Chapter 4

The next morning, Alyssa looked down her nose at me when she passed me, saying, "It's the last section of the tournament, Clara. Don't forget to do your best. If I score 20 more points than you again, the prize money that can save your parents' lives will be in my hands.

"I'm curious to see what you'll do when you lose the money you need to pay for your parents' medical bills. Don't tell me you'll resort to selling your body?"

Alyssa cackled to herself before she left.

I silently lowered my head and clenched my fists tightly, digging my nails into my palms.

Mom and Dad were still depending on me to pay their medical bills, but I was being toyed with repeatedly by Alyssa. If this continued, I would end up being trampled under her feet.

Was it impossible for me to change my fate of having my family torn apart even though I had been given another chance at life?

…

When the exam began, the other students kept their heads low as they scribbled away on their papers with serious expressions.

However, I didn't pick up my pen even after a long time had passed.

Since I couldn't avoid my tragic fate, there was no reason for me to hand the title of champion of the math tournament to Alyssa on a silver platter.

If one of the other students became the champion, it would be because they deserved it. They weren't like Alyssa, who had to resort to despicable methods.

The examiner lightly rapped their knuckles against my table as a reminder when they noticed that I hadn't touched my pen at all.

I nodded as I picked up my pen. But instead of solving the questions, I simply doodled on a piece of scrap paper.

I no longer cared about how Alyssa copied my answers. It would be impossible for her to score 20 more points than me if I submitted a blank paper.

The seconds ticked by.

I submitted my blank exam sheet when the bell rang to indicate the end of the exam.

Ignoring the confused look the examiner shot at me, I turned around and left the exam hall. When I returned to the classroom, I noticed that a crowd of students had gathered around my seat.

Alyssa was at the center of the circle, wearing a haughty expression.

"I already told you that I would be crowned the champion of the math tournament this time. Don't tell me that you still believe that country bumpkin, Clara, will end up becoming the champion?

"My score has already surpassed hers by 40 points from the previous two sections. Scoring another 20 points more than her for the last section is as easy as pie for me!"

Glen hastily offered a drink to Alyssa. He smiled adoringly at her and said, "I told everyone that you're the best, Alyssa. You'll definitely be crowned the champion of the math tournament this time.

"Clara always just got lucky in the past, but she dropped the ball during a critical moment such as this. She's not actually as capable as people believe her to be."

The other students began to chime in with their own opinions upon hearing his words.

"He's right. Alyssa's always attending really expensive tutoring classes. She's definitely more capable than a country bumpkin like Clara who came from the sticks."

"You're going to be famous all throughout the school once you're crowned the champion of the math tournament, Alyssa. Don't forget about us when that happens!"

"She's right. The champion of the math tournament is also given a guaranteed admission. Maybe you can secure a spot for yourself in Franvale University."

Just then, Alyssa noticed me standing at the door. Her expression twisted as she asked sarcastically, "Are you too embarrassed to enter the classroom because you're not going to be the champion, Clara? You would be right to think so. You don't deserve to enter our classroom!"

I strode over to my seat and sat down. I glanced at her and coldly said, "It's true that I won't be the champion, but it won't be you either."

Alyssa's face turned red at my words. She looked as if she was going to lose her temper, but just then, Mr. Potts entered the classroom with the results.

She suppressed her fury and scoffed at me. "I see that you're going to remain stubborn until the very end, Clara. Just you wait. You'll be crying when the money you need to save your parents goes into my pocket instead!"

I scoffed.

I had submitted a blank paper this time, which meant that Alyssa's score would reflect her true capabilities. It was impossible for her to become the champion of the math tournament even with her combined score from all three sections.

Mr. Potts projected the results on the screen.

My eyes immediately flew to the last row.

"Clara Toland (0 points)."

My lips twitched up into a smile. It was as I expected.

However, I was stunned when my eyes traveled upward.