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Novel Catalog
Chapter 77
many ways to interpret the results of the Math Olympiad, especially if one’s heart wasn’t fully in the competition.
Mr.
Riddle Sr.
hadn’t considered the possibility that Nicole’s score could be misleading in its simplicity.
He stared at Nicole, still processing what she had said.
She wasn’t just speaking boldly; there was a quiet confidence in her tone that made him rethink everything.
Despite the family’s expectations, Nicole had her own ideas and ambitions, and this competition was a clear reflection of that.
Raine, who had been smug moments ago, suddenly felt an unease crawl over her.
Nicole’s words were making her doubt the situation she had tried to spin into a victory.
How could she have been so sure that Nicole was at fault, when the girl had the nerve to stand up to all of them, calm and collected?
Norah, trying to hold onto some shred of satisfaction, sneered, “You think you can go from zero to hero? Don’t kid yourself, Nicole.
People like you don’t just turn things around in one go.” But her words lacked the conviction they once had, especially after seeing the quiet strength Nicole exuded.
Nicole’s eyes locked with Norah’s, her smile barely a flicker on her lips.
“You’ll see,” she said simply, not needing to prove anything to Norah, or anyone else for that matter.
Damien and Dillon exchanged uncomfortable glances.
They had both expected Nicole to crumble under the pressure, but instead, she seemed more determined than ever.
It was as if their criticisms were fueling her resolve rather than breaking her down.
“Nicole,” Mr.
Riddle Sr.
finally spoke, his voice softer now but still firm, “I’ll let you handle the competition your way.
But know that the Riddle family’s name carries weight, and I hope you remember that.”
Nicole nodded respectfully, acknowledging her grandfather’s concern.
“I understand, Grandpa.
I’ll make sure the Riddle family doesn’t have to worry about anything.”
The words hung in the air, heavy with the promise of something more than just a mere competition.
Nicole wasn’t backing down.
She wasn’t going to withdraw.
She had made a promise to herself, and she intended to keep it.
Raine and Norah exchanged looks of frustration.
The more Nicole spoke, the more they realized that their efforts to break her down were in vain.
There was no stopping her now.
Nicole had found her footing, and she was not about to let anyone push her back.
Mr.
Riddle Sr.
sighed, his gaze softening as he looked at Nicole.
“I may not fully understand your methods, but I respect your determination.” With that, the tension in the room slowly began to ease.
But as the conversation shifted to other matters, the message was clear: Nicole wasn’t the fragile, easily manipulated girl they had once believed her to be.
She was strong, and she had a plan.
And no matter how hard they tried to tear her down, she would rise again, even stronger than before.