Chapter 55
Chapter 55 A Silent Rift Between Siblings
Anton’s chest ached with a dull, bitter twinge.
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He watched Zora tucked safely in Jensen’s arms, her sharp gaze fixed straight on them. She looked just like a little hedgehog with its quills raised. It was the first time he had ever seen her this furious.
She hates us.
He could read it clear as day in her eyes-no doubt about it at all.
His lashes fell low, and his hands hanging at her sides slowly clenched into tight fists.
“I’ll pick you up for lunch later, Zora,” Reed said as he walked Zora to the doorway of the international program classroom. “I’m only two floors above you. Wait for me downstairs once class ends, and I’ll come get you right away p>
Quite a few students were already inside the international program classroom.
“Reed? What are you doing over here in our class?” Easton Blake called out the second Reed stepped into view. “You look even cooler with that new haircut after summer break p>
Reed was one of the most popular students at Havenridge High. He came from a wealthy family, aced all his classes, and got along with just about everyone on campus.
Nearly everyone in the international program came from privileged backgrounds, so plenty of them knew him well.
Easton spun a basketball in one hand and bounded down the stairs three steps at a time to meet Reed.
“I’m dropping my little sister off.” Reed nodded toward him.
“Your little sister? Since when do you have a little sister? The Marlow family’s always had only boys. You mean Jolie? I thought you couldn’t stand her anyway, and she’s in Class 3. Why would you drop her off here?” Easton looked thoroughly confused.
Everyone knew the Marlows had no daughters.
“As if I’d ever drop Jolie off,” Reed scoffed at the mention of her, clearly annoyed at running into someone so exhausting on the first day back. He shot Easton an eye roll, then gestured toward Zora. “And who said we don’t have a sister? She’s right here p>
Easton’s eyes landed on Zora, and surprise flickered across his face. He hadn’t expected their new transfer student to be this stunning.
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“I don’t recognize her at all. Is she the new girl joining our class p>
“Zora, this is a good friend of mine, Easton Blake,” Reed said gently to her. “If you run into any trouble in class, you can go straight to him for help p>
“Hey there,” Easton stood up straighter and greeted Zora warmly.
“Hello.” Zora gave him a small nod, her voice soft and sweet.
She wasn’t exactly excited to be back at school, but she had no wish to make enemies on her first day.
“Whoa, your voice is so pretty.” Easton’s ears turned pink the second he heard her gentle tone.
Zora wore a soft blue dress that suited her perfectly. Her hair was styled in a side braid falling over one shoulder, framing her bright, lovely face. Her eyes were clear and luminous, calm enough to quiet anyone’s restless mood at a single glance.
Slung over her shoulder was a teddy bear backpack. She stood there quiet and well-behaved, like a naive little cub new to the world—innocent, endearing, and impossible not to want to
protect.
“Easton, she’s in your class now. Look out for her for me, and call me right away if anything happens p>
“You’ve got my word,” Easton said seriously and nodded. “No one’s gonna mess with Zora while I’m around p>
Reed frowned, annoyed by Easton’s overly familiar attitude. “Keep your distance from her p>
Easton blinked in surprise at Reed’s obvious protectiveness, then quickly said, “Got it p>
“Reed! There you are!” Another boy hurried down the stairs. “We’ve been looking all over for you upstairs. Hurry up p>
“Give me a minute,” Reed said, planning to walk Zora inside and say a few more words first.
“It’s urgent!” the boy pressed anxiously.
“You should go.” Zora tugged lightly at Reed’s sleeve, gesturing for him to go and handing him her backpack. “I can find the classroom on my own p>
“Go on, Reed. I’ll take Zora into class,” Easton offered.
“Hey, Easton, where’d you find this sweet new face p>
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Chapter 55 A Silent Rift Between Siblings
“Quit messing around! We’ve got a cute new classmate-don’t scare her off p>
“Where is she? Let me see p>
“Is she the transfer student everyone’s talking about? Is she pretty? Is she nice p>
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“I saw people on the campus forum bashing her, saying she’s plain and rough around the edges, some small-town nobody. Is that really true? Let me see! If she’s some weirdo, our class is gonna be the talk of the school p>
“Half the stuff on the forum’s just made-up rumors anyway. Someone’s definitely spreading lies on purpose p>
By the time Easton and Zora neared the classroom door, the rowdy chatter inside died instantly.
Every student craned their necks and peered out the windows to get a look.
“Wow, she’s such a sweet little angel-and so pretty! Oh my gosh, our class just got a real-life Barbie doll p>
When several students spotted Zora walking beside Easton, their eyes lit up right away, brimming with warm, doting affection.
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The Real Heiresss New Family Adored by All