Chapter 27
A message from Anna came through, saying she was at the gate.
Marguerite took her bowl to the kitchen and waved to George. “I’m heading out. Bye!” she called, adding, “Bye p>
The young woman’s smile was bright and lively, her voice like music. The housekeeper was momentarily stunned before smiling fondly. “Goodbye. Be careful on the road p>
My goodness, he thought, this girl is just so darn likable.
Once in the car, Anna handed her a container. “Mr. Scott asked me to bring you breakfast. You can eat it on the way if you’re hungry p>
Marguerite shook her head. “I’ve already eaten.” Read complete versıon only at.net
Anna was surprised. “Where? Did you eat with Mr. Spencer p>
Many people in Northpine who respected George called him Mr. Spencer. Not only was he the city’s foremost business magnate, but he was also a passionate philanthropist. His annual charitable donations were the highest in the country, helping countless students in impoverished regions. He’d also funded the construction of a few chapels and monasteries. George had his own charitable foundation, and Theobald made a substantial donation to it every year. The rosary he wore had been a gift from the abbot at one of the monasteries George had built.
“Yep. George cooked himself. It was delicious.” Marguerite had no problem praising her rival’s culinary skills.
A rare smile graced Anna’s cool features. “If our classmates from Pinecrest High knew that the school’s top rivals were living together, and the ‘king’ was cooking breakfast for the ‘queen,’ they would lose their minds.” She had to admit, the two of them really did seem fated.
Marguerite shook her head. “He didn’t make it for me. He just happened to make an extra bowl.” Then her eyes widened in surprise. “Anna, you know about me and George p>
Anna kept one hand on the steering wheel. “Of course. You two were legends back in the day p>
At that, Marguerite sighed and leaned her head back against the seat. “Well, he’s still a legend,” she mumbled. “I’m not.” The author of this novel really did me dirty.
Seeing the vibrant girl’s shoulders slump, Anna’s heart softened. She reached over and patted her head “Don’t be so hard on yourself. Maggie will be a legend again in no time. Just traveling eleven years into the future was legendary enough. Theobald had told her the whole story last night, and she’d been utterly shocked. He had asked her to take Marguerite to Pinecrest High today to look at schools, explaining that she wanted to re-enroll. Once he’d said that much, he figured he might as well tell her everything.
Marguerite nodded, making a fist. “Let’s do this! Go, Maggie, go p>
Anna let out a laugh. “I don’t know if Mr. Spencer still sees you as his rival, but it’s
clear you still see him as yours p>
Marguerite shrugged. “He was the only person in high school who ever challenged me for the top spot. Before he transferred to Pinecrest, I was miles ahead of everyone. It’s hard not to see him as my rival The
gap between us is astronomical now, but a girl’s gotta have a dream, right p>
Anna found herself admiring Marguerite more and more. She was the only female science-stream valedictorian in Northpine in the last twenty years. Her inner strength was incredible. She never underestimated herself and, deep down, refused to believe she was inferior to anyone.
“I believe in you,” Anna said sincerely.
At the gates of Pinecrest High, the familiar tree-lined avenue greeted them. Sunlight dappled the ground, filtering through the leaves. Theobald had already spoken with the school administration, so Marguerite and Anna walked onto campus without any issue.
Not much had changed in eleven years, aside from a few new academic buildings and a new stadium.
“George donated all of these,” Anna explained. “Basically one a year p>
Marguerite shielded her eyes with a pale hand and squinted at the new buildings. The name “S.S. Capital” was inscribed on each one. “Donated in his company’s name, assume? He seems to have a soft spot for his alma mater.” She wasn’t interested in this-it was just a painful reminder of the gap between them. She looked away and asked
Anna, “Do you know what class Joshua’s brother, Joseph, is in p>
Anna replied, “Class One. He’s a top student, always in the top three of his year p>
“Let’s go find him then.” Marguerite wasn’t sure how Joseph could lead her to Aaron, but it was worth a shot.