Chapter 14
The next day, Avery went to Heisenville University.
Avery never went back to the Lewell Group. It was a shame, trally, since they still owed her half a month’s pay.
she sold the bag she had bought on a whim for 40 thousand dollars and wired all the money to the orphanages charity account.
“Avie, did you send moner to the orphanage again?” Linda Wells called at once.
Linda was the orphanage director. She had stayed for years to care for abandoned children.
A small lecal orphanage drew little public attention, and most of the kids were left there because of disabilities. As a result, Linda’s booden was even heavier.
She had to look after the children and also pay for their treatment.
“I just saved a little money,” Avery answered, keeping her tone light so Linda wouldn’t worry. “Please take good care of yourself =
“Avie, I told you not to send moury these days. Keep it for yourself. You still have to study abroad.”
Avery’s aleja faltered. She murmured a quick yes.
studying overseas would cost a fortune. Even with a sponsored spot, she would need hundreds of thousands a year for living expenses.
i student visa would lamit her work hours, so she couldn’t eat much there.
“Avie, take care of yourself,” Linda said, then added, “By the way, several couples have come looking for a woman who sounds like you. The police already took them for DNA tests. Maybe you’ll be lucky rough to find your birth parents.”
A flicker of disappointment crossed Avery’s eyes. She no longer dared to hope.
She had dreamed countless times that her parents would come for her. Yet, every dawn, reality crushed those dreams into pieces
She was a child abandoned at an orphanage. Who would look for her now?
They probably wished she had disappeared for good
After hanging up. Avery headed toward her department’s building.
She had set an appointment with her adviser to fill out the stuch–abroad application.
“Mr. Burns,” she said politely as she entered the office. “I’m here to fill in the form.
Matthew Burns looked uneasy. He glanced at her and spoke nervously. “Avery, I’m aware of your background, you’re an orphan, and studying abroad is costly. You
need to be realistic.”
Avery’s chest tightened, she sensed bad news. “Mr. Burns, I’ll cover my living costs myself. You said I’m top of the class, so the spot is mine to take.
Matthew pushed up his glasses and stammered, “Yes… the spot should be yours, but the faculty wants an overall score. You’re first in grades, yet you score lower in social interaction and family background.”
Her eyes reddened. “You never mentioned those extra factors, and you told me to come today. Something changed, didn’t it? Please tell me the truth.”
Her breathing turned raped. She fought back the tears.
Η
“I’m sorry” Matthew sighed. “The decision came from the higher–ups. The spot went to… Queenie.”
Tears welled instantly. She had worked so long, and that spot belonged to her. Why was if still taken from under her nose?
“Why? The spot is given based on project scores…” Queenie’s work wasn’t any better than hers.
“Avery, Helsenville rum on connections. There’s no way around it.” He handed her tissues, “Don’t cry. If you must, apply for our graduate school. There’ll be ather chances.
“There won’t be. This kind of opportunity, with such a renowned professor, unly comes once in years. You know that just as well,” she said with a bitter suite
It was her only chance to shine on an international stage. Now, it was gone.
Matthew sighed again, “Remember Zack Harper, the freshman who bullied you and was sent abroad?quenta la his cousin. You understand, don’t you? The person filling the spot’s not final yet, but you can’t beat her.“
His factful words meant that queene had strong backing.
“To be frank, Marcin spoke to the dean himself.”
Marcus had gone to the dean and stolen her spot for Madison’s cousin
Her fingers shook as she took out her phone. Anger arabchili engulfed her
She left the office, braced herself against the wall, and called Marcus.
He knew how much that spot meant to her.
For four years, she had told him that studying in Ispoomas once in a lifetime chance because her favente professor, David Devon, would be teaching there This would be lus inuil intake of students.
“So now you trully call me? Getting bold, Avery? Muswered in anger. “Where are you? I’ll come
get you!
Stir sobbed, shaking “Why did you crumb my last hope? I owe you nothing! You and your sister uw me! How dare you steal my spot to please Madison
She screamed until her voice broke. She crouched in the stairwell, crying and so desperate that she wanted to
This clamor was the only way an orphan tile ber could rise.
How could Marcus muin everything?
After a long silence, he spoke, annoyed. “You mean that study–abroad spot? Maddie’s cousin wants it, so I talked toy year. Why make a scene?
He disliked her attitude. She was slipping from his control
Avery crouched, clutching her hair, sobbing without sound
How could he be so cruel?
your dean. If you can’t go this year, go next.
“It’s my last chance. Marcus, give me back the spot, please.” She had never begged him before. “Professor Devon won’t take students next year. This is his firul class Please, give it back.”
Just this once only once.
“Fine, I’ll talk to your dean again. Be back before 8:00 pm. I need to see you at the apartment.”
He issued the threat and hung up.
Avery steadied herself, wiped her tears, and hurried downstairs.
Would Marcus really retum the spot?
If she obeyed him, would he keep his word?
She desperately needed that spat.
