Chapter 14
Seattle University.
Arlene didn’t go back to the Dudley Group, which is a bit of a shame. They still owe her half a month’s pay.
The bag I bought on a whim was sold for forty thousand dollars, and Arlene transferred all the money to the charity account of the orphanage.
“Arlie, did you give money to the hospital again?” Brianna Vaughn called right after.
She was the director of the orphanage, and she stayed there for all these years for the abandoned children.
An orphanage in a small place, already low on social attention, and because most of the children were abandoned due to disabilities, Brianna’s pressure I would be even greater.
Not only did we take care of the children, but we also took them to see a doctor.
“I saved up some money,” Arlene chuckled, trying to sound casual so Brianna wouldn’t worry. “Brianna, take care of yourself.”
“You kid, didn’t I tell you before? You don’t need to spend money recently. Save up the money you have first, you still want to study abroad.”
Arlene’s footsteps hesitated for a moment, “Hmm.”
Yeah, going abroad is a big expense. Even with a scholarship from school, you still need to come up with tens of thousands of dollars for living expenses
every year.
Because it was a student visa, working over there was also restricted, with very limited hours for part–time jobs each day.
“Arlie, take care of yourself,” Brianna thought of something and spoke again.“By the way, Arlie, recently a few couples have come looking for their children, the descriptions match yours, the police have taken them for a paternity test, I don’t know if we’ll be lucky enough to find your biological parents.”
Arlene’s eyes showed a hint of disappointment, she had already given up all hope.
From childhood to adulthood, she looked forward countless times, dreaming countless times that her biological parents would come to find her…
Every time she woke up from a dream, reality made her feel hopeless.
She was a child abandoned in an orphanage, how could anyone come looking for her.
They couldn’t wait for her to disappear.
After hanging up the phone, Arlene walked towards the teaching building.
Today I made an appointment with my advisor to fill out the application form for studying abroad.
“Teacher,” Arlene politely walked up to the counselor as she entered the office. “I’m here to fill out the application form.”
The teacher looked a bit hesitant, glanced at Arlene, and nervously said, “Arlie… I understand your situation. You’re an orphan, studying abroad requires a lot of money, you have to be practical…”
1
Arlene’s heart sank, she had a bad feeling for no reason. Teacher… I’ll take care of my living expenses myself. You said I was the top student in the class, so this spot is mine.”
The teacher pushed his glasses and said hesitantly, “Well… it’s true that this spot should be yours, but the school wants to consider overall performance. Even though you have the highest grades, your interpersonal skills… and family background evaluation are a bit lacking.”
Arlene’s eyes turned red.“Before, you didn’t mention those comprehensive evaluations, and you told me to come today to fill out the application form. Did something happen? Just tell me the truth.”
Arlene’s breathing was rapid, holding back tears.
“Sorry… the teacher sighed. “It’s the decision from above, the spot was given to Janet.”
Arlene’s eyes turned red in an instant, and tears welled up uncontrollably.
She worked so hard, the spot was clearly hers.
Why did I still get stolen by someone?
“Why? The quota for studying abroad this time was based on academic performance…” Janet Cooley’s grades were not as good as hers.
‘Arlene, Seattle is just a place where connections matter, there’s no way around it…” The teacher handed Arlene a few tissues. “Don’t cry, if all else fails, you can always apply for graduate school here, it’s the same, there will be opportunities in the future.”
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“No more chances in the future… The opportunity to study abroad this year and have top professors is rare, you know best…” Arlene weakly chuckled.
This was her only chance to shine on the stage abroad.
Unfortunately, it all fell apart.
The teacher sighed. “Do you remember Darin, who bullied you in freshman year and got sent abroad? Well, this Janet is Darin’s cousin. They’re family, you know? Even though the spot isn’t confirmed yet, but… you can’t compete with them.”
The teacher put it very delicately, which means Janet comes from a well–off family.
“I’ll tell you the truth, this time, it was Brendan from the Dudley Group who personally approached the director.”
Arlene stood frozen in place, shaking all over.
Brendan, the dean himself, stole the spot that belonged to Paige’s cousin!
Trembling fingers took out the phone, and in that moment, Arlene was enveloped in intense anger and chill.
Walking out of the office, Arlene leaned against the wall with a blank mind, fighting the weakness in her legs, and called Brendan.
Brendan, he knew how important this spot was to her!
She was with him for four years, she told Brendan countless times, “this opportunity to study in Italy… is once in a lifetime,” because this time the mentor Devon Caldwell is her favorite teacher…
This time, it was also Devon’s last time recruiting students.
You still remember to call me? Arlene, do you think you’re all that?” Brendan answered Arlene’s call, angrily questioning. “Where are you? I’m coming to pick you up.”
“Why…” Arlene trembled all over, choking out the question to Brendan.“Why! Why did you crush my last hope, Brendan I don’t owe you, it’s you and your sister who owe me! Who do you think you are… taking away my spot to please your sweetheart!”
Arlene was screaming and crying hoarsely, crouched in the stairwell, feeling so desperate that she wanted to die.
This opportunity was her only chance to turn her life around as a lowly orphan.
Why did Brendan ruin everything for her?
There was a long silence on the phone, then annoyance spoke up.“You talking about that opportunity to study abroad? Paige’s cousin also wants to go, I just mentioned it to your school leaders. If we can’t go this year, we’ll go next year. Why are you making a fuss about it?”
Brendan was very unhappy with Arlene’s attitude now, not listening, and out of his control.
Arlene was desperate, squatting on the ground, grabbing her hair, crying without making a sound.
How could he be so cruel?
This is my last chance… Brendan, please give me back this spot, I’m begging you.” Arlene has never begged him before.“Mr. Caldwell won’t be taking students next year, this is his last batch… please, give me the spot back, okay?”
Just this once.
Just once…
I got it, I’ll say hi to the school, be back before 8, I have to see you at the apartment.”
Brendan threatened and then hung up the phone.
Arlene collected herself, wiped her tears, and hurriedly got up to run downstairs.
Will Brendan give the spot back to her?
As long as she behaves herself, Brendan will definitely walk the talk, right?
She really needed this spot.
