Independence

Chapter 0138

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0138

During winter break, the school was very quiet since most students were away.

The security guard saw Miranda at the gate and said, “You must be back from college for the holidays. Are you here to visit your old teachers?”

With some senior students still in class, he waved her in and added, “Just keep the noise down so you

don’t bother the high school classes.”

Miranda wasn’t there to see teachers, so she just walked around the field a couple of times. As she was about to leave, she passed by the school’s honor display case and saw her own photo.

The small caption under her photo read: “Miranda: 20xx Valedictorian of Lumberville High; Accepted into Bedford College’s Biology Program.

The wind made her eyes water, so she turned her head to escape it. Leaves swirled around her feet, and the sky grew darker.

Just as Miranda was about to leave, she heard someone call, “Mr. Sutton-

Looking up, she saw Lionel.

She remembered he had said while watching TV the night before that he’d be coming to the school that day to drop off test papers for the seniors.

And here he was.

“Mr. Sutton, it’s so early! It’s Christmas. Aren’t you supposed to be with your family?” Judy Harper, a teacher about the same age as Lionel, greeted him with a smile.

Miranda remembered her from the staff quarters, though they didn’t live in the same building. Judy also taught physics and worked with Lionel, but she taught regular classes while Lionel taught the advanced

ones.

Miranda had never been in Judy’s class, but she knew Judy’s daughter, Emelie Hoven, as a classmate.

“Mrs. Hoven,” Lionel said with a smile, “it’s not too busy at home.”

“Really? Is your daughter Miranda not home for Christmas? Judy asked.

Before Lionel could reply, Judy continued, “It’s just like her. Since she started college in Elgerson City, she’s changed so much. She doesn’t even come home to visit her family anymore.”

Lionel started to explain, “Actually, Miranda-”

But Judy cut him off, “No need to explain. I get it. It’s really a shame. Such a bright girl with good grades, and now she’s gone off course. Big cities and their temptations-”

Lionel’s smile faded, “Who says Miranda’s gone off course?”

Judy’s face turned red with embarrassment. She hadn’t meant to be so blunt, especially in front of Miranda’s father. But Lionel’s reaction was confusing.

She hadn’t made up the stories. Miranda had left for Elgerson City for college and hadn’t come back. She didn’t continue with her studies and didn’t explain why she dropped out.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0138

There were rumors that she got involved with a wealthy man and became his mistress, and those rumors. seemed convincing.

Judy tried to explain, “Mr. Sutton, I understand how you must feel. It’s hard to see a talented daughter go astray. If she had stayed at Bedford College or a local university, it would have been easier to keep track of her. Now she’s out there, and it’s just unfortunate…”