Chapter 13

A look of disbelief washed over Anthony. "We all saw Grace Miller work through the test ourselves. That should rule out any idea of cheating, don't you think?"

Despite his words, uncertainty tugged at the back of his mind. It was hard to ignore-finishing such a challenging test so quickly seemed almost impossible.

"Mr. Baldwin, what if she already knew the questions?Anyone could have told her about the questions beforehand. It's hardly a state secret. Either way, we can't let someone with questionable behavior join the honors class," Ellie said, making her disapproval plain.

An awkward tension settled over the room. Anthony found himself stuck, reluctant to let Grace affect the honors class's reputation, but aware this placement had come from above.

With Ellie holding her ground, Anthony turned toward Grace for guidance. "Grace Miller, perhaps the honors class isn't the right fit for you..."

Grace gave him a steady look and answered without a hint of worry, "That's fine with me."

Relief broke across Anthony's face, and he wasted no

time in calling for three more teachers to join them.

With an encouraging tone, he introduced her."Everyone, this is Grace Miller. She'll be joining a senior class starting today."

Ellie didn't wait for him to finish. She shot a glare at Grace's way. "She's the prodigy who managed to ace a science exam in just fifteen minutes."

Standing off to one side, Grace kept her head bowed,her expression hidden from view.

The subtle meaning in Ellie's words was not lost on the other teachers. Their gazes flickered to Grace,full of silent questions.

Nobody said anything for a moment.

"We're glad to have you, Grace." Finally, Fred Anderson broke the silence. He was easily the oldest teacher there, approaching fifty, and had spent most of his life working at this school.

Lately, though, the students seemed less and less interested in his classes.

Turning his attention back to Grace, Anthony asked quietly, "Are you absolutely sure this arrangement works for you, Grace Miller?"

He was mindful of her family's generous donation and

the original promise of a spot in the honors class.

"Yes, I'm fine with the arrangement," Grace replied calmly.

A weight seemed to lift from Anthony's shoulders."Perfect. Mr. Anderson, would you show her to her new class?"

Without much delay, Fred guided Grace down the corridor.

Age had slowed his steps, so Grace matched his measured pace with quiet respect.

While they walked, Fred took in her appearance-a neatly pressed uniform and an air of quiet discipline.

He had been interrupted mid-lesson, and the sound of his students' laughter and chatter echoed down the hall.

When Fred entered the classroom with Grace, the students' rowdiness faded to a hush.

Turning to address the class, Fred announced,"Class,this is Grace Miller. She'll be joining us from today."

Instantly,the room filled with murmurs.

"She's really pretty, isn't she?"

"Word is, her grades were awful, and her family bought her a spot here. No way she'd getin otherwise."

"Another spoiled rich kid, I bet."

"Isn't she from the Holden family?"

Grace offered her introduction, voice steady. "Hello,I'm Grace Miller."

Her hair, drawn back in a ponytail, added a laid-back energy. The slight curve of her lips hinted at a smile,but her gaze remained unreadable.

Her skin was flawless, smooth as porcelain.

"She's gorgeous!"

"She could easily outshine the prom queen."

"We might have a new queen now."

Scanning the classroom, Fred gave a nod. "Grace,there's a seat open next to Adrianna. You can sit there."

Fred's gesture guided Grace toward a seat near Adrianna Walsh-a girl with neat braids and a gentle smile, though a small dark mark marred her otherwise cheerful face.

Without hesitation, Grace walked across the room.

Out of nowhere, a boy tried to trip her by sticking out his foot.

However, a sharp crack filled the air, and his face went sheet-white as he grabbed his foot, crying out,"Ouch! My foot!"

With a wide-eyed innocence, Grace looked at him."Did you hurt yourself?"

Leaning closer, she pretended to help him up,her voice barely a whisper as she murmured, "Try that again, and next time it'll be worse."

Fear flickered in his eyes. He looked up at her as though he had glimpsed something chilling.

Fred rushed over, concern etched on his face. "Bruce,are you alright?"

Shrinking into his seat, Bruce Douglas stammered, "It's nothing..." Too mortified to confess, he avoided everyone's eyes.

Calmly, Grace took her place by Adrianna and pulled a textbook from her backpack.

With a shy motion, Adrianna slid a folded note onto Grace's desk. Inside, the words warned, "Watch out for Bruce. He's a bully."

One glance at the message brought a small smile to Grace's lips.

She picked up her pen and responded, "Thanks for the heads up."

The next line she wrote suddenly turned sharp. "It's hard to tell who should be worried."

Suddenly, the back door slammed open with a noisy thud.

A tall boy strode in, blazer slung carelessly over his shoulder and a mischievous grin already in place. "Fred,what's up?"

A deep frown creased Fred's brow. "Charles Pearson,this is getting old. You're late again."

Conversation in the classroom faded instantly.

Lifting her gaze, Grace found herself locking eyes with Charles-there was something familiar and piercing about his stare.

"This is Grace Miller, your new classmate," Fred introduced. "Since you're the class president, I'd like you to help her out."

With a slow arch of his brow, Charles Pearson studied Grace before flashing an easy smile. "Happy to help.

Just say the word."