Chapter 37 A Taste of Her Own Medicine
These test questions actually required real thinking.
Naomi had never attended any of the tutoring sessions, so she hadn’t practiced any past math competition papers.
The moment she saw the exam, she had no idea where to even begin.
For the full 120 minutes, Naomi sat frozen–unable to write for nearly half the exam.
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By the time the bell rang, signaling the end of the test, the proctor stood up and said curtly. “Time’s up. Pens down. Pass your papers forward.”
Naomi’s paper was half blank. She hadn’t even touched the big questions at the end.
Around her, students began passing their papers forward.
Naomi’s brain buzzed in panic
What now?
Once the results, came out and she didn’t place, what would the school think? What would her parents say?
What about the next round of monthly exams?
As the other students filtered out of the room, Naomi finally snapped out of her daze.
She bolted from the exam hall, desperately searching for Eliza
But the crowd was too dense, and she quickly got swept away in the stream of students.
Meanwhile..
Eliza had already packed up her supplies and walked to the doorway–only to find Nolan waiting for her outside..
She asked casually, “How was the test?”
“Not bad.”
“Oh
Anyone who said they did “not bad” usually did well. And if Nolan said he did. “okay”.
Eliza glanced over at him.
She remembered that in her past life, Nolan hadn’t even entered the city math competition
But with the kind of grades he normally had, it wouldn’t be surprising if he placed first.
“Elizal
Naomi had finally spotted her and ran over in a rush.
She grabbed Eliza’s arm, her tone sharp and anxious. “You promised me! You said you’d switch with me! Why did you lie!!”
She was so agitated, she didn’t even notice Nolan standing nearby.
Eliza blinked. “Switch? Lie? What are you talking about?”
“You-!”
Nadmi looked up–and saw Nolan staring at her coldly.
That single glance made her shrink back and swallow her next words.
Just then, Zayden arrived.
she was okay.
He’d seen Naomi storm off during the exam and followed to make sure sh
Now, only the four of them stood in the hallway.
He walked up beside Naomi and said quietly, “The group’s waiting. We should go.”
“Zayden, I…”
Naomi was still stewing in frustration over the test, but Eliza interrupted smoothly, “Yeah, the others are already waiting. Better not waste any more time.”
With that, she and Nolan turned and walked off.
Naomi stared after Eliza, noticing the slight smirk on her lips–and only then did she realize.
Eliza had played her.
She never intended to take the test in Naomi’s place.
Just like the monthly exams before.
Eliza had tricked her twice,
Naomi’s face darkened.
How could she be so stupid?
How had she fallen for it again?
“Naomi? What’s wrong?”
Zayden looked at her, frowning.
Naomi clenched her fists, barely keeping her anger in check.
So Eliza knew all along that she was using her. And this was how she decided to retaliate?
Fine. If that’s how she wanted it, then Eliza better not expect peace at school ever again.
On the bus ride back!
Naoni and Zayden were the last ones to get on
Eliza sat near the back, gazing cheerfully out the window like even the view had gotten prettier.
At the front, the homeroom teacher waved Naomi over. “Naomi, the school has high hopes for your results. Winning an award in this competition could add points to your SAT. It’s a huge honor. How do you think you did?”
Naomi’s face paled with every word.
“I know your last exam didn’t go well, but before this competition, you swore you’d make it up to us. You told me yourself this time wouldn’t be a repeat. You wouldn’t disappoint me… right?”
Naomi’s throat tightened. She couldn’t get a word out.
She had been so sure Eliza would help her. That’s why she’d boldly promised her teacher that everything would go smoothly.
But now?
Eliza hadn’t lifted a finger.
And her own performance had been a disaster–worse than her last monthly exam.
Chapter 37 A Taste of Her Own Medicine
If the teacher found out, her reputation would be shattered.
“I actually, I
Before she could finish, Zayden stepped in. “Even if Naomi didn’t do that well, it’s okay. I’m confident I’ll place.”
The teacher’s eyes lit up with relief.
As long as one of her students placed, whether it was Naomi or Zayden, she’d still earn recognition.
“Good, good. Just getting a spot in the city math competition will be a major boost for your SAT score.”
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