Chapter 80
Chapter 80 Learning to Stand Up for Herself
Zora knew she had to learn how to protect herself from now on.
When class ended, Zora slouched tiredly over her desk.
If her grades stayed poor, would her cousins grow disappointed or upset with her?
She knew clearly that she hadn’t kept up with her schoolwork at all-she was simply bad at studying.
She thought back to when she first arrived at the Knox Villa. The family had looked over her school records, their faces filled with shock and quiet disappointment.
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Their judgmental stares had weighed heavily on her heart, while Jolie stood by, adding fuel to the fire.
“Poor Zora grew up out in the countryside,” Jolie had purred, her words laced with hidden malice. “Folks out there never care much about schoolwork, only waiting till they’re old enough to settle down and marry. Studying means nothing to them. Though I’m sure you’re not like that at all p>
Without giving Zora a chance to speak, Jolie cut right in.
“Who taught you to have such low self-respect? How could you even think that way p>
The Knox family had already made up their minds, buying straight into everything Jolie said.
“Zora, let’s go get lunch p>
Hallie packed her things and walked over to Zora’s desk.
Į
“Our class gets out half an hour earlier than Class 1. Reed won’t be here to pick you up for ages anyway p>
“Alright.” Food came first no matter what. Still feeling down, Zora gathered her belongings and stood up.
“Maya, come eat with us?” Hallie turned to Maya and invited her along.
“Okay,” Maya glanced at Zora, replied softly, and quietly packed her books.
Hallie was a little surprised she’d agreed, but secretly glad.
The two had known each other for years, yet Maya was extremely introverted. She never joined others for meals, kept mostly to herself, skipped group class activities, and spent most of her time alone reading.
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Chapter 80 Learning to Stand Up for Herself
Hallie had only asked on a whim, never expecting Maya to say yes.
“Let’s head out then,” Hallie smiled.
She usually hung out with other classmates, but ever since getting close to Zora, she’d turned down other plans to stay by Zora’s side.
“Sure p>
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Maya still held a book against her chest as she walked beside them. Somehow without noticing, Zora ended up stepping naturally between the two girls.
“Well look at this-you three about to debut as a girl group?” A teasing voice called out from behind.
Easton jogged up and raised an eyebrow at the trio.
“Can’t lie, you really do look the part,” Felix said, one hand tucked in his pocket as he sized them up with a playful yet thoughtful tone.
“One dark and sharp, one sheltered little sweetheart everyone wants to protect, and one quiet mastermind pulling all the strings from the shadows. Brawn, charm, and brains-the perfect sidekicks p>
The three made quite a picture.
Hallie had a bold, striking look with shoulder-length hair, a black square-neck tee, and black
cargo pants.
Maya wore neat straight-cut bangs with long hair falling over her shoulders. Most of her small face was hidden behind black-rimmed glasses, leaving only a delicate chin in view. She held a book tight to her chest, dressed simply in a plain white tee and wide-leg pants, radiating quiet scholarly grace.
Sandwiched between them stood Zora, soft-featured. Her expression was calm, her eyes clear and gentle in a pretty dress, looking innocent and untouched by the world.
“Ha! We really could form our own girl group,” Hallie laughed, glancing around at the three of them.
Zora tilted her head in confusion, unable to figure out what everyone was laughing about.
“Let me take a picture! This scene’s too good not to save.” Easton pulled out his phone and hurried a few steps ahead of them.
“Great, send it to me later!” Hallie nodded excitedly and linked arms with Zora.
Maya subtly edged closer to Zora, and before she knew it, Zora was snugly tucked between the
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Chapter 80 Learning to Stand Up for Herself
two girls.
“Ready? Three, two, one-say cheese!” Easton called out.
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Fincher
Zora instinctively curved her lips into a soft smile. Hallie flashed a big grin and threw up peace signs below her chin. Even Maya nervously lifted the corners of her mouth into a faint, shy smile.
“Perfect.” Easton stared proudly at the photo on his phone.
Everyone always teased him for being bad at photography, but this shot turned out amazing.
The three of them looked absolutely stunning.
He stared happily at the picture.
“Let me see, let me see.” Hallie leaned over to peek at his screen.
“Don’t flatter yourself,” she huffed after one glance. “The background’s all warped. We’re only saving the shot with our good looks-you didn’t even use any filters p>
“Alright, you three are naturally gorgeous enough to survive even my terrible photography skills,” Easton grinned without arguing back, well aware his camera work really wasn’t great.
“Send the photo to us right now,” Hallie snorted, playfully slapping the phone against his chest.
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The Real Heiress’s New Family Adored by All