Chapter 17
Of course, she is.
She passes the microphone as deafening cheers erupt.
Valerie steps up next, and I roll my eyes, not caring if the cameras pick the action. “I’m Valerie St Clair,” she says smugly. “I’m twenty and a travel influencer. I also take online classes at Harvard University while traveling the world.” She winks at the crowd, and they go wild.
Envy runs through me as I imagine the beautiful, glamorous lives Lara and Valerie lead.
I wait as girl after girl introduces their self. They’re all between nineteen to twenty–two, either in prestigious universities or have glamorous jobs.
Then Eliza takes the microphone, and I wonder about the reception my new friend will receive.
“Um, h–hi.” I wince as she stutters. I can see her hand shake. “I’m Eliza Kinsley, and I…um, I-” Her voice is too soft, and her shyness is evident.
I feel awful when Easton steps forward and puts an arm on her waist. “Eliza Kinsley, everybody!” he announces and all but shoves her out of the way so the next girl can introduce herself.
My sympathy for Eliza is short–lived, however. Because soon, it’s my turn.
My microphone feels heavy in my hand as I step forward, struggling to keep my composure.
“Hello, everyone.” My voice sounds too loud to my ears. “I’m April Farrah. I’m twenty–one years old and I’m a Biomedical Science major at UChicago.”
Due to the blinding lights, I can barely see the crowd, but I don’t need to see them to know that my reception is nothing compared to some of the other girls, especially Lara and Valerie.
June tugs on my hand and I continue like I was asked to. “Um, this is my little sister, June,” I say, hating how the attention in the room shifts to her. “I’m her primary guardian, and the Ashfords have been kind enough to let her be with me.”
Then, against every instinct that screams at me to protect my sister from the cruel world, I hand her the microphone and hold my breath.
“Hi!” her small, childish voice rings through the air. “I’m June. I’m nine years old and I love it here!” Scattered laughter echoes through the room, and a few people even clap.
I let out a huge sigh of relief as I pass the microphone to the last girl.
After the introductions, Easton announces that there will be a press conference in the gardens outside. He encourages the crowd to stay indoors and help themselves to the surplus buffet while the press conference is ongoing.
By the time we appear in the garden, the press conference has started and the Ashfords are being interviewed. I catch the end of a question.
“…dependent sister. How does that affect the dynamics of the competition?”
I barely register that the question is about me and June when Peter answers, like he’s been waiting for that one question specifically.
“It’s…fun,” he says with a smirk, and his gaze meets mine across the garden. “It adds flair, ensuring that the competition will not be boring or straightforward.” I grit my teeth, recognizing those words from that first day in my room.
The reporters chuckle amongst themselves, evidently loving his reply.
Samuel, however, looks less than impressed. And he proves my hypothesis that he favors Nathan over Peter correctly when he pointedly turns to his second son and says, “Nathan, maybe you can provide a more insightful answer.”
My heart skips a beat as Nathan crosses his legs and clears his throat. My breath stills as I wait for him to tell the whole world what he thinks
about me.
1/2
12
12:40 PM p p .
Winning the Hee Who Bullied Me
