Chapter 97
As soon as she walked in the door, she saw the entire family gathered around Serena, talking excitedly about something.
From the massive television in the living room, a news broadcast could be heard: “The National Security Agency has successfully thwarted a major foreign espionage operation, arresting several criminals who attempted to steal critical national secrets. In this operation, a certain Lancaster and a certain Blackwood played crucial and decisive roles. Their outstanding contributions are hereby commended p>
Lancaster? Blackwood?
Isabella froze, her eyes instinctively darting to Serena.
The girl, surrounded by her adoring family, was holding a commendation certificate stamped with a bright national emblem and a gleaming gold medal. A faint smile played on her lips as she accepted her family’s praise.
The certificate and medal in Serena’s hands were identical to the ones being shown on the news, which had been personally delivered by the highest echelons of the Department of Defense to the “a certain Lancaster” and “ a certain Blackwood” who had made outstanding contributions to the country.
The Lancaster on the news was Serena p>
The person who made an outstanding contribution to the nation… who cracked some espionage case… was Serena?
How was that possible?
She was just some country bumpkin. How could she have the ability to get involved in a national investigation?
Isabella was completely stunned.
The entire Lancaster family looked at the bright certificate and gleaming gold medal, all of them overcome with excitement.
It was the same thought again. They knew their precious
granddaughter/daughter/sister was extraordinary, but they never imagined… she was this extraordinary!
She had been so busy lately, spinning like a top… Was it because she was working for the government? And on something this huge!
It was a matter of national security,
so they didn’t know the specifics of what Serena had done, but this, highest form of national recognition was proof enough that their treasure had made a world-shaking contribution.
“Good… good girl! Serena, you are the pride of the Lancaster family!” Old Mr. Lancaster’s eyes filled with tears of unprecedented pride.
“Serena, you’re a national hero and your mother and I are so proud of you!” Edward
and Catherine’s eyes reddened as they hugged Serena tightly.
“Serving the country and bringing honor to our family. Serena, you’ve truly earned this,” Julian said with a gentle smile.
Everyone crowded around Serena, showering her with heartfelt praise.
Catherine noticed Isabella had returned and quickly waved her over. “Isabella, come here! Come and see, Serena received a national commendation p>
Isabella bit her lower lip and walked over. The brilliant red of the honor in Serena’s hand stung her eyes. She was sick with jealousy but forced a smile and said, “That’s amazing, Serena. Congratulations p>
Serena’s eyes flickered up, her gaze landing on Isabella’s face, which struggled to conceal the resentment
seeping through. A smirk, equal
parts mocking and ironic, touched her red lips.
She raised her hand, bringing the certificate and medal closer for Isabella to see clearly, and let out a soft laugh. “Do you want to know how I received this honor p>
She smiled, and the usually cool and aloof girl was suddenly imbued with a vibrant, dazzling beauty. “You know, I really have to thank… the person who stole my laptop p>
Isabella’s eyelid twitched violently, and her fingers clenched into fists. What did Serena mean by that? What did a national honor have to do with her laptop?