hapter 5
Chapter 5
Two days later, Lenore was back in Jinslenburg, driven by a chauffeur sent by Troy.
“Once you’re in Jinslenburg, keep that rebellious attitude in check. Esther’s in Grade 12 and studying hard, so don’t mess with her. I’ve already lined up a vocational boarding school for you, and you’re starting tomorrow.”
Troy’s stern warning hit Lenore as soon as she stepped through the door, not even a moment to catch her breath.
Lenore leaned casually against the doorframe, flicking her shoe against the doorstep, sounding completely indifferent. “Don’t stress about the school thing.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Troy’s voice shot up, his expression darkening. “You got kicked out for fighting at Peacefield and worked in a car repair shop. That’s fine. But here, I won’t let you tarnish our reputation.”
The Smedley family were merchants, but they only made their mark in Troy’s generation. They could be called new money. After over a decade of hard work, they’d secured a spot in Jinslenburg and joined the middle elite.
Troy’s eldest son, Yves, was handsome and charming. He got into Denisville University and then went abroad as an exchange student. Troy’s younger daughter, Esther, was obedient and a top student, excelling in dance, piano, and art, making the family very proud.
Troy thought Lenore was like a stain on their family. Bringing her back was only for the inheritance. He wouldn’t let Lenore ruin his reputation and jeopardize his children’s and the Smedley family’s future.
Lenore had no emotional attachment to the family. She chuckled and said casually, “I’ll go to Greenvine High School.”
Troy was taken aback, thinking he’d misheard. “Where did you say you’re going?”
Lenore repeated without expression, “Greenvine.”
“You…” Troy laughed in disbelief, “You think you can just enter Greenvine? Do you know what kind of place that is?” Greenvine High School was the best school in Jinslenburg. Even if its reputation had slipped a bit in the past few years, was still rated one of the nation’s top schools.
Students there were either A–students or from wealthy, well–known families. Esther got into Greenvine through her own efforts.
“Thinking I’d spend money to get her into Greenvine? In her dreams! I wouldn’t stoop to that, Troy thought.
Lenore lowered her gaze, hiding the rebellious look in her eyes, and said softly, “You don’t need to worry about that.”
“You…”
“Troy.” Just as Troy was about to lose his temper and slap Lenore, a voice called out from the stairs.
A woman walked down, forcing a smile and saying, “Lenore just got back and is tired from the trip. Why not let her rest before discussing anything?”
Lenore looked up. It was Troy’s second wife, Sharon, in her early thirties and well–maintained. She had a son with Troy named Darren, who was now twelve.
Yves had been abroad for a couple of years and hadn’t come back. Troy really doted on his younger son, so Sharon still
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20:15 Wed, Feb 5 st
Chapter 5
commanded some respect.
+5
“Tomorrow, make sure you report to the vocational high school, Troy shouted coldly at Lenore and then stormed upstairs, sleeve’s flicking.
Sharon sized up Lenore; the young girl had striking looks, but her clothes were very outdated. She had a rebellious and aloof aura, with a hint of rogue style. Not someone easy to get along with.
Holding back her assessment, Sharon smiled, “I heard you were coming back, so I’ve prepared a room for you. Let me show it to you.” Lenore nodded lightly and followed her upstairs.
Sharon whispered, “Esther lives alone on the third floor. She has her music room, art studio, and closet up there–all her treasures. Don’t go unless you really need to.” Lenore responded casually.
Sharon led her to a room at the end of the second floor and opened the door. The room was clean and bright, with brand- new bedding. However, it was very pink. Lenore was helpless..
Sharon pointed to the wardrobe and said, “I wasn’t sure of your clothing size, so I bought a few sets one size larger than Esther’s. If they fit, wear them; if not, we’ll get more. Your dad…”
Sharon paused, feeling the chill and impatience coming from Lenore, and held back the rest of her words. With a complicated expression, she added, “Get some rest first. If you need anything, just let me know.”
. The concern and sincerity in her eyes seemed genuine. Lenore frowned slightly, and even though she didn’t like the pink
frilly decorations in the room, she said before Sharon left, “Thank you.”
Sharon paused in her steps, her smile growing a bit deeper. “No need to thank me. Just get some rest.”
After she left, Lenore locked the door and pulled out a brand–new laptop from her black backpack. The matte black surface had the letters “HS” printed in the corner, very small and subtle.