Chapter 84
The Bryant Manor buzzed with an unusual excitement early that morning.
It was the day college admissions results were announced, and Kate had returned home with her twin sons, bright and early. In addition to them, the rest of the Bryant clan, including Clifford and Bacchus, were eagerly waiting at home.
Bacchus, a man who held family values close to his heart, always insisted on a sense of ceremony on big family occasions.
Thus, the congregation today was in anticipation of the college admissions announcements.
Quite a few of the Bryant youngsters had taken the SATs that year.
Aside from Kate’s twins, one of whom was preparing to study abroad, and Amber, who had secured early admission, there was Hobson, and Winnie, all of whom had sat for the exams.
And setting aside the others, Hobson was a consistent top scorer and the favorite to be valedictorian, a moment the family hoped to witness together.
“How’s York’s study abroad preparation coming along?” Bacchus, who had watched his grandsons grow up, was just as invested in them as his own children.
Kate, busy with work emails on her phone, paused to answer Bacchus. “Everything’s almost set. Shawn bought a place near campus for him. I’ve got some contacts in the industry to keep an eye on him. They’ll help look after York once he’s abroad.”
Kate, the only daughter in her branch of the family, had not been raised spoiled. Instead, she was fiercely independent and competitive, always driven. She was a powerhouse
professionally but respected her children’s wishes at home. That’s why one twin had chosen to study design overseas, while the other pursued filmmaking at home.
Bacchus was content with his daughter’s capabilities, but he still inquired about the twins” elder brother, Yates.
Leonie, sensing the moment, chimed in with a smile, “Kate always knows best, but aren’t the twins going to miss each other, being apart suddenly?”
“They’re grown now, each with their own path to take. They can’t always be joined at the hip like when they were kids,” Kate replied, her tone indifferent. She wasn’t particularly close to Leonie, who seemed content playing the part of a well–to–do housewife.
Leonie, unoffended by the rebuff, was more focused on her son Hobson, today’s star.
“You’re right, Kate. I had thought about sending Hobson abroad too. He’s always excelled academically and even did a study abroad program. But he didn’t want to go, so it’s up to him. Our local universities are excellent, too. It’s just a matter of choosing.”
Her voice was soft, but the bragging was clear.
12:36
Chapter 4
Janet, seeing Kate uninterested in engaging, stepped in to smooth things over with a laugh, “With Hobson’s grades, he can pick any university he likes.”
Looking at Hobson, she asked, “Have you decided on a school yet?”
Hobson nodded, “I’m going to Emerald University, like Amber.”
As he spoke, he glanced at Winnie, remembering their wager, and quickly fell silent.
Janet, unaware of the bet, probed further, “Why not Capital University?”
“Emerald University is great, and it’s closer to home.” Amber cut in, then turned to Winnie, saying, “Winnie, have you decided between Capital University and Emerald University? You should come to Emerald University with us; it’ll be nice to have company.”
Before Winnie could respond, Cutler interjected, “Results aren’t out yet. It’s not like she can just choose any university she wants.”
Because Clifford was there, Cutler tempered his mockery. But even his flat tone seemed to irk Clifford, though he refrained from scolding the youngster in front of everyone.
Springer, however, was fearless. He retorted, “You just said it yourself, the results aren’t out. How do you know Winnie can’t choose any university she wants?”
Cutler, constantly irritated by Springer’s brazen attitude, was about to retort when Abdul walked in, his expression peculiar, “Sir, a college admissions officer has arrived.”
The very mention of an admissions officer sparked a surge of excitement among the Bryants, with Hobson instinctively sitting up straighter.
In Emerald Bay, if a college admissions officer made a house call, it was a privilege reserved for the valedictorian.
The family was visibly pleased, their eyes on Hobson, proud and expectant.
“Are they here for Hobson?” Leonie’s voice trembled with excitement.
Abdul glanced awkwardly at Winnie and said, “Actually, they’re here for Ms. Henderson.”
The Bryants were momentarily stunned. All eyes turned to Winnie, who remained calm, evidently unsurprised.
“Winnie, congratulations…” Leonie managed to say, hiding her disappointment.
“It’s okay,” Winnie responded nonchalantly.
Horace raised an eyebrow, noting Abdul’s conflicted look, and asked, “Which college’s admissions officer is it?”
Everyone turned to Abdul, curious. Indeed, why the peculiar expression if it was simply an admissions visit? Before Abdul could reply, the answer walked through the door.
The man who approached was a sight to behold: he wore a flowing robe reminiscent of a wizard’s cloak, with a peculiar topknot perched atop his head. Though he had an air of
Chapter 84
mystique about him, it did nothing to hide the fact that he was a sorcerer of some sort.
Nadine couldn’t help but whisper first, “Mom, that guy’s dressed super weird.”
Leonie quickly wrapped her arms around Nadine, “Hush, don’t be rude.”
Her reprimand came with a suppressed smile.
Hobson, who had initially been struck by the man’s arrival, now seemed relaxed and even slightly amused by the situation.
Cutler’s eyes flickered with a hint of mockery.
They all knew that Winnie couldn’t possibly have outperformed Hobson.
This so–called admissions officer, he looked like he was from some back–alley institution, barely worth mentioning.
Sure enough, the sorcerer bowed politely to the Bryant family before fixing his gaze on Winnie.
“Are you the young Miss Bryant?” he began, “I am the admissions officer from the EU Supernatural Department. I’m here today to extend an invitation for Miss Bryant to join our Supernatural Department.”
The Bryants were filled with a mix of emotions.
Though they all knew that Winnie had a penchant for tinkering with the supernatural things, even Bacchus had come to accept his granddaughter’s “hobby.”
But to actually have a sorcerer show up at their doorstep for “recruitment” was a situation that bordered on the absurd.
What even was this Supernatural Department? They had never heard of it.
Could such an institute be anything but a sham?
Middleton, a staunch skeptic, couldn’t help but frown, “Winnie, I know you’re into this stuff, but you are not going to that school.”
No matter how poor her grades were, it was out of the question to attend a school that sounded like it lacked even the basic credentials of a university. If a Bryant child were to attend some occult academy, the family’s reputation would be in tatters!
He was vehemently against it!
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