Chapter 579
When Charlotte saw the call from The Cabinda University flash across her screen, she just lifted an eyebrow and let a slow, mischievous smile play at the corners of her mouth. She didn’t pick up right away. Instead, she kept her focus on the call she was already on, her voice calm and sure as she spoke to the Pinnacle Global University recruiter. “Sorry, but I’m not considering The Cabinda University.”
There was a beat of stunned silence on the other end. “What? Charlotte, is there something about Pinnacle Global that isn’t working for you? Like I said, if you have any requests, just let us know. We’ll do everything we can to meet your needs. Pinnacle Global is one of the top universities in Astoria, you know.”
“Sir,” Charlotte replied gently, cutting him off before he could get more worked up. “Pinnacle Global is a prestigious school, and I’m honored to have your offer. But for personal reasons, I’m not interested. I hope you understand.”
The recruiter let out a quiet sigh, the line going quiet for a moment. Losing a student like Charlotte was a once-in-a-century loss for them.
“Charlotte, are you really sure you don’t want to reconsider?” he tried one last time, sounding almost desperate.
“I’m sure,” she said simply. “Thank you.”
“Alright then.” His tone made it clear he knew there was no changing her mind. Still, right before he hung up, he added, “Whatever The Cabinda University is offering, we can match it.”
Charlotte just smiled softly, ended the call, and finally answered The Cabinda University.
“Hello?”
“Charlotte, this is The Cabinda University. We would like to—”
“I’m sorry, Professor,” Charlotte interrupted, her voice gentle but firm. “I’m not considering The Cabinda University.”
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“You… you aren’t?” The professor on the other end sounded honestly shocked, Jike he couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing. The Cabinda University was the very best in Astoria the place every student dreamed of. How could anyone say no to that? He probably thought he’d misheard her.
“Charlotte, did you just say you’re not considering The Cabinda University?” he asked again, just to be sure.
Before he called, the vice chancellor himself had given him a full briefing. Charlotte had been the top scorer in the last joint exam, perfect marks in five subjects, only missing out in literature because her pen ran out of ink mid-essay. She’d already turned them down once in an earlier interview. Back then, they’d assumed she just wanted to prove herself, maybe wasn’t happy with her score. But this time, with the final results in, she was in the top three in the whole country. By tonight, when the rankings came out, she might even be number one.
Charlotte slipped out from under the covers and crossed the room barefoot, stopping by the floor-to-ceiling window. She stared out at the distant city skyline, her mind drifting to those days she’ spent in Lamplighter Village. A quiet, wistful smile touched herlips. “I appreciate your offer, truly. But I’m not going to The Cabinda
University.”
Silence. It stretched on so long that Charlotte almost wondered if the call had dropped.
“Charlotte, are you really sure about this?” the professor finally asked. There probably wasn’t anyone else in the world who could turn them down twice.
“Yes. I’ve made up my mind.”
She was still standing by the window when she heard a faint sound behind her. Turning, she saw Anthony standing in the doorway, perfectly put together in a sharp suit, holding an elegant cake box. He smiled at her, eyes warm and full of affection. Charlotte gave a little wave to the phone. “Goodbye.”
She hung up, leaned back against the window, and looked over at Anthony. “Back early today?”