Chapter 132 Only One Choice
After a while, Nolan came back into the room wearing pajamas.
It had been a while since Eliza had lived with him.
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Feeling a little awkward, she said, “Um… the factory’s not as busy right now, so I’ll be home during the day to study.”
“…Sorry.”
Nolan hadn’t expected Eliza to suddenly be home either.
Eliza pushed the breakfast across the table toward him. “I just picked this up. You should eat.”
As soon as she finished speaking, she wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole.
She’d only gone out for breakfast. Nolan hadn’t even gotten up yet. She hadn’t expected her timing to be that perfect.
After a moment of hesitation, Eliza said, “Um… thanks for yesterday.”
“No need to thank me.”
Nolan answered casually, like he’d already known she would say that.
Eliza said, “The SAT’s coming up soon. I—”
“Which university are you aiming for?”
“Huh?”
Caught off guard, Eliza gave a vague answer. “Ah, I’m thinking… maybe I’ll…”
“Don’t want to say?”
“…No, that’s not it.”
Eliza didn’t know how to tell Nolan.
She’d already been offered a spot to study abroad.
But what she really wanted… was to get into Claire University.
Originally, the international offer was just meant to be a stepping stone–something to make her look good enough for Claire University.
But how was she supposed to explain that to Nolan?
Nolan could see that she was trying to dodge the question. He said quietly,
“Then let’s just pretend I never asked.”
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Chapter 132 Only One Choice
He started clearing the table.
Eliza looked up and saw him lowering his eyes, a touch of cold distance in his expression.
Before she could stop herself, she blurted out, “I… want to go to Claire University.”
Nolan’s hand paused mid–air.
“I want to go to Claire University, so… it’s the only school I’ll be applying to on my SAT.”
If she didn’t get in, she’d have to go abroad.
The overseas schools were good, sure–but Claire University was her top choice.
“Do you know what it takes to get into Claire University?”
“I do.”
Eliza gently shook her head. “Do you think I’m dreaming?”
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Claire University had sky–high requirements. Financial audits, background checks—those were just the
basics.
Applicants needed excellent grades and strong family connections.
Not just anyone could walk through its gates.
Without the right background, most people couldn’t even get close.
“No. If it’s something you want to do, then you can absolutely do it.”
Nolan’s gaze softened.
Eliza had seen many sides of him, but this was the first time she’d seen his eyes look so gentle.
“You… you actually look really good when you smile.”
The second she said it, Nolan turned away.
His face returned to its usual cool, distant expression. “You’re seeing things.”
With that, he carried the plates into the kitchen.
Eliza watched his retreating back.
She still didn’t understand-
How could someone like him have set the Hayes family on fire? How could he one day become the cold and ruthless heir to Hayes Corp?
Three days had passed since the incident with Zayden. The SAT was just around the corner.
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Chapter 132 Only One Choice
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Everyone was getting swept up in the pressure of prep, and Eliza had thrown herself into studying
nonstop.
There was one upside to living with Nolan.
Her foreign language speaking skills had skyrocketed.
She had always struggled with writing essays in that subject, but now, with her improved fluency, even that hurdle was behind her.
Eliza glanced at the time. Grace should be reaching out to her soon.
Sure enough, that afternoon, Grace called.
Unlike her hostile attitude at the police station, she was sweet as honey this time.
Every word was carefully chosen to flatter. “Elizze, I was just worried sick at the station last time. I said a lot of awful things I didn’t mean. I hope you won’t take them to heart. That wasn’t how Auntie really feels. You and Zayden grew up together. You even had an engagement. I really don’t want things to get any uglier. Do you have time to meet up today?”
“I’m afraid I don’t. I think we should just let the case proceed officially.”
Eliza was about to hang up.
Grace quickly said, “Elizze, I wasn’t all bad to you before, was I? Zayden knows he messed up. Please, have some compassion. The SAT is coming–please, I’m begging you, don’t let anything ruin my son’s future. Just think about the past. Can’t you help us this once?”
Her tone was as humble as dust.
But Eliza didn’t waver.
In her last life, Grace had treated her like a servant. She’d gone around calling her a barren hen, mocking her for not having a college degree.
Time and again, Grace had publicly humiliated her, making her feel utterly worthless.
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