The Secret Heir Return To Wealth And Love

But he was unfazed by this small incident. He strolled back to the podium with a grin, captivated the audience with his passion, and lavished praise on Cory once more.

Half an hour later, Paige burst into laughter in front of Cory, "Man, you should've seen the look on the principal's face. Priceless!"

"I'm starving. Let's head home for dinner," Cory said, taking Rosalynn's hand as they made their way out.

With the pad of her thumb, Rosalynn gently caressed the back of Cory's small hand. "It's okay, honey. Next time you don't want to do something like this, just tell the teacher straight up. No need to push yourself."

"I didn't mind it," Cory replied. "Who doesn't like a little recognition? I just didn't like that speech they wrote."

The script had started with three hundred words waxing poetic about the beautiful, sunny day.d2

Cory recalled the recent school event where kids from other classes, cheeks painted bright red, stood on stage, reciting with great emotion. He was so over it.

He threw away the script without a second thought.

The teacher had suggested, "If you don't like it, feel free to improvise."

So he did.

Short and sweet. No time wasted, or he'd miss dinner.

Since they were a big crowd, they had to split into two cars.

Jaime had wanted to ride with Rosalynn, but he ended up with Paige instead.

What irked him most was that neither Trista wanted to be with him nor with their parents - she insisted on staying with Molly, bursting into tears if anyone else tried to take her. Rosalynn was surprised too; Trista seemed to really take to Molly.

Seeing this, Ivy quipped with precision, "Everyone loves a pretty girl. Don't you, Mommy?"

Rosalynn was speechless.

"Of course," she then replied with a smile.

"By the way, Molly, have you picked a tutor yet?" Rosalynn deftly changed the subject.

"I'm getting there," Molly said.

"Good," Rosalynn nodded. "Since you've decided to take the middle school entrance exams next year, this summer is going to be a bit tough."

"I'm aware," Molly said, squeezing Trista's chubby little hand.

Cory glanced back but said nothing.

Back at Moonlit Lake.

After finishing a phone call, Rosalynn turned to find Cory waiting patiently.

"What's up?" she asked, approaching quickly.

"Mommy, is Molly really taking the entrance exams next year?"

"Yes," Rosalynn nodded. "Do you think it's too soon? I thought she could wait another year."

Molly had arrived at Moonlit Lake when she was eleven and was nearly thirteen now; she'd be just fourteen at the time of the exams.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

"It's fine, depends on her ability and wishes," Cory shook his head. "Mommy, I've been thinking about skipping a grade too."

"It's not out of the question. Your father and I have discussed whether we should advance you to a higher grade, but we also wanted you to have some time with your peers. If you want to skip a grade, then I'll make the arrangements."

"I'll handle it," Cory shook his head. "You're busy enough. I'll talk to the teachers and you can just sign the papers."

"Are you sure?" Rosalynn asked.

It wasn't about wasting time or being too busy. She always believed if Cory and Ivy wanted to handle their own affairs, she would support them.

Cory nodded.

"Alright, then. You go ahead and arrange it. If there's any issue, you just let me know, okay?"

"Okay," Cory nodded again, visibly more cheerful.

"Seriously, this is madness!" Jaime stormed over like a drama queen.

"What now?" Rosalynn asked.

"Trista and Ivy, they're both all about Molly now. They don't even play with me anymore!" He turned to Cory, his face a mask of mock despair, "At least Cory isn't charmed by Molly. You're all I've got left! Come on, let's go play some video games!"