Chapter 11 Isadora’s Help
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Morning sunlight streamed through the classroom windows. It spilled across the desks and lit up Jesse, who sat bent over her books. The glow wrapped around her like a halo.
She studied with fierce focus. Like a sponge, she soaked up every word. What she had missed in her past life, she would never let slip away again.
The chatter and giggles in the corner didn’t shake her at all.
“Mike’s drone team is competing this afternoon. Too bad I’ve got class then,” a boy with glasses whispered.
“Yeah, I heard Jesse used to be on Mike’s team, but it looks like she got replaced,” a girl said, sneaking a glance at Jesse.
Another girl followed her gaze. Her tone dripped with disdain. “Replaced? More like kicked out. Look at her acting like she doesn’t care. Who knows what she’s really thinking?”
The first girl smirked. “Of course, she cares. That used to be her team.”
“Now, she pretends to be all studious. Please. With grades that bad and only two weeks until exams, cramming won’t save her.”
“She got thrown out of the house. Of course, she has to work harder now. Fake effort is still effort, I guess. Still, there’s no way she can beat Taylor.”
Jesse lifted her head and glanced at them. Her eyes were calm as still water. She had grown used to talk like this. Ever since Taylor entered the Spencer family, everyone had flattered Taylor and mocked her. Staying calm and composed, she lowered her head and kept reading.
Soon after, Taylor skipped into the room with a ticket dangling from her hand.
“Jesse, I knew you’d be here. Still studying? Do you really think you can catch up
this way? Wouldn’t it be better to go back to how things were?” Her tone was light and teasing.
Jesse ignored her.
Finding Taylor’s voice grating, she packed up her books, ready to leave and study somewhere else.
Taylor suddenly stretched out her hand, blocking her path. The ticket was waved in front of Jesse’s face.
“This is for today’s match. I thought you’d want to watch. You used to get in with the team, but not anymore. That’s why I got you your own ticket.”
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Chapter 11 Isadora’s Help
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She raised it higher, almost pressing it to Jesse’s nose. Her voice oozed sweetness.
Jesse looked up, her expression flat. She caught the flicker of smugness and provocation hidden in Taylor’s eyes.
Taylor’s gaze gleamed with malice, though her tone stayed sweet. “Jesse, today’s my first match as an official member of the team. I really want you to see it. Come on.”
She put heavy weight on the words “official member,” wanting to flaunt the fact that she had taken Jesse’s place. She wanted Jesse to watch her shine and see who was stronger.
Jesse felt nothing despite the taunting. Hugging her books tight, she replied, “No need. I’m not interested. You’re wasting my study time.”
Taylor shoved the ticket closer. “Jesse, just take it. If you want to go, you can.”
Jesse was about to push her hand away when Isadora Smith, the class president, strode over. She snatched the ticket and tossed it on the ground.
“Taylor, are you deaf or just a great actress? Jesse said no. What are you playing at?” Isadora’s voice was icy.
Jesse glanced at her with quiet gratitude. Back when she missed class because of Taylor and her brothers, Isadora had often tried to talk sense into her. She had even shared her own notes.
Taylor’s smile froze. She hadn’t expected anyone to step in. For a moment, she was stunned. “I was only being kind. I just wanted to invite Jesse…”
“Cut the act. Everyone knows what you’re really after. You loved it when Jesse trailed you like a shadow. It made you feel superior, didn’t it? Now, she’s finally smartened up and started studying.
“Then, here you come, trying to drag her back down. You just can’t stand to see her do well and would rather wreck her focus so she keeps revolving around you!”
Isadora’s voice rang across the classroom.
Students began whispering.
“I heard yesterday that Taylor isn’t as sweet as she looks. Everyone used to say Jesse bothered her and disturbed her from her studies. I believed it when Jesse skipped class. Now? It looks more like Taylor was the one clinging to Jesse.”
“Jesse skipped class because Taylor made her?”
“Still, Jesse’s the real Spencer daughter. Why would she let herself be used like that?”
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“Look at Taylor’s outfit. She’s dressed head to toe in designer brands. No way an orphan can afford that on scholarship.”
“I heard the Spencer family bought everything for her.”
Taylor’s face turned pale as the murmurs grew sharper. She spun around, panicked. “No, it’s not
like that!”
Isadora seized the moment. She grabbed Jesse’s wrist and briskly said, “Come on. Let’s head to the library. I’ll help you catch up.”
Send Gifts
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