Chapter 18
Chapter 18 Huh ? Noelle looked up , noticing everyones eyes on her .
She quickly finished the food on her plate and asked , Whys everyone staring at me ! Just arcastic snort Damon was the first to speak , letting out a sarcastic Give it a rest , Eli , Damon said .
She didnt even finish middle school , and shes already eighteen .
In a few days , Leia will start college .
So tell me , is Noelle heading to college with Leia or back to middle school ? His words were harsh , but they pointed out the elephant in the room .
Noelle was eighteen college age by any standard .
But with only part of middle school under her belt , she was stuck in an awkward spot too old for middle school , but far from ready for college .
Just then , Leia offered a gentle suggestion , I think Noelle should go back to middle school first .
Build a solid foundation , you know ! Take things step by step .
But at her age , going back to middle school would make Noelle a complete joke .
Before Leia could say more .
Adriel cut her off , his expression cold .
Absolutely not .
If word gets out that Noelles back in middle school , itll be humiliating .
For her and the Anderson family and muttered , Im sorry , Adriel .
I wasnt thinking .
Lela hesitated , guilt flashing across her face as she avoided Adriels gaze .
She bit her lip an Seeing Leia flustered .
Damon jumped in to defend her .
So if middle schools out , what are you suggesting College ! Adriel , do you really think shed fit in there ? Adriel shot back calmly , I never said she should go to college right now ? Then why dismiss Leias idea ? D Damon pressed Before the two could argue further , Bennett stepped in with a smile .
How about this ? We hire a tutor for Noelle .
She can study at home for a and then well see where she stands a year .
If shes ready , maybe she can in start college next year .
Itll give us a reasonable answer if anyone asks go with Bennetts plan , Vincent said , his tone firm .
Lets go Then , he glanced at Damon and added , You scem worked up , Damon .
How about some iced coffee to cool off ? Damon snorted and turned away , clearly annoyed .
He couldnt shake the feeling that the family was bending over backward for Noelle Have they all forgotten Leia ? Shes the one whos been here all along .
Noelles just a blood relation , he thought bitterly .
No matter what the others thought , Damon was resolute .
To him .
Lela was the only sister that mattered .
After agreeing to Bennetts suggestion , Vincent wasted no time hiring a tu a tutor for Noelle .
Later that day , a middle aged woman in a crisp , professional outfit arrived at the Anderson family home Ms.
West , its so good to see you ! Leia greeted her warmly Leia , its been a while , Shiloh West replied with a smile .
As one of the top private tutors in Keniam City , Shiloh had a stellar track record nearly all her students ended up at prestigious universities .
She had also tutored Leia in the past , and the two had developed a good rapport .
Welcome , Ms.
West, Kimberly said , approaching with her usual polished smile .
Weve asked you here to tutor my other daughter Shiloh raised an eyebrow , clearly surprised .
Another daughter ? This is the first Ive heard of her In her mind , the Anderson family had always been five boys and one girl .
… complicated , Kimberly replied , brushing off the tople with a vague smile .
But Im trusting her education to you 1/3 Chapter 18 : Shiloh , ever tactful didnt push for details .
Instead , she glanced around the grand hall and asked , So , where is this other daughter of yours ? She was hungry , so her brot brother took her to get something to eat , Kimberly explained before signaling a servant .
Please fetch Noelle Yes , maam , the servant replied promptly .
Moments later , a young man and a petite young woman entered from the dining room .
The man was strikingly handsome , and the woman had a delicate , pretty look .
Despite their differences , there was a clear resemblance between them siblings , without a doubt .
Shiloh quickly pieced things together .
From Kimberlys mention of another daughter and Leias lack of resemblance to the Andersons , it became clear that Lela probably wasnt their biological child .
A pang of pity flickered in Shilohs mind .
Poor girl .
It must be tough to lose her place in the spotlight , she thought .
Meanwhile , Noelle was still clutching a chicken leg , her mouth smeared with sauce .
She grinned and declared .
Eli , I told you Im smart .
College wont be a problem for me .
Eh , whod been rolling his eyes for most of the conversation , finally snapped , Oh , give it a rest already .
on the tutor .
Id be too embarrassed to introduce you to anyone otherwise .
v .
With th that brain of yours ! You better focus Eh , youre so mean ! Noelle pouted, clearly annoyed .
She couldnt understand why Eli doubted her when Nicolas always believed in her .
Finishing her chicken , she casually wiped her greasy hands on Elis shirt .
Hey ! Elis face twisted in horror as he stared at the oil stains on his clothes .
A neat freak to the core , he looked like he might explode .
You little brat ! Whats wrong with you ? Noelle snorted and walked off , ignoring his outburst .
Heading over to Kimberly , she called out , Mom ! Kimberly waved her over .
Noelle , come here .
Let me introduce you to your tutor .
Okay , Noelle said , moving to her side .
With a polite smile , Kimberly gestured between the two .
Ms.
West , this is my other daughter , Noelle .
Noelle , this is Shiloh West , your new tutor .
Say hello Hello , Ms.
West Noelle greeted her politely .
Shiloh looked Noelle over , her eye twitching at the sight of the girls greasy mouth .
This girls a mess .
She just wiped her hands on her brothers clothes .
She has no manners at all .
Where on earth did the Andersons find her ? she thought .
The contrast was stark when Shiloh glanced at Lela , who stood nearby poised and graceful as always , Shilohs first impression of Noelle couldnt have been worse .
Forcing a stiff smile , she managed a curt nod .
Hello To ensure a productive study environment , Kimberly had cleared out a spare room as Nociles new study .
When Shiloh and Noelle headed there for their first session .
Leia tagged along , saying she wanted to catch up with her former tutor .
Leia , its been a while ! You applied to university this year , right ? How did your exams go ! Shiloh asked warmly .
Leia answered with a polite smile , Thanks to you , Ms.
West , I did well .
Ive been accepted to Eston University .
Eston University ? Shilds face lit up .
Thats the top school in Renia City ! Leia , I knew you had it in you .
Congratulations , Thank you , Mc West , Lela replied , her smile widening- Getting intra Eston University was one of Leias proudest moment .
All five of her brothers had attended the same school , and as an Anderson daughter , she couldnt afford in fall dust- Shiloh nodded approvingly but soon remembered the other Anderson daughter standing awkwardly nearby .
Turning to Noelle with a slightly forced smile , she asked, So , Noelle , which high school are you attending ? Though Shiloh didnt expect Noelle to match Leias accomplishments , she assumed she was at least in in high school , given the familys background .
2/3 Me ! Im not in high school Noelle answered , blinking innocently In truth , she recalled the time shed ghostwritten papers for a student at Eston University .
That student had even become a professor later , thanks to her work But since shed signed a confidentiality agreement , she kept that story to herself Youre not in high school ! Shiloh echoed , visibly taken aback .
Leia quickly stepped in her voice soft and reassuring Ms.
West , Noelle dropped out in middle school and hasnt been in school since .
But dont worry shes a quick learner .
Im sure shell catch up in no time .