Chapter 13
Chapter 13
At noon the next day, in the dining room in the Spencer’s mansion.
There was only the faint clink of cutlery during the meal.
Tianna hadn’t left with her parents, claiming she needed to cram with Phoebe before school started.
She sat meekly at the table, head bowed, feigning obedience. But her eyes flickered to Rosalie with thinly veiled resentment.
Rosalie remained composed, eating slowly as if unaware of the stares.
After the meal, Dominik set down his fork, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and turned to Rosalie.
“Rosalic, 12th grade begins in a few days. I’ve sorted out the details. You’ll be joining Phoebe and Tianna at Hodgeson High. A placement assessment is required, so get prepared accordingly.
“I don’t expect you to get top scores, but your sisters are in the Advanced Class. At least stay out of the bottom level. Can you do that for me?”
Tianna interjected maliciously, “Dominik, you’re setting the bar too high. The lowest–performing class at Hodgeson still averages above passing. This country bump… Rosalie hasn’t even been to school. How could she possibly qualify?”
Dominik and Karen both frowned, their expressions sour.
Phoebe reached over to pinch Tianna’s hand, shaking her head subtly. Then she turned to Dominik with a gentle smile. “Dad, I’ll look after Rosalie. I’ll help her review these next few days, don’t worry.”
“Good girl, Phoebe.” Dominik’s face relaxed into a relieved smile. “But you don’t have to do that. I know your schedule’s packed. You’re preparing for that piano competition in early September, aren’t you?”
Karen chimed in, “Yes. Your piano teacher said you have the best shot at winning.”
“You’re so amazing, Phoebe,” Tianna exclaimed, feigning awe. “I heard the State Banquet Symphony Orchestra master will take the competition winner as an apprentice, and that means a chance to perform at the State Banquet.”
Phoebe’s cheeks flushed softly. “The competition hasn’t even begun. I can’t claim to be the winner just yet.”
“Your teacher has coached multiple winners,” Tianna pressed, shooting a triumphant glance at Rosalie. “Since he’s favoring you, it’s a sure thing.”
She thought, Country girl, you hear that? You’re on the same table as us, but that doesn’t mean you belong in our world. Look at you, your hand once dug for food in the mud. They’ll never dance across a piano keys!
Rosalie kept her eyes downcast, taking tiny bites from her fork. Yet she acted as if their banter meant nothing.
Tianna pursed her lips. ‘Keep pretending, she seethed inwardly.
Dominik beamed at Tianna’s flattery, urging Phoebe to focus on her piano practice.
Then he turned to Karen, “Get Rosalie’s school stuff ready and show her around, getting familiar with our neighborhood. Oh, and whenever you can, take her to the Household Registration Office to change her surname back.”
Karen nodded. “Sure.”
Rosalie suddenly spoke up, “No need to change it. It’s fine as is.”
The dining table fell dead silent, the air freezing.
Dominik’s face darkened. “As a Spencer, you must take the family name. It has to be changed.”
Rosalie lifted her head slowly, meeting his gaze with calm resolve. “I won’t change it. Thank you
With a thunderous slap on the table, Dominik’s gaze intensified, his voice turning icy. “Rosalie, what the hell is with your attitude?”
Rosalie blinked, voice even, “A surname should match one’s identity, shouldn’t it? Since this is an adoption, not a biological tie, I see no reason to change it.”
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