillian’s sickness or not, 300 thousand for initial treatment was clearly outrageous.
However, Lillian ignored him and shot a mischievous glance at Yetta and Mindy, delivering a harsh blow. “If Bradley hadn’t caused my mom’s death, you wouldn’t even be living here.”
With those few words, it felt like everyone at the table was knocked down, even including Yolanda, who looked completely uninvolved.
“You!” Yetta fumed.
Lillian got to the point. “You’re all upset with me because you hate the idea of me getting a share of the Wilson fortune, right? Sorry, but I’m not backing down on what’s mine.” Then she stood up and walked out.
Mindy glanced at Bradley’s face and couldn’t help but mutter, “She just admitted it. She’s faking sick to come back and grab her inheritance.”
Bradley stayed quiet. Just when Mindy started feeling rebellious, he turned to her, his face unreadable. “She is your sister,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The calmness in his voice felt heavy, and Mindy didn’t dare to argue anymore. Frustrated, she skipped breakfast, grabbed her backpack, and stormed off to school.
When she stepped outside and didn’t see the driver, she asked a servant, who told her that Lillian had taken the car. Mindy was so furious she almost threw her backpack.
Hearing the commotion, Yetta came out to comfort her. “Let her make a scene. The bigger, the better. Once your father’s patience and guilt run out, she’ll face the consequences.
“Do you know why your dad won’t let her into Fillcrest High? He doesn’t want her in public. So, don’t worry much about. her.”
Yetta put an arm around Mindy’s shoulders, reminding her, “Keep an eye on Yolanda, though. Her calmness could be dangerous; don’t let her end up taking what’s left.”
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12:46 Tue, Dec 31 t.
Chapter 9
Mindy knew the stakes, that having been regarded as a genius since she was a child, she was used to being pampered and had never dealt with this kind of humiliation.
Still, Yetta’s words sank in. Mindy held back her rage and said, “She should just go back to where she came from.”
Michelle Thompson, the homeroom teacher, introduced a new student at the start of class. “Class, we have a new student joining us today. Let’s give her a warm welcome.”
The new student had her bair pulled back in a high ponytail. She wasn’t wearing any fancy designer clothes, but her simple T–shirt and casual pants still made her stand out.
Her delicate face looked pale, and the redness around her eyes, probably from her condition, gave her the appearance of wearing makeup.
The room fell silent, and everyone stared at the new student.
Mindy, deep in her workbook, suddenly felt a bit uneasy. She looked up and was shocked to see that the new student was none other than Lillian. “What are you doing here?” Mindy exclaimed.
The classmates, who had been whispering among themselves, turned their attention to Mindy. A quick–witted boy asked, “Hey, genius, do you know the new girl?”
Realizing she had let something slip, Mindy awkwardly replied eah, we’ve met, but we’re not close.”
Wasn’t Lillian supposed to be at Sillview High? What is she doing here? Does Dad have something to do with this? No way He definitely doesn’t want anyone to know he has that unlucky daughter, she mused to herself.
After getting settled in. Lillian introduced herself with a smile. Nice to meet you, everyone. I’m Lillian Wilson.”
Immediately, the classroom burst into whispers
“Wilson? Is she related to Mindy?”
“Wow, this family is all stunning! I saw Mindy’s elder sister at a party before–she’s really pretty too.”
“Didn’t Mindy say she didn’t get along with her? I guess if she’s one of Mindy’s less fortunate relatives, it’s normal not to be close,”
“Well, that face doesn’t look poor at all.”
“Her looks are incredible. Totally outshines Mindy and Sierra. If there was a school beauty contest, she’d win for sure.”
“Shh! Lower your voice–Sierra is staring at you.”
“Her skin looks flawless. How much makeup is she wearing?”
“Quiet down!” Michelle shouted. “This is a study session, and we’ll go over the test in the next class.”
Before leaving, she instructed, “Lillian, you’re in the back row. Fill out this test, and bring it to my office with your textbook after class for review,”
Since Lillian’s desk was newly added, she didn’t have a partner. She liked her alone time, and at 57, she had no trouble seeing the blackboard.
Just as she sat down, the guy in front of her turned around eagerly. “Hey, I’m Bernard White. If you need any help, just ask. Why did you transfer now, especially with the SATs coming up?
Chapter 9
The girl in front chinted in, Lillian, you’re really beautiful. What’s your relationship with Mindy? She seems a little… unfriendly towards you.”
Many of the other classmates turned to Lillian, curious. The twin front blinked, waiting for her reply.
Lillian raised her test paper to cover her face–a polite way of saying. Please do not disturb.”
Once the two got the hint and turned back around, Lillian casually took out her pen and began to work on the test. The class flew by, and with test papers in hand, Lillian exited through the back door to grab her textbooks.
In the office, Michelle, also a math teacher, reviewed Lillian’s completed math test papers. She looked up and asked, “Why didn’t you show your work for the big problems at the end?
Lillian replied. “I didn’t have enough time.” In truth, she was just too lazy to write everything out.
“Where’s your scratch paper? Didn’t you bring any? Michelle asked.
“Nope.” Lillian shrugged. Actually, she just didn’t have one. She just glanced at the questions and figured out the answers right away.
Michelle frowned at the huge blank spaces on her test. Just as he was about to say something, he took a closer look and noticed there were no mistakes in her answers.
After reviewing them again, she confirmed they were all correct and smiled, “Next time, remember to show your work. The Textbooks are over there, and they’re a bit heavy. Be careful.”
With only two months left before the SAT, the principal had suddenly added Lillian to Michelle’s advanced class without any discussion. While the principal had promised that Lillian was promising, Michelle found it odd to transfer her at such a
critical time.
She had been worried that this year’s vote for the city’s Outstanding Teacher might be a challenge with Lillian in the mix. Now, with things unfolding this way, maybe it wouldn’t be an issue after all.
Lillian walked back with her books, Mindy suddenly appeared and blocked her path.
