A Film Queen

Chapter 258 The General Surprises Everyone #Finished The approach worked. Upon noticing Stephanie's fitful crying, Xavier finally shifted his attention from the pair at the table. To comfort her, he awkwardly said, "Stephanie, stop the tears. I'm sorry, it's on me. I got sidetracked for a second there. You're truly one-of-a-kind, and I'm really proud of you." With tears, Stephanic looked at Xavier pitifully and asked, "Do you mean that, Xavier?" "Definitely. To me, you stand out more than anyone," he faltered, puzzled by his own genuine outburst.

Stephanie, missing the brief shift in Xavier's expression, was comforted as he focused back on her.

She gave a compliant nod, giving Milly a quick look, her heart filled with scorn and thinking. Do you believe you stand a chance against me? "Xavier, you're the best. I always knew your heart is with me. This makesso happy... Stephanie started to say.

But before she could complete her thought, the clock on the wall chimed, announcing it was five o'clock.

Lucius's gaze turned sharp, her voice cold and commanding, "Let's start!" And with that, he grabbed a pen and dived into the questions.

The contest kicked off at five and wrapped up at six.- Milly, just getting ready to focus, was caught off guard by a breezy gust, making her outfit flutter.

Suddenly, she saw Xavier beside her, quickly signing his non his test paper.

Caught by surprise by Xavier's decision to join in, Milly asked, "Xavier, you're entering the quiz too?" Seeing her confused look, Xavier replied awkwardly, "Is that an issue?" Milly paused before saying, "Well, no...

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hour. Think you can make it?" Milly whispered under her breath, “Has he lost it?" In reality, only Xavier understood his own hesitation.

Finished It struck him as almost ridiculous-Milly, who loved to mess with Stephanie and spread negativity, is somehow better than me? This thought made him feel minor and diminished.

Ranked fifth nationally in the college entrance exam, with Milily leading nationwide, Xavier tried to brush it off as just the nature of the exams putting them at different ranks. But deep down, he couldn't shake off the feeling it was just an excuse.

Determined not to be seen as lesser, he aimed to show Milly he was more capable than she expected. Meanwhile, Lucius ploughed through the exam at an unmatched pace, his focus unbreakable. Witnessing Lucius's diligence, Milly and Xavier stopped their back-and-forth, especially after Jonathan's frustrated yell.

"Will you two cut out the bickering and get on with it? Lucius is already down two questions while you're here wasting tchatting!" The Burnetts knew all too well how crucial it was to stick together when facing outside challenges. They allowed disagreements among themselves but presented a united front regarding opposing forces.

Their principle was simple. 'Protect your own.

Jonathan's firm scolding snapped Milly and Xavier back to their exam. Although they had wasted stime, their talent enabled them to make up for it slowly.

While the exams occupied the students, the older men nearby grew increasingly fidgety. Unable to stand the quiet after a few moments, they gave in to their restlessness.

Doug quietly asked, "So, who do we think will cout on top among these three? 2/4 ☐:80% Chapter 258 The General Surprises Everyone Finished Looking slightly smug, Philip snorted and said dismissively, "Oh, no doubt, my grandchildren. One's a top national performer, and the other leads an acclaimed research institute. Both are clearly outstanding." Thomas couldn't help but roll his eyes, joining in, "The real powerhouse here is definitely my Lucius. Did you know Lucius took the college entrance exam with a fever? In any normal situation, he'd likely score perfectly!" Philip scoffed, "Big talk!" "You!" As their debate got louder, disturbing the focused children, Frank swiftly said, "Okay, okay, let's keep it down." "But seeing how confident each of you is in your children, why don't we bet on it?" Philip raised an eyebrow, a bit confused, "A bet? But the kids already have their own bet going."

Frank replied with a smile, "That's between them. How about we have our own bet? I'm putting my money of Lucius coming out on top. We've watched him grow, and his capabilities are extraordinary." Philip, getting agitated, retorted, "Says the one hedging his bets! "My grandchildren are going to win, If they do, you two will polish my shoes for a month! And if they don't, I'll polish yours." Frank was momentarily shocked by Philip's bold proposal.

Polishing a general's shoes.

Hmm...

Yet, overflowing with confidence in his grandchildren, Thomas didn't flinch. He slammed the table, caressed his beard and declared, "It's a deal!" "No backing out now!" Their discussion had bectoo loud, causing Milly to look visibly annoyed.

Aware of her discomfort. Iordan quickly approached the elders with a courteous smile, "Gentlemen, could we maybe keep it down a bit? Nobody wins if it's too loud, and you'll all shine shoes." The group of grumpy old men went silent at once.

The room returned to its earlier tense quiet, the only sound being the flutter of pages.

Not long after. Lucius finished her test while Milly and Xavier were still working through the first page.

Thomas couldn't help but boast at Philip, "You might as well concede defeat now. I might even let you off with just three days of shoe shining." Philip scoffed and rolled his eyes, "Keep dreaming!"

Despite his assertions to the contrary, the rosary he was holding twisted quickly in his hands, his thought's quietly hopeful for his grandchildren's success.