Under the Heiress' Facade

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Chapter 8

Hera stayed quiet and savored her meal at a leisurely pace.

Mildred wasn't feeling very hungry. She barely picked at her food and put down her utensils soon after starting.

As Hera enthusiastically devoured her meal, leaving not a morsel behind, Mildred couldn't help but express her disdain. "Be careful not to stuff yourself to death."

"Grandma, Hera never had the opportunity to enjoy such delicious food when she lived in the mountains. It's her first experience with it, so it's natural if she indulges a bit. A walk later can help balance things out," Giselle explained.

While Giselle's words seemed to defend Hera, a subtle undertone implying Hera's rustic upbringing and lack of sophistication lay underneath.

James had briefly entertained positive thoughts about Hera due to her good looks. However, any such sentiments had now faded away. He openly displayed his disdain as he cast his gaze upon her.

"Alright, your school matters are sorted," James stated as he rose from his seat. He was about to head to the study.

Hera took the final bite of her meal and placed her utensils down. With a graceful motion, she dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin and remarked, "I never waste food."

James halted in his steps.

The Everetts began their company with newfound wealth, but their business was struggling to stay afloat. It had been operating at a loss for some time.

They eventually started making a profit. However, after a few years, competition in their industry intensified, squeezing their earnings.

The Everetts wouldn't have been able to sustain their lavish lifestyle without business support from the Gaskells in recent years.

Making money was tough, and even though James hadn't urged his family to pinch pennies, he'd stressed the importance of being careful with spending.

And now, Hera seemed to be implying that they were wasteful.

"Well, that's an admirable quality," Giselle remarked with a sugary smile.

Internally, though, she found Hera's attitude rather fake. Giselle wondered just how deep Hera's act could go.

Ignoring Giselle's sarcasm, Hera stood up.

"I'm going to Cavenridge. If you can't make it happen, don't bother planning anything else for me," Hera declared before retreating to her guest room.

"Can't you grasp what I'm saying?" James grumbled as she walked away.

Giselle hurried to soothe James. "Dad, please don't be upset. Maybe Hera just wants to go to the same school as me."

"Who does she think she is? Does she believe she can simply enroll in Cavenridge whenever she pleases? Coming from a rural village with average grades, does she even stand a chance of passing Cavenridge's entrance exam? Isn't she deliberately trying to embarrass the Everetts?" James roared.

"But if Hera doesn't give it a shot, how will she ever know if she's capable?" Giselle's tone was gentle as if she was sincerely advocating for Hera.

Mildred nodded in agreement. "Giselle's right. She won't grasp how awful she is unless we give her the chance to try. If she's set on attending Cavenridge, then we should allow her.

"Even though we've disclosed to outsiders that Hera's adopted, we should treat every child equally. Let's grant her request.

"However, whether she secures admission to Cavenridge rests entirely on her shoulders." James found Mildred's words convincing.

Even if Hera failed to gain acceptance to Cavenridge, the Everetts could still assert that they didn't mind her rural background and had chosen the best school for her as she had requested.

The only problem was her incapability to secure acceptance. Nonetheless, the Everetts would continue enrolling her at Norburgh High School without hassle.

"Giselle, you're truly sensible and thoughtful," James complimented. He patted her shoulder and felt satisfied.

"You should keep up the good relationship with the Gaskells. And when you tie the knot, I'll make sure you have a hefty wedding gift to ensure you marry well."

"Thanks, Dad," Giselle replied sweetly.

Glancing toward the guest room door where Hera was staying, Giselle smirked to herself.

What did Hera's biological connection to the Everetts even matter? Giselle considered herself a genuine member of the Everett family!

Hera returned to her guest room and opened WhatsApp, specifically looking for someone she dubbed "Mr. Annoying."

Andrew Ludden was the dean of Cavenridge International Academy, and Hera had given him this nickname because she found him bothersome.

She clicked into their chat. Next to his nickname was a symbol showing that his messages were set to "Do not disturb."

Hera scrolled up in their chat history, which stretched back two years.

Mr. Annoying: "Hera, considering the limited educational resources in the mountains, would you like to consider changing schools? How about coming to Cavenridge

International Academy?"

Hera: "I refuse."

Mr. Annoying: "Could you kindly explain the reason? Is it because our education resources

at Cavenridge International Academy aren't good? Or?"

He attached a pitiful emoji.

Hera: "No reason. I'm too lazy to make up a reason."

Andrew sent an emoji that looked sad and hurt.

Three months later, Andrew reached out to Hera once more.

Mr. Annoying: "Hera, it's almost September, the start of the fall enrollment season. Have

you considered applying to Cavenridge International Academy?

"If you haven't, I'll check back with you tomorrow to ask again."

The following day, Andrew messaged Hera again.

Mr. Annoying: "Hera, the September enrollment season is here. Have you given any thought

to Cavenridge International Academy?

"If not, I'll check back in two days."

Their chat history overflowed with similar invitations spanning two years.

Hera's fingers flitted across the screen, and she finally responded to Andrew with a single

word.

Hera: "Okay."

As soon as the message was sent, Andrew replied without delay.

Mr. Annoying: "Awesome! I've been waiting for this for two years, and you've finally agreed.

I'll arrange a car to pick you up on the first day of school! "Wait, scratch that! I'll personally come to pick you up!"