Chapter 586
Anthony could pretty much guess why she was in a mood. He smiled, softening his tone as he asked, “Lottie, how old are you again? Trying to get me to carry you just
because you’re upset?”
“I’m almost nineteen.” She answered with absolute confidence, chin tilted up as if daring him to challenge her.
Anthony felt a wave of relief wash over him. If she could still talk back, she was fine. He leaned down, scooped her up into his arms, and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Alright, my nineteen-year-old baby.”
***
The next morning, after breakfast, Charlotte set her utensils down and ruffled Stella’s hair. “Eat a little more, okay?”
She headed upstairs to grab her bag. Stella smiled and nodded, watching Charlotte leave before her gaze dropped to Anthony, who sat nearby. She looked nervous, her eyes flicking toward him with a mix of fear and hesitation. She opened her mouth like she wanted to say something, but nothing came out.
***
It had been a few days since news broke about Charlotte’s perfect score, but the buzz online just kept growing. Reporters couldn’t track her down. Aside from a single leaked photo, nobody had managed to get any new pictures of her. The journalists were losing hope.
With no way to reach Charlotte, reporters started hounding The Cabinda University and Pinnacle Global University. Surely the top student would be tied to one of the best schools in the country.
But the responses they got only made things more confusing.
The Cabinda University posted, “We warmly welcome Charlotte to apply. The campus is beautiful, and the food in our dining hall is amazing.”
Pinnacle Global University replied, “We also warmly welcome Charlotte, right across the street from The Cabinda University. Our campus is even more beautiful and our food is even better.”
People online were completely baffled. So, the top student hadn’t accepted either
offer? Was she planning on studying abroad?
Right then, Charlotte was curled up
in Anthony’s arms, phone in hand as she played a game and scrolled through the news. She glanced at him. “Hey, do you know who the last top scorer was who refused every interview?”
Anthony was twirling a piece of her hair, a little smirk on his face. “Yeah. That was eleven years ago.”
“Really?” Charlotte paused, looking up at him, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. “You were that impressive?”
He grinned, lowering his voice as he pinched her cheek, his eyes glinting with mischief. “You know I’m good at more than just grades.”
Charlotte stared at him, speechless. Ever since she’d given in to him, Anthony had gotten completely shameless.
***
The playful tweets from both
universities caused an online frenzy.
Everyone assumed Charlotte was
leaving the country to study abroad.
The internet was full of bother criticism and congratulations.
But when the official admission results came out, the truth left everyone stunned.