Chapter 20
Rosalie studied her for a moment, the corners of her lips curling into a faint smile. “Are you sure you want me to be blunt?”
Phoebe’s face drained of color.
She glanced at Rosalie, then at Krista, who’d kept her head down, writing furiously and ignoring the drama, before retreating to her seat.
Just before class, Connor returned with Rosalie’s textbook, slamming it onto her desk. “Here.”
Rosalie thanked him calmly.
After Connor sat down, Phoebe approached to express her gratitude, prompting a chorus of praise from nearby students.
When Phoebe finally returned to her seat, Tianna, sitting behind her, couldn’t hold back.
“I seriously don’t get why you’re helping that adopted kid. Look how arrogant she is. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was the Spencer family’s real daughter. I’ve never seen someone living under another family’s roof act so entitled.”
Tianna didn’t lower her voice, so everyone within earshot heard her. Though harsh, her words struck a chord.
However, Rosalie paid no heed to the whispers, going about her business as usual.
Phoebe forced a smile. “I just want my family to get along.”
Many shot Rosalie looks of distaste, deeming her a troublemaker.
Suddenly, Krista dropped her pen and muttered under her breath, “I just realized Phoebe is such a phony.”
Rosalie turned to look at her.
Krista smiled, extending her right hand. “Hi, I was too busy catching up on homework to properly greet you. I’m Krista.”
Rosalie hesitated briefly before shaking her hand.
“Rosalie.”
“You know what? My brother talked about you. Said you’re sharp–tongued.” Krista’s eyes lit up. “I saw it just now. You looked so cool when you shut her down.”
Though hardly a compliment, the words reminded Rosalie of that man’s figure–his slender back as he’d stood before her that day.
A week passed, and she was sure his mention of a “thank–you gift” was just a joke.
Krista’s chipper voice cut through Rosalie’s thoughts. “Hey, Rosalie, so we’re friends now, aren’t we? You’re stunning. I’m totally obsessed with your face. Can I have a selfie with you?”
She batted her lashes, eyes gleaming with expectation.
Rosalie was unsure how to respond.
Before she could answer, the teacher’s arrival cut off Krista’s request.
In the blink of an eye, the day passed.
During the recess at the end of the day, students from other classes flocked to the Advanced Class, having heard rumors and eager to catch a glimpse of the campus belle’s adopted sister.
By the time afternoon school ended, the title of Hodgeson High’s undisputed campus belle, held for five years, seemed to be subtly slipping from its perch
There was no denying that Rosalie was stunningly beautiful.
Beneath the surface calm of the Advanced Class, tensions simmered as the school day drew to a close.
12th–grade students at Hodgeson High were required to attend evening self–study, but both Phoebe and Rosalie were picked up early by Karen.
Phoebe had a piano competition in a week and had been attending nightly guidance and practice sessions with her piano teacher.
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3.06 PM
Chapter 20
As for Rosalie, Karen had enrolled her in a Charm School.
After a week of unilateral cold war, with Colten’s birthday party approaching, Karen couldn’t afford to waste any more time.
Colten’s birthday party was a formal affair, gathering celebrities from Webston at the Elliott’s house.
To ensure she wouldn’t be embarrassed in front of so many people, Karen at least wanted Rosalie to learn social dancing.
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