+5 Pearls
“Do I need to explain what a 120–point gap means!” Zayden tapped the desk. his voice calm and cutting. “Top students are top students. You’ll never catch up”
Eliza smiled faintly
He was right–there was a 120–point gap between her and Naomi.
He just didn’t know who was really ahead.
If it hadn’t been for the test–switching, Naomi wouldn’t have even made it into the top fifty in their grade
Zayden, you’ve got it all backwards.
“Zayden Eliza said, lifting her head, “are you just bored and looking for someone to talk to? I’m busy. I have studying to do. Please don’t waste my time.
She had no intention of arguing with him further.
But Zayden wouldn’t let it go. “The math competition spot was already reassigned to Naomi. You’re out,”
“And”
Eliza put down her pen and looked up, her tone icy. “So what? You came here early just to tell me I’m not good enough? Or is it that you’re just bored and feel like mocking me? I don’t have time for this. Zayden. If you want attention, there are plenty of girls at this school who’ll give it to you. No need to bother me.”
Zayden’s expression darkened.
It used to be Eliza hanging on his every word, following him around, grateful for even a glance.
Now!
He was the one getting dismissed.
Bang!
Zayden suddenly slammed both hands on her desk, his face cold. “Eliza, I know you only wanted to enter the math competition to get close to me. And I know all this distance you’ve been putting on lately is just an art to get my attention But it won’t work. Give it up–I’ll never like you.”
Eliza looked up at him, stunned into silence for a second.
Then she started laughing.
Really laughing
Zayden’s frown deepened. “What’s so funny?”
“You are,” she said, eyes glittering with amusement. “You’re overthinking everything
She bent her head and went back to her workbook.
Zayden could think whatever he wanted. Boys at this age always thought the world revolved around them.
She couldn’t be bothered to explain.
Better to spend the time solving problems.
Watching her work, Zayden assumed he’d hit the mark
Why else would the old Eliza suddenly flip a switch?
“I don’t care what game you’re playing he said. “But Naomi’s innocent. Stop trying to take advantage of her kindness”
8.37 AM
Chapter 11 Transferring to Class Six
This meaning was clear; he was still stuck on the math competition.
Eliza didn’t even look up. She kept working.
She’d already fallen behind in her studies. She didn’t have time to waste.
As m morning class neared, the classroom slowly filled up.
The homeroom teacher knocked on the door. “Eliza, come with me.”
“Coming.”
She picked up her fully packed bag and walked out calmly.
After she left, the murmurs started
“Where’s Eliza going?”
“You didn’t hear? Her scores dropped, so she’s being moved to Class Six.”
Seriously? Who told you that?”
“Naomi did. Yesterday,”
Zayden had only stepped out to use the restroom. When he returned, Eliza’s seat was empty.
He heard the girls gossiping and suddenly felt unsettled.
Eliza transferred?
Why hadn’t she said anything?
“Zayden!”
Naomi came bouncing in, cheerfully making her way to his side like always.
But this time, Zayden barely noticed her.
“Zayden? What’s wrong?”
He had been zoning out, Naomi’s voice snapped him back.
“Why did Eliza transfer?”
Naomi’s smile faltered. She tried to sound hurt. “Zayden, is the first thing you ask really about her? That’s not fair.
He’d never cared about Eliza before. Naomi felt uncomfortable.
Zayden, unfazed, set down the breakfast he had prepared for her. “I was just curious”
Seeing the familiar routine, Naomi relaxed again. “Her grades weren’t good. The teacher said she had to transfer.
Zayden didn’t reply.
Eliza’s last score was 570. Not great–but not bad enough to get bumped to Class Six-
What is she doing?
In Class Six, the desks were scattered, completely unorganized.
As Eliza stepped inside, a dozen pairs of eyes turned toward her.
+8 Pearls
Chapter 11 Transferring to Class Six
Everyone knew this was the class for underachievers, troublemakers, and kids who didn’t give a dainn.
The rest of the school avoided them like the plague.
+8 Pearls
They were all rich kids who didn’t study–some of them got into fights, some stirred up chaos, and others hung around with shady people outside school.
But Eliza knew the truth.
These kids? Future CEOs. The ones who’d inherit powerful companies.
Bad grades didn’t mean failure–not when they had business instincts and family backing
These were the people worth knowing.
“This is your new classmate, Eliza,” the teacher introduced her.
Silence.
The rebellious students looked her over with cold, mocking eyes. The
“Class One, huh? What a rare guest
“Teacher, won’t she be wasted here? So well–behaved and all”
“Yeah, don’t let our bad influence ruin her.”
The rejection was blatant.
The homeroom teacher smiled awkwardly and leaned toward Eliza “You’ll have to bear with it. But if you want to compete in the math competition, this is the only way.”
“I don’t mind,” Eliza said. Tm happy to help you out.”
Class Six was also under the Class One homeroom teacher’s care.
Every class had two competition slots. All the others had filled theirs.
Class Six was the exception–they had no one qualified.
Eliza transferring in completed the pair.
“You and Nolan study hard,” the teacher said warmly. “You two are our last hope. I believe in you.”
Nolan
The name rang a bell.
Eliza looked around the classroom, trying to remember where she’d heard it before.
