Kimberly Jennings grew worried. Though she didn't have much money, and she knew what little she had wasn't enough for her and her daughter's future, none of that mattered. The most important thing was that her daughter could go to school and get an education! If money could truly solve the school problem, she wouldn't hesitate for a second!
But Aria Cheney was an old hand at this; her ability to read people was honed to perfection. She saw Kimberly Jennings's worry and hesitation clearly. "It's summer vacation now, and the school year will be starting soon. If I remember correctly, Seraphina will be a sophomore this year, right? For a high schooler, sophomore year is crucial. Whether or not she can get into college depends on building a good foundation this year! Kimberly, you need to think this through."
"Sister-in-law, how much money would it take? I..." Just as Kimberly Jennings was about to give in, Seraphina Sterling stepped forward and took her hand.
"Don't worry, Aunt Aria. I won't trouble you with my school situation. It's summer vacation, so there's still over a month until school starts. My grades aren't great, but if I work hard for a month, I should be able to get in without any problems."
Seeing the money she was about to get slip through her fingers, how could Aria Cheney accept it? "Hmph, careful you don't bite your tongue. Don't you know how terrible your grades are? You want to get in by passing the entrance exam? You must be dreaming! Do you think it's that easy to improve your grades? Do you think you're our Zoe, who ranks in the top ten in school on every single test?"
The mere mention of Zoe Jennings's academic achievements filled Aria Cheney with pride, deepening her contempt for Seraphina Sterling. "With that blockhead of yours, it's not that I'm looking down on you, but even if you studied for a month without sleep or food, using every second you have, you would still have absolutely no chance of passing the entrance exam! If you come looking for me to arrange things then, it won't be so simple! I advise you not to cling to that little bit of money and ruin your own future in the process!"
Kimberly Jennings grew even more anxious. Although she couldn't provide her daughter with the same life as before, school was a must, and so was an education!
Seraphina Sterling still wore an obedient smile, but her grip on Kimberly Jennings's hand tightened. "Aunt Aria, you misunderstand. I'm only thinking of you. I know you mean well and aren't just trying to use this opportunity to cheat my mom out of her money."
Seraphina Sterling deliberately stressed the accusation of being cheated out of money. The people there weren't fools; they instantly understood the real reason behind Aria Cheney's unusual concern for Seraphina's schooling.
Aria Cheney's cheeks burned with heat. She shot a glare at Seraphina Sterling. 'That damn girl, when did she get so smart! She deliberately exposed my motive, making me lose face in front of the whole family!'
Seeing that her words had the desired effect, Seraphina Sterling knew when to stop. Things had to be done gradually; she couldn't go too far. "I was just worried that if the school administration found out about this, it would be bad for your reputation, Aunt Aria. What if you have a chance for a promotion in the future and this incident holds you back? Wouldn't the loss outweigh the gain? Don't worry, Aunt Aria. I will definitely work hard to pass the entrance exam!"
"Then I really must thank Seraphina for being so considerate of me!" Aria Cheney ground her teeth, her passive-aggressive tone making everyone uncomfortable.
"We're all family, no need to be so formal." Seraphina Sterling's smile grew even brighter, as if she hadn't caught the hidden meaning in Aria Cheney's words at all.
'Formal? Who's being formal with you!' It was the first time Aria Cheney had been so openly and covertly ridiculed without being able to retort. She was so angry she could have coughed up blood, but she had to maintain her smile. She could only console herself: 'Just wait until school starts, then Seraphina will know what crying is. Let her be smug for a while. There's still plenty of time!'
What was supposed to be a lively welcome dinner ended hastily and fizzled out.
That afternoon, Zachary Jennings and Zeke Jennings returned the money to Kimberly Jennings, but the relationship between the three siblings could no longer maintain even a semblance of peace. Because they had returned the money, neither brother offered to let the mother and daughter stay. Left with no choice, the two had to check into a small inn in town.
Tollan Town was just a small border town. While not the poorest in the country, it was close, so the cost of living was very low. This was a great advantage for Kimberly Jennings and her daughter.
"Seraphina, you hadn't spoken in days. You finally talked today, so Mom can relax a little. I had originally planned for us to live at your grandmother's house and give her some money for living expenses each month, but I never expected this to happen. Don't you worry, though. Mom will go look for a house tomorrow. From now on, it might just be the two of us, relying on each other."
Facing one setback after another was a huge blow to Kimberly Jennings. If not for Seraphina Sterling, she might have already broken down. The saying 'a mother's love makes her strong' was truly fitting.
"Mom, don't be sad. You still have me. I'll study hard from now on, and things won't always be like this for us. Besides, Dad is in heaven watching over us. Everything will pass! We'll look for a house together tomorrow. From now on, we'll share the household responsibilities!"
Seraphina Sterling's sweet smile and soft voice soothed Kimberly Jennings, who had just experienced the cold indifference of the world. She began to feel hopeful about their future.
That night, Kimberly Jennings was fast asleep, but Seraphina Sterling lay awake. 'Today, I already changed the course of events from my past life. We aren't living at my grandmother's house. I believe that everything else will change accordingly, and Mom's fate will definitely change too! I have to become strong before college so I can stand up to Justin Hale! So I can stand up to the Sterling Family!'
'Justin Hale! Fern Sterling!' Seraphina Sterling bit her lower lip fiercely. 'I will have my revenge! No matter how difficult it is!'
'The most pressing issue right now is housing. If I remember correctly, in three years, property prices in Tollan Town will skyrocket. It's going to become one of the top tourist destinations in the country, and they'll build a lot of resorts here. The compensation for demolition and relocation will be huge! I have to take this opportunity to make a fortune and build up my seed money for the future!'
Seraphina Sterling's plan was sound, but she never imagined that danger was ever-present. Fate would not give her space to grow, nor would it wait until she was already strong to unleash disaster. Some things, as they say, are simply a matter of "Man proposes, God disposes."