Chapter 18


    Maple Academy was one of those institutions that Mirabe had heard about, one that was undeniably


    founded on the almighty dor–a private, elite school if there ever was one. With a staff of seasoned


    professionals and a rigorous academic hierarchy, only two types of students walked its hallowed halls;


    genuine geniuses and the filthy rich.


    In short, if your pockets were deep enough, you were in.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    50-


    “Have you already greased the school’s palm?” Mirabe asked, breaking the silence with a stern look


    that seemed to pin her parents to their seats.


    Caught off guard by their daughter’s seriousness, the couple exchanged a nce.


    “Yes.”


    “No.”


    The first was a firm affirmation from Delh; the second was a denial from Shawn. Their failure to


    present a united Tront led to another silent exchange, this one tinged with mutual disapproval.


    Mirabe watched them with a half–smile that somehow made Delh squirm. Feeling guilty under her


    daughter’s gaze, Delh nudged her husband with her foot, signaling him toe up with an


    exnation.


    Taking his wife’s cue. Shawn cleared his throat, straightened up, and with an earnest look on his still–


    handsome face. said. “If you end up choosing this school your mother and I do indeed have ns to…


    facilitate your eptance.” Hearing this, the seriousness on Mirabe’s face softened. “Good that you


    haven’t paid yet. I’ve already picked my school.”


    Though they were far from destitute, Mirabe saw no need for backdoor dealings.


    “You’ve chosen a school already? Which one?” Delh asked eagerly.


    Mirabe’s gaze lowered slightly, her reply concise. “Parkside High School.”


    Delh and Shawn were taken aback.


    Parkside High School? Had they misheard?


    Delh coughed, seeking rification. “Sweetie, did you just say… Auburn High School?”


    Mirabe set down the school brochure, her head tilting slightly, a smile ying on her lips. “No,


    Parkside High School”


    “But, honey, you’re joking, right? Could you repeat that for me? Which school did you pick?” Despite


    being charmed by her daughter’s nonchnt demeanor, Delh still suspected she was hearing things.


    Mirabe’s eyes sparkled with earnestness. “It’s not a joke. Only Parkside High School meets my


    selection criteria.”


    Delh’s expression shifted at her daughter’s words. “I know Parkside is the best, but it’s beyond our


    reach, sweetie.” She was well aware of her daughter’s freshman year grades. They were far from


    ster.


    “Parkside is full of top students from all over. With your grades… even if you get in, it might not be a


    good thing for you,” Shawn added, his expression turning grave at his daughter’s ambition.


    Delh nodded in agreement. “Exactly, your father’s right. We don’t expect you to be a top student; we


    just want you to be happy, even if it means going to an average university.”


    After all, they didn’t need a fancy diploma for show. Emmitt, Zach, Nick, and Leo made up a quartet of


    prestigious university alumni, and that was disy enough.


    So Delh picked up several other school brochures and Intended to hand them to Mirabe. “Take


    another look at these, Mira. If not, I’ll call Maple Academy right now, and we’ll settle on that one!”


    “Maple is fine, darling. Daddy supports you.”


    Chapter 18


    Watching her parents‘ discouraging response at the mention of Parkside High School, Mirabe


    pressed her temples with a hint of exasperation. “Just give me a moment,” she said, standing up to


    ascend the staircase.


    Chapter 19