I walked up onto the stage confidently, mimed rolling up nonexistent sleeves, planted my hands on my hips, and smiled at her little clique.
“I’ve actually got plenty of skills—throwing spoiled brats over my shoulder, slapping the smug off a fake sweetheart, stabbing a bully with a compass, or making one drink toilet water. Which of you wants to help me demonstrate?”
The atmosphere froze instantly, and I could feel their glares slicing into me like knives.
My parents and Ethan glared at me in disappointment.
At that moment, a delivery man suddenly burst into the hall, shouting,
“Who’s Madison Clark? I’ve got your acceptance letter from Harvard—congratulations!”
Perfect timing.
The awkwardness on everyone’s faces turned into shock.
Olivia’s face went from pale to flushed red, disbelief written all over her.
“What? Madison Clark? Harvard? I must have heard wrong!”
“This has to be a mistake—she didn’t even take the SAT, how could she get into Harvard?”
“Yeah, this delivery guy must’ve been paid to fake it and make her look good.”
The delivery man’s brow furrowed.
“Who’s Madison Clark? Please sign for this. I’ve got other packages to deliver.”
Olivia lunged forward, snatching the envelope and tearing it open.
Richard leaned in, his face serious.
When he saw the bold crimson Harvard seal, his eyes widened and he grabbed the letter from her hands.
He stared at it over and over before finally looking up, his expression breaking into uncontrollable excitement.
“It’s real! It’s real! My daughter has been accepted to Harvard!”
Margaret clasped his hand, overjoyed.
Olivia’s shoulders slumped, her face full of panic.
I curled my lips into a cold smile.
Can’t handle it already?
I seized the moment.
“Dad, Mom, today’s not just my official return to the family—it’s also my birthday. Can you grant me one birthday wish?”
Richard, still grinning from ear to ear, agreed instantly.
“Of course, sweetheart. Ask for anything—you have my word.”
