Winning the Heir Who Bullied Me
Chapter 93
APRIL’S POV
20
in the aftermath of Gracie’s extremely dramatic exit, the room is audible–pin–drop quiet.
Until Easton gathers himself. “Right,” he cleats his throat-“well let’s continue.”
I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this flustered before. His hands are shaking, and his throat keeps bobbing as he swallows several times. I wonder if he’s thinking about the repercussions of Gracie’s outburst.
Surely, it will get back to the Ashfords, but it’s not like it’s his fault, right?
As Easton speaks, however, he seems to get a better handle on his emotions.
“Now, the next event of this contest is a charity competition.”
I frown, ‘charity‘ and ‘competition‘ are words that don’t sound quite right together.
Easton continues.
of
“The Ashfords are a highly altruistic family with countless charities on their payroll, many of which they host events for every year. As an Ashford, you will be required to host such events and that must be done impeccably. That being said, you will be divided into groups three and given one Ashford beneficiary to host a fundraiser for. Although there will be no eliminations after this event,” he looks at me pointedly-“you will be graded and this event will highly affect the final selection.”
I take a deep breath. When I first entered this competition, I didn’t care much. I didn’t entertain the hope of winning and was more inclined just to see how things went.
But everything is different now. I have to win. The alternative is too painful to bear.
“Now, listen to your names and take note of your groups,” Easton continues.
“Jamie Wallace, Eliza Kinsely, and Savannah Sloane. Bea Dichesare, Rachel Timmons, and Willow Brent. Lara Ellington, Valerie St Claire, and April Farrah.”
I resist the urge to scream and cause a scene that will rival Gracie’s.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that if there are three teams and we’re all graded, then the top scorer from each team has the best chance with each brother.
How am I supposed to shine in a group with Lara the Flawless and Valerie the Sabotaging Snake?
“One of you from each group, come forward and receive information on your beneficiary,” Easton instructs.
Jamie and Bea step forward for their teams. I stay where I am, knowing that Valerie, the attention whore, will most likely step forward.
I frown when I see nobody step forward. Then I turn to see that Valerie hasn’t moved from the spot she was in when Gracie yelled at her.
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10:13 Mon, Oct 6
Chapter 93
I frown, studying her. She looks like an ice sculpture, her face pale and mouth slightly open. I imagine her mind is still on Gracie’s outburst, replaying those words over and over.
…you’re just a two–faced coward.
What I wouldn’t give to know the details.
Easton clears his throat pointedly, and I pull my attention away from Valerie. Since Lara isn’t here, I head toward the stage and accept the thick blue binder Easton hands to me.
When I pull away, he keeps his grip on the binder, causing me to look up at him in question.
“No more drama,” he hisses, keeping his face blank.
Before I can reply–something along the lines of: “If you didn’t want drama, you shouldn’t have grouped me with Valerie fucking St Claire“-he relinquishes his grip and straightens.
“Your binders include every information you need to hold successful events. Feel free to ask questions if there’s confusion but note that your level of confusion or inadequacy affects your grading. Now, disperse into your groups and discuss. The events will be held at the end of the week, one after the other, spanning three days. Before then, as you prepare, you will be provided with resources as the needs arise.”
I head back to June, returning Eliza’s wave as she goes to join her group.
When I reach my sister, she asks, “Are you sure you’ll be alright with…” She shoots a worried look at Valerie. “Her?”
I force a cheerful smile I don’t feel. “Sure.” I squeeze June’s hand. “Why don’t you go upstairs and help Jessica and Lucy unpack? Then you can take a nap.”
She nods and returns my squeeze before leaving the ballroom.
Taking a steeling breath, I head over to Valerie, the Ice Sculpture.
“Hey,” I say, waving the binder in front of her. “We have work to do.”
She turns to me, and her gaze is so blank and cold, a small shiver runs down my spine.
“Valerie!” I snap a finger in front of her face.
She blinks once and jerks like she’s been electrocuted. Her eyes fill with recognition before narrowing. “What do you want?” she spits.
I wave the binder in front of her. “We’re in the same grou-”
She harshly snatches the binder from my hands, scratching my palm. I roll my eyes. I preferred her as the ice sculpture.
I stand there awkwardly as Valerie flips through the binder. She lets out a disgusted scoff. “Ugh, an animal shelter.”
“Of course, you would hate animals. Try not to turn any furs to coats, though, okay?”
I turn at the sound of the cool, velvety voice. Lara Ellington stands beside me, calmly assessing Valerie.
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R
friendly adition
鶏 Toy Pendle get maid walls, feeds, and takes to the yet. Then you post cute Instagram pictures with the
Valerie opralar mouth and closes it instantly, her cheeks flushing. She huffs, and I half expect her to stomp her foot on the floor.
おすす
She spins on hy heels and heads toward e corner of the ballroom. Around us, the girls are already gathered in threes, talking among
1.oon, “Tohache and all”
She laughs Bizhuby, “Come on, those animals need saving from Valerie St Claire,”
I follow Lara’s confident stride, a bit stunned by the short interaction. I wasn’t sure after the camping event if she would even look in my direction again. But I guess I was wrong,
Maybe this grouping won’t totally suck after all.
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