Chapter 18
Zoe wasn’t bluffing. The invitation was genuinely from Joyer
When word had spread about Zoe saving Joyce’s life, Jelonsburg’s elite had gone into a frenzy,
To avoid more chaos, Zoe had quietly contacted Joyce that night and secured her own invitation. That was why Kevin took that sudden phone call about finding the lab’s prodigy.
Now Zoe’s shocking declaration left everyone in stunned silence.
In Jelonsburg’s elite circles, receiving an invitation to Joyce’s banquet was an honor. As for a personal invitation from Joyce herself. fewer than ten people in the entire city could claim that privilege.
So when Zoe, someone from a backward town, claimed to be among that exclusive group, no one believed her for a second.
Cheryl, dazzling in her bejeweled slim–strap evening gown, pushed through the crowd with mocking laughter. “Well, well! Turns out it’s our class’s biggest attention–seeker, she neered. “What fantasy are you spinning this time?”
She dramatically clutched her chest. “Wait–you’re actually saying Ms. Yoder invited you personally? What’s next? Don’t tell me you’re pretending to be the chemistry genius now.”
The crowd erupted in laughter at Cheryl’s taunt.
“Someone from backwaters pretending to be the chemistry genius? Don’t make me laugh, Zoe, someone mocked.
“What, Zoe Did no one teach you how to check news online? The real genius contacted Ms. Yoder days ago, another added with a
steer.
“Everyone knows the actual genius is coming tonight. Stop embarrassing yourself and just leave, a third voice chimed in.
The banquet hall buzzed with cruel laughter.
This wasn’t just a school event–it was packed with Jelonsburg’s elite socialites.
Clara trembled with rage, barely restraining herself from hitting Zoe. This was exactly why she’d never accepted Zoe as a true daughter
wile Eunice elevated their status, Zoe only ever brought shame.
Ever the instigator, Eunice approached with fake concern, clutching Cheryl’s arm. “Stop this, Cheryl Maybe
dud invite my sister”
just maybe… Ms. Yoder
Cheryl’s face turned red with barely contained laughter. “Her?” she snorted “Eunice, you can’t be serious. Ms. Yoder would invite practically anyone–but her Impossible!”
She then turned to Zoe vid
icy glare. Fine. You claim Ms. Yoder personally invited you? Then you must be close to her, right?
w about we settle this with a bet Lefi who can secure Ms. Yoder’s guidance first”
Joyce was that most sought–after mentor in Jelonsburg’s high society, known for her impossibly high standard. Cheryl couldn’t even
Eunice covered her mouth, but her glee sull showed “Cheryl, come on, she said, barely containing her laughter. “My sister just arrived from a small town. This is even her first banquet–there’s no way she could impress Ms. Yoder
When Fumor revealed this was Zoe’s fast banquet, the crowd exchanged disbelieving glances before turning judgmental stares at her simple omta
They wanted for Cheryl’s mauls to lacak herba Zoe remained unfazed Saue, Zoe replied cabinly meeting Cheryl’s gaze without Buchung
Then she dropped her bombshell “What’s the wager Lafe or death? The room went will at her casual tone, as if she’d faced worse and
Everyone was studies, the earlier mockery dying on their lips as they processed what they’d just beari
Cheryl recovered first. “You thin
the wager was set, Clara, Herbert,
ans mer she wolled, squaring
shoulders. “How about this? The loser bark
Chapter 18
Their minds conjured the same horrifying vision–Zoe crawling through the banquet hall on hands and knees, the Evans name reduced to a punchline before Jelonsburg’s smirking elites.
Clara glared at Zoe, her eyes blazing with frustration. “Happy now, Zoe?” she spat.
At that moment, Cheryl’s phone rang. After a quick call, she hung up with a victorious smirk. With her shouklers back, chin lifted, she now looked at Zoe with the condescending gaze of someone who’d already worl
“That was my uncle, Cheryl said, twirling her phone. “He’s arranged an introduction to Ms. Yoder–and she’s already accepted me. Her smirk widened as she added. “Looks like you lost, Zoe.”
The crowd turned to Zoe in shock. The competition was over before it even started
“Well, that’s the fastest bet I’ve ever seen settled someone joked.
“You lost fair and square, Zoe, another added.
“Time to pay up” a voice called out. “Get on your hands and knees, bark like a dog and crawl out of here. The crowd erupted in cruel laughter.
Just then, the banquet hall’s grand doors swung open, drawing all eyes to the sliver–haired woman who entered. Her commanding
resence hushed the room instantly.
“Well, this looks lively,” Joyce boomed in a strong, aged voice. “Care to fill me in! I want in on the fun.”
A stunned silence fell before whispers erupted. That’s Ms. Yoder!”
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