Facade

Hera’s stare was cold and emotionless as if she were staring at an object instead of a person. This deeply disgusted Mildred. 

“Yes! If you can get into the top ten of your grade and make the Everetts proud, you’ll eam a nice room,” Mildred said sharply. 

“Got it,” Hera replied. Then, she turned to Lilith. “Let’s go.” 

“Huh?” Lilith was momentarily puzzled before understanding that Hera wanted her to show the way to the guest rooms. Lilith’s guilt deepened. 

As Mildred watched them go, her face twisted with disdain. To her, it seemed absurd that someone like Hera, a rural person with limited education, would dare to strive for a top ten spot in her grade. 

Tonight’s dinner was supposed to be a warm welcome for Hera’s return home and a celebration of the family’s reunion 

However, Gino, who had a bump on his head didn’t want to join them. Gideon, whom Hera had never met, was also missing from the dining table. 

As they were about to finish their meal, Lilith passed Hera a list of schools to alleviate the awkward atmosphere. 

“Hera, school begins in a few days. I’ve researched some options for you to transfer to Take a look and see if any catch your interest.” 

Hera paused with a short rib hairway to her mouth, her gaze drifting to the list of schools. They were all high schools in Norburgh, varying from mid–tier to high–tier. 

Giselle set down ber utensils and suggested, “Dad, heard Hera did quite well at her school in the countryside. Why not just enroll her at Cavenridge International Academy? I could even help her out while she’s there.” 

Her expression seemned concerned as if she truly cared about Hera’s future. But it was no secret that the academic standards at a rural school couldn’t compare to those of an International institution. 

James glanced at Hera and said, “Crvenridge International Academy teaches entirely in Terranish. Can you even understand that?” 

Hera had changed into a titted black dress that made her fair skin shine. With her refined manners at the dinner table, no one would guess she came from a humble rural background 

James found himself less judgmental of her as he observed her appealing appearance. 

Hera’s attractiveness surpassed Giselle’s, and her beauty could pave the way for a marriage that would benefit the Everett family once she grew older. 

After savoring a piece of short rib, Hera casually said, “I’ve decided to go to Cavenridge International Academy.” 

Her announcement lett everyone at the table stunned. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Without seeming bothered, Hera grabbed another short rib. 

James staramed his hand on the table in frustration. “What are you thinking? That school of yours up in the mountains doesn’t even have a good Terranish teacher, 

“How do you expect to cope with Covenridge? Do you want to bring shame to the Everetts by doing poorly on the SATs?” 

The Everetts had looked into Hera’s previous academic records. She ranked as the highest–performing student in her school, which catered specifically to underprivileged students. 

Only a few teachers were assigned to run the school each year, and they often juggled multiple responsibilities. Many of them would resign within six months due to the challenging conditions. 

Given this situation, even though Hera excelled academically, some might doubt the real significance of her achievements. 

Sitting at the head of the dining table, Mildred sneered and tamted, “With grades like yours, attending Centidge would be embarrassing! If you’re capable, aim for Norburgh High School instead. 

“Strive to be one of the top ten students in your grade. Actually, even being in the top ten of your class would be enough. Then, you can use Gino’s study” 

Norburgh High School served as the local public school in Norburgh. It prided itself on sending a considerable number of students to prestigious universities like Bradbury University and Quantford University every year. 

Yet, its teaching standards lagged behind those of Cavenridge International Academy. 

Cavenridge International Academy, founded by the Ludden family, one of the four influential families in the area, had been a prestigious institution for over a century. 

It was focused on preparing students for renowned universities worldwide. Even if someone didn’t meet the SAT requirements for these universities, en rolling directly into Cavenridge’s undergraduate programs ensured a promising future with respectable job prospects in society. 

“Hera, what do you think?” Lilith asked.