Chapter 11
There was a new desk and chair in the back row. Lenore, being tall, had the perfect view of the blackboard.
Nice spot by the window, she thought. She strolled over, took her time hanging up her backpack, tossed her books onto the desk, and casually pulled out the chair with her foot. With a graceful movement, she crossed her legs and sat down.
Every action she took was effortless yet captivating. She had a relaxed, easygoing energy, but it somehow commanded respect. The entire class was silent, the only sound being their quiet breathing.
Lance held his breath, sneaking glances back at her, feeling sorry for Kyle, who had skipped class and missed the chance to see their stunning new classmate.
Jonas, the biology teacher, was used to the usual chaos, but today was different. The room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Even a few boys, who never paid attention, were raising their hands to ask questions—something practically unheard of in Class 24.
It was nothing short of a miracle, and Jonas quickly realized why. The energetic boys were eager to impress Lenore, the new girl.
Though Lenore lounged casually against the wall during class, she was surprisingly attentive, picking up her pen a few times to jot down notes.
Watching her, Jonas thought, She doesn’t seem as rebellious as her file suggested. Considering she had skipped straight to Grade 12, he spoke sincerely. “Lenore, since you’re here, make sure to study hard. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me.”
Lenore raised an eyebrow and flashed a cheeky grin. “Sure.”
She’s quite polite, Jonas thought, nodding in satisfaction.
After the second class, a photo of Lenore went viral on the school forum. In it, she sat with her legs crossed, chin resting on one hand, writing with a pen. Though she looked completely at ease, her perfectly defined profile radiated an extraordinary beauty—almost as if the world revolved around her.
Students from Grades 10 and 11 flocked to Class 24, eager to catch a glimpse of the new “goddess.” The hallway buzzed with excitement.
In Class 1, Esther couldn’t believe Lenore had gotten into Greenvine High School. Staring at the photo on the forum, she nearly tore the book in her hands apart, her eyes burning with jealousy.
Helen James, sitting beside her, noticed Esther’s strange mood and assumed it was because of the rumors about the new beauty. With disdain, she said, “So what if she’s pretty? She’s still stuck in that lousy Class 24.”
But Esther’s face remained blank as thoughts raced through her mind. How did Lenore get into Greenvine? Who let her in? How dare she come here?
At 6:30 PM, Ken stood at the entrance of Culinary Ascent, the finest restaurant in Jinslenburg. He watched every passing car, his usually stern face betraying a hint of nerves.
“Mr. Sharpe,” a voice called out. Ken turned to see Troy approaching with a smile. “Are you waiting for someone?”
Something flickered in Ken’s eyes, but he simply replied, “Hmm,” clearly uninterested in making conversation.
Troy had heard rumors about Ken—how he was once a regular police officer but, for unknown reasons, had transferred to the traffic division.
Although he found Ken’s attitude annoying, Troy chose not to react. “Alright, Mr. Sharpe, you can keep waiting. We’ll head inside,” he said lightly.
Troy’s older sister, Rachel, had come to Jinslenburg on business, and he was hosting a welcome party at the restaurant. Esther, Darren, and Sharon were all attending.
“Troy,” a woman’s voice called. Rachel, a woman in her forties or fifties, was elegantly dressed, radiating the sophistication of someone well-off.
She was accompanied by her husband, Stephen Yarwood, a slightly overweight, balding man who owned a large aquatic products business in Senanville. He had supported Troy in the past.
Esther and Darren rushed over cheerfully to greet them.
Rachel, who had no daughter of her own, was especially fond of her sweet, beautiful niece. She handed Esther a beautifully wrapped box. “I haven’t seen you in months; you’ve become even more stunning.”
Inside the box was a delicate crystal necklace that sparkled beautifully. Esther’s eyes lit up at the sight, but just as she was about to speak, her expression shifted when she noticed someone standing by the side of the road.
“Lenore…”
