Chapter 774
Charlotte, Stella, and Parrish just glanced at each other, totally speechless.
***
There was never any doubt about the outcome.
Shirley easily took first place in her group and sailed straight into the finals.
Since they hadn’t set a date yet, the contestants had plenty of time to prepare.
The second Shirley found out she’d made it, she ran straight to Charlotte and Stella and hugged them both, clinging to one on each side.
“Charlotte, I didn’t embarrass you!”
Charlotte smiled and pinched Shirley’s soft cheek. “Think you can win the finals?”
“I’ll do my best.” Shirley’s reply was humble, but her eyes sparkled. She knew a lot of people were watching her, especially as Mr. Lane’s student. There was no room for slacking off.
“Good.” Charlotte had to reach out and pinch Shirley’s cheek again, just because she couldn’t resist. But as she turned, she suddenly locked eyes with Olivia coming their way.
Olivia stopped in her tracks, staring at them for a moment.
Charlotte didn’t move. She just stared back, her face cool and unreadable.
A few seconds ticked by.
Olivia was the first to break. She dropped her gaze and quietly stepped aside, watching them pass with not so much as a smile or a greeting.
“Charlotte really gets along with everyone, huh…” A student next to Olivia muttered, watching the lively group ahead. “Seriously, the semester’s barely started, and the two stars of our med department have already been outshined by her.”
“She really is something,” Olivia answered, eyes narrowed as she glared at Charlotte’s back. Her fingers curled tightly, but she forced a smile. “That’s why you’d better stay away from her. If something bad happens, you might get dragged down with her.”
“Oh, Olivia, is it true you got picked for the freshman medical exchange abroad?” “Yeah,” Olivia said, nodding with a shy little smile.
The spot had originally gone to Janie, but after what happened, it got passed to Olivia.
This time, the exchange was supposed to include meeting a world famous medical expert
she
did well, maybe shed catch his eye and get some personal guidance.
And if that happened… with such a big name backing her, getting into the International Medical Alliance wouldn’t be out of reach.
“Do you know where you’ll be going?” her classmate asked, clearly envious.
“They haven’t decided yet.” Olivia’s lips curled up, proud and a little smug. “It’ll either be Apex or Solenia.”
It all depended on the expert’s schedule.
But honestly, Solenia seemed more likely. It was outside any government’s control,
so medicine thrived there. She’d be able to learn so much more.
***
At the restaurant, everyone was crowded around the table, ordering way too much food.
After hanging out with the group a few times, Stella had relaxed a lot. She wasn’t shy anymore, and her personality had really started to shine.
She put a plate of neatly sliced oranges in the center, then stood up. “You guys eat. I’m going to the restroom.”
“Want some company?” Charlotte asked, clinking her glass of juice with Andrew’s and glancing over.
“The restroom’s just over there. I’ll be fine.” Stella smiled and headed off.
But as soon as she stepped into the restroom her smile vanished.
Someone was already there, leaning against the wall arms crossed cold, twisted smile on her lips.
Letty.
Stella’s face turned icy. She spun around, ready to leave.
“Where’s the fire?” Letty said, closing the door and blocking Stella’s way. She pressed knife to Stella’s neck. her voice rey. “Calf Charlotte. Tell her to come here. Or I’ll kill you.
At Charlotte’s name, something in Stella’s eyes changed. She lifted her chin and
glared at Letty, her gaze sharp as a blade.
Letty’s eyes lit up.
This was what she wanted.
Charlotte cared about Stella so much. If Stella ended up a murderer, what would Charlotte do then?