Chapter 58
The jacket I wore for the exam was brand new. It was the first time I had ever worn it. How could there be an eraser inside?
When I took it out, it looked exactly like the one I had used during the test–brand new and unopened.>>
But even though it was sealed, a corner of paper with writing was cleverly sticking out.
Before I could say a word, the proctor snatched the eraser from my hand and sternly said, “Student, you secretly brought a cheat sheet hidden in your eraser. Your exam results are voided and you’re disqualified!”
A crowd of students quickly gathered around, drawn by the commotion.
“Isn’t that the girl the Rodriguez family just took back? She looks quiet and proper, but turns out she’s a cheater. Daring enough to cheat in the college entrance exam!”
“Yeah, I heard she’s the real Rodriguez daughter, but she dresses so plainly. Grace still looks more like a real Rodriguez heiress.”
“I heard cheating in the entrance exam can get you disqualified, or even banned for life. This nobody is done for. And she still tried to compete with Grace? Doesn’t she know her place?”
Just then, Grace finished her exam and rushed over from the neighboring room.
She hurried to my side and stepped in front of me, putting on her usual gentle and graceful act.}]
“I won’t allow you to talk about Layla like that. Even though we’re not related by blood, I’ve always seen her as my real sister.”
“If there’s an issue, take it out on me!”
A female student nearby, clearly fed up, rolled her eyes and muttered, “Grace, you’re just too kind. One day this country bumpkin is going to bully you to death!”
But Grace ignored her and continued pretending to be sincere. She took my hand and whispered in a voice loud enough for everyone around to hear, “Layla, I already warned you, you can’t take shortcuts in the college entrance exam. Why wouldn’t you listen?”
“Now, hurry and sincerely apologize to the proctor. Say you didn’t mean to do it. Maybe they’ll let you continue with the rest of the exams!”
Just then, my brother Samuel arrived.
He stormed over and, without asking anything, slapped me hard across the face.
“Layla, you’ve completely disgraced our family!”
“I thought that since you carry the Rodriguez blood, you’d at least understand basic decency. But I never imagined that your years in the countryside would turn you into someone so shameless. I truly regret bringing you back!“}}
I was caught off guard by the slap and staggered, nearly falling.
My face stung, a red palm printed clearly left behind.
