Chapter 467
Shirley leaned in and whispered, “Charlotte, have you picked a university yet?”
“Not really,” Charlotte replied.
She leaned back in her chair, absently tapping her fingers on the desk as she scrolled through her phone. She opened Stella’s social media and typed out a message. How’s studying going?
Stella replied almost right away. My scores on practice tests are way better, I’m making real progress.
Charlotte sent back, Keep it up.
If Stella could focus on studying, she was clearly doing fine. Whatever happened last time hadn’t really shaken her.
Meanwhile, in Class A at Vanguard High School, Olivia had just handed in her test. As she slipped back into her seat, she caught the buzz of conversation around her.
“I heard she’s from The Cabinda University. Just got back from studying abroad,” someone said.
“The school invited her to speak to the graduating class.”
Olivia’s fingers curled, a little tremble running through her. Was that alumna Melissa? The same Melissa she’d met at a banquet years ago? They’d actually gotten along pretty well back then.
The Carter family was a big deal in Cabinda. If Olivia could get close to Melissa, it’d be her golden ticket to the elite crowd.
“When is she coming?” Olivia asked.
“Wednesday afternoon, at two.”
A slow smile spread across Olivia’s lips. Melissa would definitely remember her. Wouldn’t she?
After school, Olivia walked into the living room and saw someone sprawled on the sofa. His legs were up on the coffee table, suit jacket hanging off his shoulders as he chatted with Elizabeth.
Olivia paused for a second. “Uncle, are you feeling better now?”
A few months ago, Jesse had been seriously ill, barely able to take care of himself. Then Charlotte had
almost landed him
Jail Now he
seemed to be back on his feet and
planning to leave soon.
Olivia hadn’t forgotten her plan. Once Jesse was gone for good and out of danger,
she could finally reveal the truth from all those years ago.
The headline
would say it all:
“Charlotte Murders Man in Rage After Failed Seduction.” The news that Vanguard ligh’s top student had a history of mental illness and murder would destroy Charlotte’s reputation for good.
Just thinking about it made Olivia’s heart race with anticipation.
“Uncle, when are you heading abroad?” she asked.
“In a week,” Jesse said, flashing a greasy smile. He glanced around the room, searching for someone. “Elizabeth, doesn’t your stepdaughter live here anymore?”
Elizabeth’s look went cold. “Why are you still thinking about her? Jesse, do not cause trouble right now.”
Charlotte wasn’t the naive girl she’d been five years ago. She was a lot harder to handle these days.
Jesse just smiled, something sly in
his eyes. He was leaving soon, so if
he wanted to do something, now was his chance. He didn’t want to leave with regrets. Five years ago, that little temptress hadn’t been able to cause trouble, and he didn’t think she could now, either.
But the memory of her face still haunted him. He couldn’t help but wonder what it
would be like to really have her.