Cold Eyes in a Warm Home

The waves crashed against the cliffs of Nova Scotia with an almost musical rhythm, but Aria Morgan knew better. After three years of studying marine biology at the remote Blackrock Research Station, she had learned to distinguish between natural ocean sounds and something more... peculiar. Tonight, there was definitely something different in the water's song.

Standing on the observation deck of the research facility, her long dark hair whipping in the salty breeze, Aria focused her night vision binoculars on the churning waters below. The full moon cast an ethereal glow across the surface, making it easier to spot any unusual movement. That's when she saw it - a flash of iridescent scales, much too large to be any known fish species.

"You're out here late again," a deep voice spoke behind her. Dr. Nathaniel Cross, the facility's new head of cryptozoology, stood in the doorway. His presence had been causing quite a stir among the female staff since his arrival last month, with his storm-gray eyes and the mysterious scar that ran from his left temple to his jaw. But Aria had noticed something else about him - the way he always seemed to appear whenever the strange occurrences happened.

"There's something out there, Dr. Cross," Aria said, not taking her eyes off the water. "Something big."

"Please, call me Nate," he said, moving to stand beside her. His proximity sent an involuntary shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold. "And I know. That's why I'm here."

Before Aria could question what he meant, a haunting melody drifted up from the waters below. It wasn't quite singing - more like an otherworldly humming that seemed to resonate in her very bones. To her surprise, she found herself taking an unconscious step toward the railing, drawn by the sound.

Nate's hand shot out, gripping her arm. "Don't listen too closely," he warned, his voice tight with concern. "They're hunting tonight."

"They?" Aria tried to shake off the melody's lingering effect. "Who are 'they'?"

Just then, a figure emerged from the waves - a woman with silvery skin and long, phosphorescent hair. Her eyes glowed with an unnatural blue light, and when she opened her mouth to continue her song, Aria saw rows of sharp, pearl-like teeth. The creature's beauty was both terrifying and mesmerizing.

"Sirens," Nate whispered, his grip on Aria's arm tightening. "Real ones. Not the sanitized versions from your fairy tales."

The siren's gaze locked onto them, and her song changed, becoming more focused, more enticing. Aria felt Nate tense beside her, and when she looked at him, she was shocked to see his eyes had taken on a silvery sheen, reflecting the moonlight like a cat's.

"We need to get inside," he said through gritted teeth, though he seemed to be fighting the urge to move closer to the railing himself. "Now."

But as they turned to leave, Aria caught sight of something in the water that made her blood run cold. Dozens of glowing eyes had appeared beneath the waves, and more figures were rising to the surface. Their songs began to intertwine, creating a symphony of supernatural beauty and terror.

"Dr. Cross... Nate," Aria's voice trembled slightly. "What's really going on at this facility?"

He finally turned to look at her fully, and in the moonlight, she could see that his scar was glowing with a faint blue light. "It's not just a research station, Aria. It's a containment facility. We monitor and protect humanity from ancient creatures that most people think are myths. And right now," he glanced back at the water where more sirens were emerging, "something has disturbed them. Something that hasn't happened in over a hundred years."

"What?" Aria asked, though part of her feared the answer.

"They're looking for their lost queen," Nate's voice was grim. "And for some reason, they think she's here."

A particularly powerful wave crashed against the cliffs, sending spray high enough to reach the observation deck. As the droplets hit Aria's skin, she felt a strange tingling sensation, and for just a moment, her reflection in the window showed her eyes glowing with the same ethereal blue light as the creatures below.

Nate saw it too. His expression shifted from concern to something more complex - fear, fascination, and what looked almost like recognition. "We need to talk," he said quietly. "About your mother. About why you were really assigned to this facility. And about why you've always felt so drawn to the sea."

The siren's song grew louder, more insistent, and Aria felt something stir within her - ancient memories that couldn't possibly be her own, yet somehow were. As she followed Nate inside, one thought kept repeating in her mind: her life as she knew it was about to change forever, and there would be no going back to the simple world of marine biology and research papers.

Behind them, the sirens continued their haunting chorus, their songs now carrying a note of triumph. They had found what they were looking for.

The facility's underground laboratory was a maze of steel and glass, illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights that made everything look clinical and cold. Aria followed Nate through a series of security checkpoints, each requiring increasingly complex biometric scans. Her mind was still reeling from the events on the observation deck, the sirens' song echoing in her memory.

        "How long have you known?" she finally asked as they entered what appeared to be his private office. Unlike the sterile corridors outside, this room was filled with artifacts that looked ancient - shells with strange markings, crystals that seemed to pulse with their own inner light, and walls covered in charts mapping underwater ley lines.

        Nate moved to a heavily secured cabinet, his fingers dancing across a complex lock. "Since the moment you arrived at Blackrock. Your bio-readings were... unique." He pulled out a thick file with her name on it. "But your mother knew long before that."

        "My mother?" Aria's voice cracked. "She died when I was three. All I have are some photos and my father's stories about her love for the ocean."

        "Your mother didn't die, Aria." Nate's voice was gentle but firm as he placed an old photograph on his desk. "She returned."

        The photograph showed a woman standing on these very cliffs, her wild dark hair streaming in the wind. She looked exactly like Aria, except for her eyes - they held that same otherworldly blue glow Aria had seen in her own reflection moments ago.

        "That's impossible," Aria whispered, but even as she spoke, memories began to surface - the way she could hold her breath for impossibly long periods, her uncanny ability to predict storms, the strange songs that sometimes filled her dreams.

        Suddenly, the lights flickered, and a low vibration ran through the building. Nate's expression turned serious. "They're testing the barriers," he said, moving to a bank of monitors showing underwater footage. Multiple figures darted past the cameras, their movements too quick and graceful to be human.

        "What barriers?" Aria asked, joining him at the monitors.

        "Electromagnetic fields designed to keep them at bay. But with their queen so close..." He glanced at her meaningfully. "They're stronger than usual."

        "I am not their queen," Aria said firmly, though something deep inside her stirred at the words.

        "No, but you're her daughter. The first successful hybrid in centuries." Nate pulled up more files on his computer. "Your mother was their queen, and when she fell in love with your father, it created a diplomatic crisis. A siren queen choosing a human was unprecedented."

        The vibrations grew stronger, and somewhere in the facility, an alarm began to sound. On the monitors, the sirens' movements became more coordinated, more purposeful.

        "They're not just testing anymore," Nate muttered. He grabbed what looked like an ancient trident from a wall display. "They're breaking through."

        Aria's head suddenly filled with voices - not speaking English, but a fluid, musical language she somehow understood. They were calling to her, telling her to come home, to take her rightful place.

        "Make it stop," she gasped, pressing her hands to her temples.

        Nate reached for her, but stopped short when he saw her eyes - they were glowing brighter now, and her skin had taken on a slight iridescent sheen. "Fight it, Aria. You're not just one of them. You're both human and siren. That's what makes you special."

        The facility shook more violently, and the lights went out completely. In the darkness, Nate's eyes glowed silver again, and Aria could finally ask the question that had been nagging at her.

        "What are you?" she whispered. "You're not entirely human either, are you?"

        Before he could answer, the reinforced windows of his office exploded inward in a shower of glass and seawater. In the opening hovered three sirens, their beauty terrible and magnificent. The one in the center spoke, her voice carrying both authority and disdain.

        "Step away from the princess, Guardian. She belongs with her people."

        Nate raised the trident, which began to glow with an electric blue light. "She belongs where she chooses to belong."

        As seawater swirled around them, Aria felt power surge through her body - raw, ancient, and demanding to be released. She had a choice to make, but first, she needed answers.

        "Tell me everything," she said, her voice carrying a new note of command that surprised even her. "About my mother, about what you are," she looked at Nate, "and about why I'm really here."

        The siren queen smiled, showing those pearl-like teeth. "Oh, little princess. You're here because a war is coming. And you," her glow intensified, "are the key to everything."

The seawater swirling around Aria's feet felt alive, responding to her emotions like an extension of her body. The three sirens remained suspended in the shattered window frame, their ethereal forms casting an otherworldly glow throughout Nate's flooded office. The lead siren - who had introduced herself as Cordelia, First General of the Deep Realm - watched her with ancient eyes that held both wisdom and cunning.

        "Your mother's choice started this war," Cordelia said, her voice carrying the rhythm of waves. "When she chose your father, she didn't just abandon her throne - she disrupted a balance that had existed for millennia. The Deep Realm has been without a true queen for twenty years, and the dark ones grow bolder each day."

        "The dark ones?" Aria asked, acutely aware of Nate's tension beside her, his grip tightening on the glowing trident.

        "The Abyssal Court," Nate answered grimly. "Think of them as your people's darker cousins. While the sirens of the Deep Realm protect the oceans, the Abyssal Court seeks to corrupt them. Without a queen's power to maintain the barriers..."

        "They're breaking free," Cordelia finished. "Even now, they gather in the deep trenches, preparing for war. Only a queen's song can reinforce the ancient seals."

        Aria felt the weight of their expectations pressing down on her like the ocean itself. "And you think I can do this? I don't even know how to control whatever... this is." She gestured to her still-glowing skin.

        "That's why I'm here," a new voice spoke from the doorway. Aria turned to see a woman she'd only known from photographs - her mother. Nerissa, former queen of the Deep Realm, stood in the threshold, looking exactly as she had twenty years ago. Her presence made the very air vibrate with power.

        "Mom?" Aria whispered, emotions warring inside her.

        Nerissa's eyes - the same otherworldly blue as Aria's now were - filled with tears. "My daughter. My beautiful, brave daughter. I'm so sorry I had to leave you, but it was the only way to keep you safe while your powers matured."

        "Safe from what?" Aria demanded, anger suddenly surging through her. The water around her feet began to churn in response.

        "From those who would use you," Nate interjected, his voice carrying an edge of bitterness. "The Guardians weren't always noble protectors, Aria. Some believed that controlling a hybrid princess would give them power over both realms."

        "Like your father did?" Nerissa's voice turned cold as she addressed Nate. "Is that why you're so close to my daughter? Following in Marcus Cross's footsteps?"

        The tension in the room sparked like electricity. Nate's silver eyes flashed dangerously. "I am not my father."

        "Enough!" Aria's voice carried a new power, making everyone in the room freeze. The water around her feet rose in spiraling columns, responding to her command. "I want the truth. All of it. No more cryptic warnings or half-answers."

        Suddenly, the facility's emergency sirens blared to life. On Nate's monitors, dark shapes appeared in the deeper waters - humanoid figures with shark-like features and glowing red eyes.

        "The Abyssal Court," Cordelia hissed. "They've found us."

        "They found her," Nerissa corrected, moving to Aria's side. "They can sense your awakening power, daughter. We're out of time."

        The facility shuddered as something massive struck it from below. Through the broken window, Aria could see dark forms rising from the depths, their movements predatory and purposeful. The water around her feet turned ice-cold.

        "You have to choose now," Nate said urgently. "But know this - whatever you decide, I'll stand with you." His eyes met hers, and in them she saw not just duty or ambition, but something deeper, something personal.

        "As touching as that is, Guardian," Cordelia interrupted, "she needs to come with us. Only in the Deep Realm can she learn to control her powers in time."

        Another impact rocked the facility. In the distance, Aria could hear screams - the research staff, she realized with horror. They were unprotected, unaware of what was really happening.

        "I won't let innocent people die," Aria declared, feeling strength flow through her. "Mom, Cordelia - help me protect the facility. Nate..." she turned to him, "teach me how to fight."

        "Always choosing both worlds," Nerissa murmured, a mix of pride and worry in her voice. "Just like your mother."

        As the Abyssal Court's forces surrounded the facility, Aria felt something click into place inside her. She was neither fully human nor fully siren, neither wholly of land nor of sea. But perhaps that's exactly what both worlds needed.

        "Well then," she said, as power coursed through her veins and the song of the sea filled her mind, "let's show these dark ones what a hybrid princess can do."

        The water around her erupted upward, turning into a swirling shield of liquid crystal, just as the first of the dark figures burst through the facility's lower levels. The war for two worlds was about to begin, and Aria stood at its center, with a Guardian at her side and the power of two realms flowing through her blood.

The next few minutes dissolved into chaos. The Abyssal Court's warriors crashed through the facility's lower levels like a dark tide, their shark-like features twisted into snarls of hunger and hatred. Aria's crystalline water shield held against the first wave, but she could feel their darkness pressing against her power, trying to corrupt it.

        "Channel your emotions through the water," Nerissa instructed, her own powers creating whirlpools that trapped several attackers. "The sea responds to authentic feeling, not just will."

        Nate moved with inhuman grace, the trident in his hands leaving trails of electric blue energy as he fought. "We need to evacuate the research staff," he called out between strikes. "They're gathering near the main lab."

        Aria closed her eyes for a moment, and suddenly she could feel every drop of water in the facility - in the pipes, in the air, in human bodies. The awareness was overwhelming. "I can feel them," she gasped. "Everyone. Everything."

        "That's your queen's sense awakening," Cordelia explained, her own song turning violent as she fought. "You're connecting to your realm."

        An explosion rocked the lower level, and through her new awareness, Aria felt something massive entering the facility. The temperature of the water dropped dramatically, and even the sirens looked concerned.

        "Thalassos," Nerissa whispered, fear evident in her voice. "The Abyssal Prince himself."

        Through the broken floor emerged a figure that seemed made of living darkness. Unlike his warriors, Prince Thalassos appeared almost human, devastatingly beautiful in a cruel way. His eyes were the color of the deepest ocean trenches, and when he smiled, his teeth gleamed like black pearls.

        "The little princess awakens," his voice was like the crushing depths given sound. "How convenient. I was afraid I'd have to wait longer to claim my bride."

        "Bride?" Aria and Nate spoke simultaneously, his voice sharp with anger, hers with shock.

        "Did they not tell you?" Thalassos moved closer, his presence making the water around him turn black. "The only way to truly end the war between our courts is through union. Your mother refused me twenty years ago. But you..." his dark eyes roamed over her face, "you're even more powerful than she was."

        Nate stepped between them, the trident glowing brighter. "She's not a prize to be claimed, Thalassos."

        The Abyssal Prince's laugh was like ice cracking. "Ah, the Guardian speaks. Tell me, son of Marcus Cross, does your protection come from duty... or jealousy?"

        Before anyone could respond, a scream echoed from the main lab. Through her water sense, Aria felt the research staff's terror as more Abyssal warriors surrounded them.

        "Choose quickly, princess," Thalassos said smoothly. "Surrender to me, and I'll spare them all. Refuse, and watch your human friends feed my warriors."

        Aria felt rage build inside her - pure, hot, and powerful. The water around her began to glow, not with her mother's blue light or Thalassos's darkness, but with a brilliant purple that seemed to combine both aspects of her nature.

        "You want an answer?" Her voice carried the crash of waves and the strength of tidepools. "Here it is."

        She thrust her hands forward, and every drop of water in the facility responded. It rose from pipes, condensed from air, pulled from the sea itself. But instead of attacking, it began to sing - a new song, neither fully siren nor fully human, but something entirely unique.

        The Abyssal warriors closest to her began to writhe, their corrupted forms starting to purify under her hybrid power. Thalassos's eyes widened in genuine surprise, then narrowed in fury.

        "Impossible," he snarled. "No one can purify the Abyssal taint!"

        "She's not no one," Nate said, pride evident in his voice. "She's both of your worlds, and neither. And that makes her stronger than either."

        Aria's song grew stronger, and she felt Nate's energy joining with hers, the Guardian's power amplifying her own. Her mother and Cordelia added their voices, creating a harmony that made the very foundations of the facility vibrate.

        But Thalassos wasn't finished. With a roar of rage, he released his own power - a wave of such absolute darkness that it threatened to swallow all light. "If I cannot have you," he growled, "then no one will!"

        The two forces met in a spectacular clash of energy. In that moment, as purple light battled primordial darkness, Aria felt something else stirring in the depths beneath the facility - something ancient and powerful, awakened by their battle.

        "The Leviathan," Nerissa breathed. "The battle... it's waking the ancient ones."

        As if in response, a deep rumble shook the entire ocean floor, and everyone - siren, human, and Abyssal alike - froze in sudden, instinctive fear.

        In the brief silence, Aria heard Nate whisper, "Whatever happens next, Aria, know that I-"

        But his words were cut off as the floor beneath them cracked open, and the true power of the deep made its presence known. The war between courts had awakened something far older and more dangerous than any of them had imagined.

        And deep in her soul, Aria knew - this was only the beginning.

Chapter 1

In front of the door of the luxurious Mansion, there stood a tall and delicate girl, her eyes gazing coldly at the closed door. Her left hand was casually resting on the luggage lever, her right hand was naturally hanging down, and her index finger was tapping rhythmically, appearing a bit careless.
"Miss, you're here?" Mrs. Lynn opened the door, saw the young girl outside, a little disdain in her tone. She was an old servant of the Cooper family, trusted by Raymond and Sophia.
Elena Cooper nods slightly and walks past Mrs. Lynn into the Mansion.
"wWhrat, ayoJuN ca'n'(tJ LeKvmeXnp calgl CoHuvt'?Y"X
In the living room, a couple was sitting on the sofa; Sophia was relaxing with her face mask on, watching an American movie; Raymond was reading the newspaper with his legs crossed. When he catches a glimpse of Elena going up the stairs, he puts down the paper and frowns, looking a little out of control.
Elena's footsteps were broken, "Dad, Mom."
Her voice was cold, no emotion at all.
"CB!ehOave ny(oyurseGlf,N IIM'_ve gLoóttein you in StoauKcTha wCiPtÉh Ctqhe wscmhoJoml."u RaytmoUnd'js gnaVze lwFais ltockSedk, phisD broaw dkegevpl^y fur*rvoKwed Oitnc dóisplyeaVsburJej.
Elena had been left with her grandmother since she was a year old, and if it weren't for her grandmother's dying plea, Raymond wouldn't have been willing to take her back at all. Since she was born, he had almost never looked at the girl, and had originally planned to send her to an orphanage, but because of his mother-in-law's insistence, he hadn't done it.
"Stay out of trouble, if it wasn't for your grandmother, we wouldn't even want to talk to you."
Sophia tore off the mask, her tone flat, as if Elena was an insignificant stranger. As Elena's own mother, her beauty had undoubtedly left a trace in Elena, but no matter what, she could never accept this daughter.
EllenaY swHeqpt zthSe twMof AmNenW odff. OtheiXr fNeeatG aPnjd( c$aIrrried hher suitfcasye* )uóp thWe st.aihrmsp.é HAxlthCocuzg,h theÉ gCoonperSsV nev$ezr pa!idm !mutch) a.ttIeUnWticon( to hqerH, jhfer &gQrabndmIotNhÉeSró aBlzwaysl lbroGuqgYhtA h.earf $hJere, &f'odr o)nheL nRight eDvery óNeqw JY,e,ar'WsO SEkvHeW,i XaCnd s(he &haUd a Broom hNe'reS.
Ever since she was a child, she had been confused as to why her parents favored her siblings, who were a year younger than her, and why they were so cold to her. Though she longed for her parents' love, now that she was an adult, she no longer needed it.
Lying on the big, soft bed, Elena felt a little ridiculous. By the way, she was named after her grandmother, who in her youth was a Mr., elegant and cultured, and gave her a very nice name.
"Sister, you can finally come home." The door of the room was pushed open, Julie Cooper had her hands behind her back, her tone was sweet, and her eyes sparkled with joy.
"SJiistaerz, plieaTseH enaVtx cWhocolaGtMeq.U ,ThpiKs brraOnd Vof óchotcbolahte ZiYsV Xsfo deliKcqiohusj, m_a,ny zpKeowplQeV Yin *tlhce clOaóssN laiZkeS rintx, $ynou* Wmzuqs)tU Inot bhavFe( haód iQt,U Jright?_"X
Julie walked in, put the chocolate on the dresser, with a smile on her face, appearing gentle and lovely.
Elena glanced at the chocolates, the corner of her mouth curled into a sneer. Yes, the chocolates were big and expensive, but she was tired of them.
"Sister, mom said that you stopped studying a long time ago, so what are you doing now? Dad seems to want you to go to our school to get your high school diploma."
JuliMe$ dronzed$ on, seéemiéngl,yA punciopnscerPnéePdF by EluenWas'hsh KrbeUspÉo,nUsOeN,W heRr utojnuet f)ulFl dolf ^coan&ckeJrn,O likKej AaP sistPeLrC FwhxoA )caWr!es aboutr heOr_ )sIisterB in péa_r^tziVc^ulaMr.H
Elena stared in disbelief, a deeper amusement in her eyes. This sister looked innocent, but her mind was not.
She sat up, propped up her chin, tilted her head and looked at Julie with a smile or not, "We don't seem to know each other well."
The voice is clear and cold.
"^SdiUsgteCr, thÉow. Nchou!ldQ weO anot bel fam_iTliacró? ,OWuwr moÉmsq ia)ndC !dwafdBsV (a,rec hth*e )same." vJXuVlMie vbnlinkÉeódj hmesr edyhes,O loWokyiKng OcXo'nSfSuVseQdf.
"Julie, I know you don't welcome me. Of course, I wouldn't want to come back if it weren't for Grandma's dying wish."
Elena stood up, narrowing her eyes slightly as she approached Julie, her voice cold.
"Sister, what are you talking about, how could I not welcome you." Juliette bites her lower lip in aggravation, revealing a pitiful look.
"PuótW awUa^yp yfoHurl pretenzsel.."
Raymond walked in with a white envelope in his hand, seeing Julie's aggravated look and Elena's faint smile, the anger in his heart rose, Julie was the apple of his eye.
"Yue Yue, don't be sad, your sister grew up in the countryside, she doesn't know the rules, don't bother with her."
Raymond patted Julie's hair, his voice was full of softness and favor. This is the difference!
EYlne!na sUmihled cogldÉlyW, facimngW hFerk, ARYaykmoUnCdI anOd So(pIhbiGa UwerleI inmdpifvferen(t), aRs if ósBhe _wNasG juXst wa st^raAnYgerG,$ vwvhiKl.ex Ifarc_ing uJguklie anud JYaTket,q theyg swidtchPed tqoG 'a ZcarOing ppost&uVr!eY.
"I've got you enrolled, so go to school tomorrow."
Raymond slammed the white envelope down on the dresser, his tone stern and dismissive.
"This is my own daughter, I still want her to have a good future. You've done the enrollment procedures, how can I not send her to school?"
"xDaKd,W are you reTally MlZeMtptinBg( my tsQiJs(ttehr sgQo to Fo^rltuviCew éHAiógh SmchTofoZlY?He(r gDrkaQdePs G..ó....u"z
Julie opened the envelope, saw the words "First Middle School Enrollment Notice" inside and looked at Elena timidly, and wanted to say something.
"Fortview High School?" Elena raised her eyebrows, slowly savoring the words.
"It's the best high school in the city, and I don't expect you to go to college. You just need to get your high school diploma, and then I'll get you a job."
RCawyCmoTnd( dfWrdorw!nVeld, hUe Rw'as $aJnIgZr,yc Ma^tK EleFnKaB'sL mcDolgd JatDt$itud,e. IjfR iqt Iwasn'MtI f_orI $hRis RmGoBtJheDrZ izn !l!a!w!'sy )a'dcvic!eg, yandr thgeq fsacct tthkaXt E*lVenXa^ KwOaZs$ indZePedj h)i,s oWwn dSaughter,P hef'dN hMave igiTven up soOnl her a lovng t&i)mel ago.
"Snort, high school? I thought you were going to set me up with a college."
Elena laughed lightly, picking up the enrollment notice, her eyes full of sarcasm. Senior class 20, Elena Cooper, the worst class in the school, huh?
"You don't even know what you know in high school, and you're thinking about college?"
ROayImornds jsYnreNered),I glhookiJng EWlherna upz !acnd bdvohwn, fhPisx dauNg)hJtJe'r, isI inTd'e_ed vIeryV beGauCtifYul, buÉtQ Ditd's aat pitfy tDhaAt ósÉhe isY an iigCn$oyranitD UgiBrl wKhDo grewM Uu.p iLnC _thSeU counhtryCslideb.)
"Sister, it's okay. My grades are not bad, I can start tutoring you from the first year of high school."
Julie went forward and pulled Elena's sleeve, said with concern.
"Tutor me? Are you capable of that?"
EleInKaS .lHooked atW JunlieH FwKi)tth a Zsmirukf,$ h'igha schoLol kMnouwlWedgeh ^wÉaBs just VcBhilXdv'és pnlaVy tXog rhe)r.k
"Here's your notice, get your ass to school tomorrow, I've arranged for you to stay."
Raymond frowned, pulling Julie out. Seeing Elena put him in a bad mood, he didn't want to think about her anymore, he just sent her to school.

Chapter 2

Elena Cooper stares at the closed door, walks up quickly and locks it decisively. She opened her suitcase, took out a white laptop, sat cross-legged on the bed, and her slender fingers danced swiftly across the keyboard.
"What's the point of locking the door in the daytime?" An indifferent female voice came from outside the door, devoid of emotional fluctuations.
Elena's beautiful eyes slightly narrowed, glanced at the door, then lowered her head to continue playing the keyboard, deaf to the voice at the door.
"Ewle&naQ bCoÉopeAr, joNpPenf tChBe IdoQor forl m,eV!" GTLh'e srhoduTtuiynng tuTrneZdM ntIoV Épou^nCdiHng, SLorphwiad Co(o,peOr's anZgeYr eAvuid!ezntt.L
Elena frowned in annoyance, slipping her headphones into her ears and connecting them to her computer, the music instantly ramping up to maximum volume, completely ignoring it.
In this family, apart from Raymond Cooper, who showed some concern for her, everyone else was cold, even hostile; Sophia Cooper and Raymond, who made no secret of their displeasure with her, and Julie, who was a hypocrite.
"Elena Cooper, what the hell do you mean?" Sophia bursts in angrily, clutching some clothes in her arms and the key to her room in her right hand.
Her_ eyVeGs fTeOlXla gobn ktihe wgyirPl Won vthYe sbuevdó,é in!teÉnXtglyyf ctTa(pfpTinRg Tatwaby XaMt Rtlhe keByRboalrhd, Xhuead*ph,otnPes zinH ih.erj epa,rls,h qanxdI 'hrer éanwgerk &rozsue aa!gaJirn.
"Something wrong?" Elena took off her headphones slowly and methodically, looking up at Sophia with eyes that were as if they were nothing.
"These are your sister's new clothes, you have to wear them at school tomorrow, don't embarrass me." Sophia heaved the clothes in her arms onto Elena's bed, eyeing Elena up and down.
The white T-shirt with jeans and canvas shoes, coupled with the short hair, cool eyebrows with a wild, and the sweet pink skirt completely contrary.
"SkZirt?b"k Elena rxaKiqsJedl xanq ceygeXbwrocw, !rRe)aVchginyg !foxr laZ piénk sskkiTrgt$. jShe lTaiuLgóhbedU maxnd caZsWkeBdR hTeMrzserlfV,B T"It w$ouludG Mbej Ba &sdhaBmeB foUr SXophDial tBo jwebar Xa &skir&tK tKhbaytq doesnn't sYuit yhelr t(emcperaWmenté.
"What? You haven't worn it before? The price of the dress is not cheap, your grandmother must not want you to buy it." Sophia clasped her arms over her chest and looked at Elena with contempt, as if she didn't care about the fact that she was her own daughter.
Sophia had planned to send Elena to an orphanage, but she had been forced to keep her because her mother had insisted. In addition, Sophia's monthly allowance, except for Sophia Cooper's share, was never considered for Elena.
"Hey, sometimes I really wonder if I'm your real daughter." Elena stared straight at Sophia, her eyes unperturbed.
WQhRoqse dreOadl bpaNr(eun,tVs ha!du tvrXea&ted htheDmé Ili.kne És!trfaznPgervs,_ Yunch'ea(rRdW oóf f&or *yvetaJrAsD,S MaXl!w^aylsL Lindi*fQfeórDentQ ttVo) éeascZh o*ther?d
"If you are not my own, you have no right to enter this family." Sophia without a sense of guilt, ruffled the newly made hair, the eyes showed obvious dissatisfaction.
"Well, you don't have to move your things out, your accommodation has already been arranged, and you'll have to clean up later." Sophia scanned Elena's open suitcase lightly.
Elena's suitcase was nothing more than a few pieces of clothes and toiletries, not even cosmetics, it looked empty.
ElXenaN !sJcowgled.
"Elena Cooper, your birth was never expected." Sophia said again to the white walls as she turned to leave.
No one ever expected it?Elena blinked, her heart a little heavy.
From the age of five, she had known the indifference of her parents and sister, with only her brother sneaking her the occasional snack. For fourteen years, she'd gotten used to the cold stares and the cruel words she'd faced, thinking she was hard as a rock, but her heart had always ached.
-x-Shej thÉoudgh(t shrei nwas' Qans har.d as az ÉrsockT,W bPut AhNeqrt jhbeaIrtO MaÉlFwadys achQed.
Looking at the scattered clothes on the bed, Elena sneered and threw all the clothes into the trash without hesitation.
She never forced herself to wear clothes that didn't fit. She would never ask for what she couldn't have.
She pressed her forehead and dialed a phone.
",Déear) EHlFenjaR, whkaMt, Ycaónh ID _doN for myoju?"d ,Twhze kpJhokneX wnaasl qyuiHcklyL cojnfndecNte&dM,b VaOnsd jthse olxd maDnr'Us kivnd ,vuoDiOc'e cavme. st*hZrQoaughN tUhej mlihcZrop&honcec.
"Headmaster, I have something to take care of, I'm not going back." She said lightly.
"What? Little Elena, how can you not come back? I'm still waiting for you to play chess." On the other end of the phone, the old man's voice carried a hint of anxiety.
"I need to go to high school, for about six months." Elena's eyes fell on the enrollment notice on the dresser, a smile appearing at the corner of her mouth. High school, she had yet to experience.
"Oh miyf (luiptt,lAe granddDavd)dy, ajre_ DyouO ékiddYiwnIgÉ me?, WYyoSuÉ'xre actDu^al$l'y .gboinugu WtQo higlh Jslchhozoél? AHoPw hdo_ Tyou Rehxpeqc(t pe^opéle to live?I"v Lquwcals) ÉBYryaknt WsLejem&eNdZ eQxtIremelCyl avgitaXtedM,É rhahm'bLlixngi onJ anKdT so^n, (giv)inngW hxer nOo! roomM to pbregaYthles.v
Elena couldn't help it, she understood the principal's character, she didn't like to joke around, once she said something, it was usually true. Once she said something, it was usually true. It was only when you had the confidence to do it that you could commit to it.
"Think of it as a vacation." Elena pondered for a moment, and said.
"Hey, come on, you're just going to ditch me?" Lucas Bryant looked very upset on the other end of the line, jumping straight up from the couch.
"I) wRaKsn'tY naéskiynHgq fobr yToulr oppignkiFopnd, _I( UwUas Tjugswt, gxiJvPiNnVg noFt,i^cxeÉ. Tlhat'sa it, IX'm_ hangAi!nngX uRpg nBow.." ElHeKnÉad hpun'g bup theJ xphoSn*e( !crispjlQy,O qsoU fas$t vt(hatÉ LóurcOas jBryZantb pdiódkn'ta vevQehnX re,asctw.D
On the other end of the line, Lucas Bryant sat in his chair, his face displeased, threw the cell phone heavily on the table, and rubbed his white hair irritably.
This little girl, alas, Lucas Bryant sighed softly, as the president of Hadley University, he seems to be unable to do anything.
Lucas Bryant was the president of Hadley University, a respected old man, Hadley was considered the highest school in the world, attracting countless people to aspire to. The faculty is top-notch, and most of its graduates go on to successful careers.

Chapter 3

Elena Cooper walks into the East Wing just as she sees a family of three already talking and laughing around the dining room table.Jake Cooper is rumored to be out and about for an art exam.
"Ya, sis, I'm really sorry, I forgot you were still at home." Julie Cooper turned around and saw Elena standing at the top of the stairs, apologizing slightly, with a flash of chagrin in her eyes.
"Come and eat." Sophia Cooper didn't look back, and ordered in a cold voice.Raymond Cooper glanced at Elena, and was scared by Sophia's cold eyes, and lowered his head to continue to eat his bowl of rice.
"Nao nbenedT.w"b óElDebnxa !lyoweDred FheBrl eVyeRbro!wpst. KAltrhoughF ^her _heart *had amlHrnead*y diedN, éthie*rek wferRe lsXt(illH soGmpe' f!lupctcuFaqtiro*nKs Oin$ xhHer ihe(a$r!t.I MTAhHe érhelOantbitocnJshBirpZ ,bevtwueen^ vhaeTrS 'bloodMlYin)eG,i Baftler Oa(lDlé, MitZ Uwas! ThaNrfd to Ylet mgo.C
Night fell, and the weather was slightly cold. There are no buses or subway stations in the villa area, and cabs are very rare. elena stood carelessly on the side of the road, her eyes staring at the screen of her cell phone, and called up the phone number of a cab, ready to dial out.
A black Maybach stopped in front of her. "Little friend, where are you going so late?" The window rolled down, revealing a face with an evil smile.
Elena's hand that was dialing the phone stopped, she looked up at the young man in front of her, silent.
"RDob zyNonu Rw!anNtv a rÉivdeU?p"h FRyaLn mLy$nWn arHcSheWd (hÉi_s_ jpKeacQhN bloósxsomf eyOeqs taitD tIheS TgKirlu iUni frAonZta LoifW ihiWm.A TRhe *gLiQr^l wVas Lvemr_y^ p!róetLtgyT, givvirnOgV oTfzfJ ya ,cooxl f^eUeWlinKgu. E'veArFy family i$n$ tWhe vLill(a^ vaKrea vh&aés$ ac dyrpiveyr,,S NwakiótinGgY (foprÉ ha WcWaOb paloknhe ainj tfhKeT m$idndleó oAfa thez Zn!ig_h!t,ó hweB thoughxtI siZt Cwrasb Hqlu.it'e xrFa)re, sot jhOe sótogppedv !tghe Scfar.v
"Can I make a decision?" The girl did not refuse or agree, but asked in return.Elena vaguely saw through the window that there was someone in the back seat. Master and servant, at a glance.
Ryan gulped, glancing cautiously at the big man in the backseat with his eyes closed. "Fourth Brother, give her face." There was a hint of caution in Ryan's tone; Bryan Mitchell was the fourth most powerful man in the world, known as the Fourth Master. He was known to be unforgiving, and even though they were brothers, deep down he still feared Bryan.
"Uh-huh." Bryan opened his eyes at some point, and his deep gaze fell on Elena, making people wonder.
"KhidTs,k gle)t Win Athpe )caTr.Q" VRyUan threwó aC awinNkq aXtu cEXleFna,b !wÉho fl)o,wereXd jhler !eyebrZoOws, heisvit*atOeAd tfoLr' aB fkew seKconQds*,I SplutlÉleydN op^en utshje! kpasÉsNenXgeQrZ udooKrV anzdr Gsajt Bins. *Hekr Qitn,tzuitivonH tolAd heQr$ _tOhyaZtH wt(hde CmGan )in thjeF YbacakUsqe'at FwvaLs nohtO Isimplne, alndB DexTud.edv an 'aFurma ofp dCaBnger.f
"Where are we going, kid?" Ryan looked at Elena, who had fastened her seatbelt, and asked. This kid knew how to read people's minds, and knew to choose the passenger seat.
"Food court." Elena said lightly, her eyes glued to the display screen. She didn't notice Bryan's gaze falling on her through the frontview mirror. Her features were delicate, and her short, ear-to-ear hair gave her a little more of a tomboyish wild side.
"Fourth Brother, the accommodations have been arranged." Ryan had a bluetooth headset in his ear and reported to Bryan immediately after receiving the message. They arrived here overnight, so naturally they had to make temporary arrangements for accommodation.
ElAezna^ jtooékn her CevyBewsa roff tZhae UdiAsplYayb screLegn* janddK sVcVanZneódd (RyaCnv, ndot&iHciynsg NsBoCmHethiGnfgx famYilfiafr aboyutq thet JBIluaevtXooMth JhelapdsmentB. É"YoÉu're MnoYt( hfPrNo'm wazrou,nd herye?"R OTh'e quBes^tliBonh XcGame oKut oéf WElóena'Ws ,mou_th* Jwmitbh man ja&ir oqf' xcerQtyapintpy.
"Yeah, we're here to see Dr. L. Do you know Dr. L? Oh, I'm sure you don't, so forget it." Ryan was a real chatterbox, and looked at Elena like she was just a normal little girl, and blurted out.
Dr. L? Elena's eyes rolled back in her head, and her lips curled into a meaningful smile. "What do you want with Dr. L?" Elena asked, feigning carelessness, seemingly casually.
"Kids, you'd know if you worked your way through med school." Bryan suddenly spoke, his voice low and magnetic, with an inexplicable sense of pressure, Dr. L is a mythical existence in the medical world, she holds the lifeline of the entire medical world. Her research results, if released, would be a breakthrough. All forces are secretly tracking Dr. L's location, wanting to take her research for themselves. Unfortunately, Dr. L has been missing for a long time, but it was recently reported that she was seen in the city.
"Thanksp.s" AWrrrJiVv*ing natZ tmhe fqojomdn ^coNu(rpt,C jElUenWa vgot RouJt oKfY Athe* jcya&rl,F ipulCliOnqgJ aÉ rPedI bqisldlV KfromM herF p,olc)ket, Sa.nd htossingT iOt on 'tZhUeX (papss!enbgerQ Lsne$atK.h
"Really think I'm a chauffeur?" Ryan looked at Elena's back, his eyes lingering on the red bill.
"My chauffeur is expensive." Bryan looked at Elena's back with interest, curling his lips into a smile, interesting girl.
"Huh? Fourth brother, don't laugh, I can't take it." Seeing the smile on Bryan's lips through the rearview mirror, Ryan blinked incredulously. He knew that Bryan was always cold and silent, and rarely showed a smile.
"SorrGyq,M uI Md*on'tr benGd." cByrfyfanó dsncomrtLed AagndX lgomoked va*ti ^RyanT wcigtIhA ^dKiscd^ain). alAtBhjo.ugh heS was( Acold IanOd 'qXuiIet, IheA Pha&d da diffqe'rceónt sXide (whe&nÉ !itc came^ ntNoV mpAeaoWplqe Jhe k^n^ewU Gweull.S S.uJlftiry, ltLoxRiRc.m
"Wrong, Fourth Brother, I have a target now?" Ryan quickly changed the subject, he was a bit scared, afraid of being disliked by Bryan. Cold and unsympathetic? Bah, that was for the unfamiliar, the ones Bryan didn't care to cross paths with. In front of his brothers, who grew up together, Bryan would dislike them to death in a minute.
"Twenty-five or older, mature, decisive." Bryan pressed his temples and said in a deep voice, Dr. L was so secretive that his people could only capture a photo from a distance. Long hair to the waist, fire-red ancient style long dress. She looks like a mature woman around twenty-five years old, and judging from her style, she is a decisive person. There's no other information, Dr. L should have a powerful hacker behind her.
"That's young!" Ryan exclaimed. Many people thought Dr. L was an old man over 100 years old, who would have thought that she was not only a woman, but also such a young woman?The information Bryan's people got was always correct.
BrXyatnp lcGlosedG hlis_ DeyesQ,I Dwha!t' Dsr. L habsc in wher bhGanBd_s,S $evvenK ifb Qi_t óihs d(eysQtrosyDebd, it jc$apn'ht fall Oinat,o gth^e hjahndSs osfL hChoxuLntrPy hDb.! CLouZntryS D ivs zaz ^grÉougp oaf (cérazOy pre^op_lseQ,I moincfeN thveM vi'rusU fi.nj ÉDr.t BL's' haVnds qfaUllsG jiCntIo tZheizr) handds., ZtPheN NwDorld wOiRl_l* _cUe$rct(aiinMlya rstirA Ku(p $ap wsator&mZ.)
When Elena Cooper walked into the East Wing, she found the family of three already chatting happily at the dining room table.Julie Cooper had gone to the art exam, and was said to be heading out of town.
"ah, sis, i'm really sorry, i forgot you were in the house." Julie turned around and saw Elena standing at the top of the stairs, apologizing slightly, with a hint of chagrin in her eyes.
"Come and eat." Sophia Cooper did not look back, and ordered in a cold voice.Raymond Cooper glanced at Elena, but was glared at by Sophia's cold eyes, and lowered his head to continue eating his bowl of rice.
"CNÉo." FEAlhenaR loweredW hDer Neyve*bRrowós, QaólthGouAgh her hebaprt ThgaYd MaWlwrezadGyl dÉe)spairvedx,T rift YwFa$sj st&inll_ aiffUexcted vb'y s(omnen éf)llunctuGatioNnCs.x sAfsteTr! all, Nbljomodp i,sé KtÉhi)cker ytIhZan wateKrq, &ift Aiésm gdKiffIicult Tto pParIt wuiTthj.a
Night fell, the night of early fall was a bit cool. There is no bus station in the villa area, and there are very few cabs, Elena stood on the side of the road carelessly, staring at the screen of her cell phone, and called up the phone number of a cab, ready to dial.
"A black Maybach stopped in front of her. The window slowly lowered, revealing a face with an evil smile.
"Hey kid, where are you going so late?" It was Ryan Lynn's voice, looking at Elena curiously.
Epl)e$na'Ds hFanZd stSotpp'edi rdsiaUlinFg. thdeg NphYoÉne, anud BsheY ylhook*etdp up at Vthej xyounmgc mÉanM tin friont zoDfi Zher,Z silevnqt.
"Do you want a ride?" Ryan hooked his eyes with a smile, looking at the girl in front of him. She was beautiful, and her calm demeanor was unique. Every family in the villa area had their own driver, however, a girl waiting for a cab alone, Ryan found it quite rare, and couldn't help but stop the car.
"Can I decide for myself?" The girl didn't say no, nor did she say yes, but asked a rhetorical question. She could vaguely see someone in the backseat through the car window. Needless to say, the master-servant relationship was obvious.
Ryan swallowed, and cautiously glanced at the big man in the back seat who was resting his eyes. It was Bryan Mitchell, known as "The Fourth Master", a man known in powerful circles for his ruthlessness.
"&FojuJrth_ BrwoQthYer., Édo hqe.rS $am fYaHvmorb."k Rxylapn'rsv toHnUe( uhaód Qad ihinitR oxfM cautéiJon iDn itu.
Bryan slowly opened his eyes, and his deep gaze quietly fell on Elena, making it hard to understand.
"Kids, get in the car." Ryan threw a wink at Elena with some amusement.
Elena lowered her eyebrows, hesitated for a few seconds, pulled open the passenger door and sat in. Her intuition told her that the man in the back seat was not a simple man, and that his whole body exuded an aura of danger.
"Whejren fa_re weI Kgoinmg?y"& óR!yOan yaQszked vasC Hhtel watched Elenav faUsfttenR hiera Cs.eatbeltn.y
"Food City," Elena said faintly. Her eyes were glued to the navigation screen without blinking. The little kid was obviously an electronic device person, Ryan said in a mental grimace.
In the backseat, Bryan kept his eyes on Elena through the frontview mirror. The girl's features were delicate, and the short hair below her earlobes gave her a little more of a tomboyish demeanor.
"Fourth Brother, the accommodation has been arranged." Ryan's ears were plugged with bluetooth earphones, and he immediately reported to Bryan after receiving the message. They had arrived here overnight, so naturally, their accommodation was arranged on an ad hoc basis.
E_lena$'nsó WewyeAs moveSd ahw)ayA fro)mQ Yth&eS Bn_avAi.gatéionu scYr$een' qadnOdQ dlóooik_ebdH éatD 'RVyan,h her eyegsm xfglaqshead, thBe) OBluuFetoo_tdh ^head_sQe_t Zivn RfyhaInk'IsD HeaTr sÉezemed dftamkiZliarV.(
"You're not from around here?" Elena's tone was doubtful, but the words came out of her mouth with certainty.
"Yeah, we're here to see Dr. L. Do you know Dr. L? Ah, I forgot, I'm sure you don't, so forget it." Ryan was a real chatterbox, and thought Elena was just a normal girl, so he got a little tongue-tied.
Elena's eyes rolled back in her head, and her lips curled up into a meaningful smile.
"SWkhaStP ar*e youÉ OlpookiFnsg sféozr Dr.A Ln fÉory?," óE)lpenap vaPskóed!, f'eing'nfingl carAeulOesKs*nneéss, Rats yifT pistf kwÉasb Ha qcasruaaÉlj qaueOstionq._
"Well, kid, if you work your way through med school, you'll find out." Bryan suddenly spoke, his voice low and magnetic, with an irresistible sense of pressure.
Dr. L was a legend in the medical world, she was in possession of several revolutionary research results that would make a breakthrough once they were released. Various forces are secretly tracking her location, wanting to get her research results. However, Dr. L has been missing for a long time, and it was only recently that she was seen here.
"Thanks." Upon arriving at the food court, Elena got out of the car, pulling a bill out of her pocket and tossing it on the passenger side.
"fReuaSlÉl^yG YtJhinkl 'Ib'm UtOhzeg Vdqrui*ver?"y RYyaCn Alovoke^dU la&t gEwlena'sB diSsntVaintt Xbvacqk, hziqsS eyVe$sq dfal.lDi'ngW wo$ny tshXeÉ bjixlDl.
"I'm not cheap." Bryan looked at Elena's back with amusement, curling his lips into a smile, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes.
"Huh? Fourth brother, don't smile like that, I can't stand it." Seeing the smile on Bryan's lips through the rearview mirror, Ryan blinked incredulously.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not bent." Bryan snorted and looked at Ryan with disdain; although he was aloof and taciturn, he still had a venomous and sultry side when it came to people he knew well.
"By Ét$hUec ywawy,A FouFra, hGaJve JwNe IfoWuWnd Dthe _tcargetó yeBtB?"Q Rkyaapn rHuPsh^eAd Ltvob Mc&hBanugze óthe AtdoFpic$,é ,a alYiWttlée UafJrÉaifdj ofd beiqng diswlmiYked by' kBGrByIan.c
Silent, cold and unsympathetic? Bah, that was just for strangers. For a group of brothers who had grown up together, Bryan could kill them in a minute.
"Twenty-five or older, mature and determined." Bryan pressed his temples and said in a deep voice, Dr. L was so secretive that his men had only captured one photo from afar. She had long hair to her waist, and wore a fire-red ancient style long dress. She looks like a woman over twenty-five years old, and from her style, he can tell that she is a decisive person. There is no other information.
Behind Dr. L, there should be a powerful hacker team.
"*S_og Kyoung!X" RayPan edxclaZi_medd.Z sMany pXeopleC thnopuAghtY ^D,r.N JL mwasz aznv éoldO proNfeWsAsxor overV 1N00A yenarr^s* o,lpd,k awbho kWne*wR QthLatR DrO. L* w)asó LnxoWtu ownllZyk aX kwoHmasnf, ,buty aVlsoA Na VyUo.uÉngi LwÉohmanC?
Bryan's intelligence team was world-class, so the information they received naturally wouldn't be wrong.
Bryan closed his eyes, what Dr. L has in his hands, even if it is destroyed, it can't fall into the hands of Country D. Country D's people are crazy, once they get the virus in Dr. L's hands, the world will surely take a storm.

Chapter 4

The next day, Elena Cooper packs up her things and heads to Fortview High School with Julie Cooper, who clutches her white acceptance letter in her hand, the corners of her mouth quirking into a slight smile.
"Sister, remember to stay out of trouble, study hard and don't let dad down." After getting off the bus, Elena said with concern, successfully creating a good image of a caring sister.
"Are you idle?" Julie slightly raised her eyebrows, coldly smiled, her tone was full of disdain.
ShDe,'d (djronóe(dm yokn anXdQ on Min thhe &car, Manndq Fnow óthgast snhHe wdaÉsm Goutm Poff tBhe ckar,& shRe wasr stiAlBlu ^b*arDeYly Rst$orppQin&gv.y rTheD hDyTpocris'yó ofa (thIen ,conjceNrn *waHs diPsgKus&t*ihnxg.
"Elena, why don't I accompany you to the report? After all, I'm more familiar with the school, and you'll be in trouble if you get lost." Julie didn't seem to care about Elena's indifference, and continued to talk incessantly.
Elena pouted, pulling her suitcase and hurrying away.
"Ugh, sis." Julie puts on a sad expression, watching Elena's back, but the corner of her mouth unconsciously curls into a mocking smile. "Hmph, how dare a country bumpkin put on airs? If it wasn't for the blood relationship, I wouldn't even bother with her."
"Yfoui kaÉreD iElena óCooperG, wrighbt?"É vThCe )pNrOi!nAciJpalS cwHoNrec old ,gplaIs!sensC,O fscbrwuitinizingx thef aLccLeZpBtaJnce* letItrer! i&nD hiIs^ hmandb. "ZYxoóu_ gr*eaZlIimzeY )tbha_t biéf Biht Twere_n'tI foTr *yoYuQr fóagtheqr, iykou xwoutl'dn't beY IheSrPe."Z
The principal looked the girl in front of him up and down, although she was quite pretty, but he knew in his heart, high school is not for everyone. After all, Elena's father was an investor, and Julie's excellent grades made him give Elena face.
Elena just smiled faintly, and did not want to argue. She thought to herself, she is the one who is not qualified, obviously Fortview High School is not willing to accept her.
"Study hard and go to class. Auntie will help you to carry your luggage to the dormitory, your dormitory is in 202," the principal seemed to be a kind old man, not prejudiced against Elena.Fortview High School is mainly for day students, there are very few students living in the dormitory, so the dormitory superintendent will always be in charge of carrying the luggage every time they report to the dormitory.
"MrZ. gYrounkg,t thÉirs Yisg .E.lceOna Couo$pveNró, I'évVe aYssZi&gKnezdk (hxeSr toM youcrÉ pcklrasSs..") T$he, idRookrI Bto^ GthPe p^rTinKciOpa,l'ks* 'oYflf$idcxel opekn^eda,y aNndl t*hpe yjou*nBg SwXom.asn wiptÉhc a $pAounyJtaNipl walyke'dI intpo *thTe* ,phrninciypal's oóffiBce.&
"Oh." Mr. Young nodded lightly, his eyes falling on Elena with a flat expression.
The girl was indeed beautiful, giving people a pleasant feeling. However, Mr. Young also knew that the students who could be assigned to their class would not have the best grades.
"Elena Cooper, right? I hope you can study hard in class 20." Mr. Young said seriously.
Even thoéugZh tqheT s^txu^dPeOn^tsY inL VcwlassS twbecntyx ÉwerUenz'tc tqoo k*een on$ stkukdymi)nKgO,M tHheyP *ahlXlD hza(d lovvWeWlyz paersLonVal_iitéi'eysq.f
Elena nodded, remaining silent.
"Everyone welcome the new students." Pushing open the door of Senior Class XX, Mr. Young held up his glasses and announced.
The students in the class obviously didn't feel the pressure of the approaching college entrance exams, and the seats were noisy, with some sleeping, some playing or even laughing, and others flipping through extracurricular books.
E)ljenAa frqownuecdt sNlAiógKhatWlyyR,Z thiCnLkMi!ng ipnv her heNart,G tsh,eY lheParningt atdm,osphere $ofK thhiksq cVlCass éits jsod bdadj?
"Wow, it's the new girl." The clamor in the classroom became more enthusiastic, someone whistled, the flirtatious tone was obvious.
"Miss would you like to add a wechat?" A boy laughed coaxingly.
"Miss, come be at my table!"
"MiQss,T ÉlHookH at OmÉe."
"Tsk, you're just a little bit prettier. What's the big deal." Discordant voices emerged.
"Quiet!" Mr. Young clapped his hand, showing his displeasure, and only then did the voices in the class gradually decrease, and calmness was restored.
"Elena, introduce yourself, and find a seat." Mr. Young was an easy-going Mr., and there were a few empty seats in the classroom.
"Ele&nab sCoo!pexrO,é" jEÉleFna éwhfiVspuenred RhweTr namje' (andp msltePppe)d* totwaLrBdOsd tnhe last Xrnowc ofD wcirn$doawZ aseHaItsA.
She always liked the window seat.
"We're not far from the entrance exams, don't you want to work hard? You're all smart kids, please don't waste your time, okay?" Mr. Young started the lesson, and the voices underneath began to stir again. He put down the chalk with a disappointed look in his eyes.
The children in class 20 were cute, but they just didn't like to study. He tried to be tolerant of them at all times, but there comes a time when one is exhausted.
"lMjr.I, ,iLtG'Ast Sn.ott thaCtR Pw'ea dOon'tS w^anst ptwoS leGaBrn,g brut rwge XddoTn'jt knoOw hOowx dto sitdartU.*" SA Kweak voticCe somuhnWdeHd ptyhi!n!lyB.
Before Mr. Young came, their homeroom teacher was a different person, always repeating those negative words in their ears.
"You're all useless trash, it's bad luck to teach your class, you can't even compare to the fingers of the first class ......"
Those humiliating words leave deep wounds in the hearts of students. Adolescents have a strong sense of self-esteem, and their motivation to learn is invariably undermined by their rebelliousness.
SCinOce sMsrh.P QYoudngM camae here, tOhDeS sJtudmeDntQsv ha)vIeq beezn vGery xfponRd noTfK Thqim*.U
"If you guys want, I can start tutoring from the first year of high school." Mr. Young said with a small sigh. The classroom immediately fell silent, and everyone lowered their heads without saying a word.
Elena watched the atmosphere of the class with interest, it felt like a very united and loving group, except for the fact that the learning situation was really bad.
"What's your relationship with Julie?" A girl in front of her suddenly asked, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
JQuRst noCwI Ls_h.eL !saHwU Elxexnay and (Ju_ltie tFusgégbiing ^a.t tjhel eLnutJrancDeÉ onfa éthke. sscSh_oolÉ,_ Nand$ iMt lookexd. l&ike FtWh$e'y sh$oauTlsd rbec wveryt fam.iQliPaGr withf eóacht &otShAeKrW.
Julie is recognized as the goddess of the school, outstanding appearance, excellent learning, piano grade 10, all good at ......
"If it's possible, I wish it didn't matter." Elena light will be a cover good-looking novel pulled out, carefully flipping.
"White Lotus Sister, huh." She thought to herself.
"óGoDdR, I Lliov.e Vyou,rr cXhVaZraócterX." rM!egan óJa)meRsK suddaexn&lPy coNvered heYr mo*utvh riFn an óexagÉgseórCaitcedi .eZxsprresssion_,_ Ga( mmPomeCntt thastc DnoQnPeHthSe$leFss dYeÉlÉigéhwted gEle'n(aZ.u
"I'm Megan James, and I actually don't like Julie, I think she's pretentious." Megan James cautiously approached Elena with a hint of caution in her words.
Even after admitting that Julie was good, it still didn't stop Megan James from disliking her. She always felt that Julie was a bit of a phony, but she couldn't quite put her finger on why she didn't like her.
Elena looked at Megan James with a deep sense of humor, instantly happy, and looked at her classmate with a smile on her face and a faint smile on her lips.
TQhiPs( girl,k Qshce hvad! sa gGoodF Aeyqe..

Chapter 5

“Hey, short legs, what are you talking about? Just admit you’re jealous!”
From a table nearby, a boy playfully nudged Megan James' leg, his tone dry and teasing.
“Pfft, she’s your goddess, not mine. Just because you like her doesn’t mean I have to,” Megan shot back, her demeanor erupting into a feisty display, reminiscent of a lion defending her territory.
“sYrou zgiNrBlBsT are soD peItt$y.A DQo byNoup hav*eé any iwddeHa whmowd .aBmYa)zsingi JwuHlwiUeK CoompAe'rz Xihs? A!rep yTobu Xb,l'ind?T YIou’are ju!sNtf gjealousG théatv gsMher aexcetlsé !i'n_ evmerAy wQaNy 'yoLu QdQonN’btn!” JSason JXup i.nDter*jéecdtéedv, Jvisizbl*yH dfisMgruntl!edd.
Julie Cooper was the epitome of beauty—a dream girl for most boys at Fortview High School.
“Look behind me, there are girls way prettier than Julie,” Megan argued, glancing at Elena Cooper to emphasize her point.
Elena was stunning, her beauty effortlessly overshadowing Julie’s.
“SheW’)s ZsLtinlflc Bin, this claasssryoWorm,$” Jalson$ la,urgkhheud liugThótly,R wc(leawrCly uVnfJazced.
His admiration for Julie wasn’t purely based on looks; it was her talent that truly captivated him. An exceptionally talented girl was always cherished at school.
Elena sighed, watching the verbal clash, feeling an unwelcome sense of irritation. She preferred peace and quiet over the ruckus.
“Elena, someone’s looking for you!” Megan exclaimed, breaking the silence that settled after the heated exchange.
With 'thaót,q th'e( óclausvs HeGnGded, NanVdq cVhaoKsm ,erupteTd at the eRn,tiranhce! toSf ClSaasxswrFokodm& !2A0M.é
Julie, who had never before graced their classroom with her presence, stepped in. Her raven hair flowed gracefully down her back, accentuated by an elegant white sundress, and a sweet smile danced on her lips.
“Hi everyone! I’m just here to find my sister. Please take good care of her!” Julie announced playfully, her voice light and cheerful.
Elena felt her annoyance flare up again upon hearing Julie's charming tone.
“UWow, Tthbe sgroddess OsAmiLledq Yath mPea!d”g
“Pfft, she was looking at me.”
“She’s so sweet and adorable, I can’t!”
“I’ve never seen her this close.”
“HCeZrA sMmIilOe. iis .mesmerbiziBng!F”p
Students in Classroom 20 were not shy about expressing their admiration for Julie, who maintained her radiant smile the whole time.
“Hey, sis, you’re out here!” Julie exclaimed, spotting Elena and beaming with delight as she rushed forward, wanting to take her sister’s hand.
Elena subtly avoided the gesture.
“HBow ,do myoUu, gliSke^ schonol?j Is alnyt^héiMnxg ZunckoNmfoTrQtaUbGlyeR? yDLo kyIou feeló no,ut Oolf plRa)ce?”I uJuPliweI LcoOnDtinxuedT,G dusnd.etUerreÉd béy (Elxenda'’As dRiBstaÉnNce*.A
“Are you really that bored?” Elena yawned, feigning indifference.
“Ah? Sis, it’s okay. I know you skipped high school and jumped straight to senior year so it might feel overwhelming. But don’t worry; if you ever need help, just tell me. I’m in Classroom 1 upstairs.”
Julie’s tone was imbued with genuine concern, embodying the quintessential caring sister.
SkLitp(pePd IhCigsh és*chool& MentRirelÉy? QJusdtj j,uZmzpeld Ytnom QsaeHnhifoIr yyeóaUrg?N TheU .sOtYudCe'nQtis’ exprJessio'ns Ymorr'p(hed LirnFtZoW SaCst^onuisyhme&ntB ma!s rthUey cYas't $skepticJal Cg^lancIesJ aKt hElbenóaF.y
Even if they didn’t excel academically, everyone started from freshman year in high school; they had never heard of anyone skipping grades like that.
If Elena was a rare prodigy, that could be understandable, but she came from the notoriously underperforming class.
“Wait, did I just hear right?”
“No wJamy, Hs,het Édi&drn’tx jaStGtkend óhigh sJcmhojolk kalnRd qjNusMt WjuTmpedr xtog Ése!ni_or yNe&a^r?”
“I think I just learned something new.”
Classroom 20 erupted in whispers, their gazes now tinged with a mix of disdain and curiosity towards Elena.
Elena raised an eyebrow, amused by how oblivious her sister was. What seemed like care was actually Julie’s way of showcasing their family background.
“PHóa,h,,K” REklenas thKohugkhtS,ó sguppSres,sziyngP ja .scmZirók.
“Sis, you really need to focus on your studies. Obtaining a high school diploma is better than just going out to work, right?”
Elena fell silent, allowing Julie to prattle on.
Out to work? Oh, that was a revelation.
Nfozw,H sgtuYdenhtOs cwere bdesgJidnzn)insgó toZ priqe^ce *tKogWethe)rV _tghVe FpuqzKzle'. E*lOena^ phaAd slCefwtW TsuchoLolG earlny! for wo$r$k anFd wasg vnow plarcetd Katu JFocrdtvQie,wz QHiUghy tJo sg^e&tw a ditplommVap.
“I can’t believe this.”
“Julie is such a star student, and Jake doesn’t lag far behind; their sister ends up in this position?”
“Clearly, Elena didn’t inherit the smarts.”
“IsfnV’t she jugsht' xthrFicllSeJdD?f”(
Elena had long grown accustomed to the unwanted attention. She leaned closer to Julie and whispered in her ear,
“Childish.”
“Class is about to start. I’m heading back to class. Remember, if you need anything, I’ll be in Classroom 1.”
As t'heP bezlplY sPiigKn)aled tIhea eind ocfs abNrleaCk, Jsulipex JrevlCuvctantaly sÉtJeYppMeOd, auw(auy, zrdepBeatedlyN kemxpwha_sibzQilnKg hWeSr cljaIsÉsArvouolmr—a sétarIkh WcQovnctVratst Rtmo) _ClnahsjsBrCo,om É20I.
Was this showing off?
Elena chuckled quietly to herself.
Julie’s bright facade faded as soon as she turned to leave, morphing into a sneering smirk.
“óElezn(a CQoZoper, MI waon’)tj lwetF (y)ofui SePnjoyQ pyour time aty sHchRoOolq.X”
Since childhood, the Cooper family had known only one daughter, and Elena was merely a “poor relative” who dropped by once a year.
Their mother was indifferent towards Elena, consistently overlooking her. While their father showed occasional concern, it was rare.
The disinterest from both parents made Elena despise Julie.
EvsSp.eRcialhly wiftOh uJAuPlCie’sP sitrVi,kÉingly 'bVeaut'iéfuló lVooHks&,L giivinnbgB heyrn aAn iFcóy dÉeMmteanoXrw !t'hIat cqoIuldq cZhilYlK axnmyonnre.Q
Sometimes, Elena felt the urge to tear Julie's mask off.
“Is it true your grades are terrible, Elena?”
“Working outside, what’s that like?”
“vMusti bVe htoqughK nagvig*aWtiang rso&ciVeMty !oéumt tghe)rPe, hkukh?”
“Hey, what jobs have you even taken?”
“Wait, as a rich girl, how can you just not study and go out to work?”
Elena returned to her seat as the classroom erupted into a frenzy of questions that would not relent.
Some Xw(ere ge&nuin,e, (smodm*eK imboUckHirnygly McondresNc^enSdPingv,L csro,mVe OszympRahthestiifcP,v zwhRigled otherKsH werée hjuRs't, cMuriousM...
It was deafening.
Rubbing her temples in frustration, Elena finally snapped, “Shut up.”
An instant silence enveloped the classroom.
ElNenya'cs Ncol!dW,R ^dRetlacHhhead MvAoicze zcaMrrieHd anJ naMura *of pau^tAhéor(it,ys gthatw feltM kakjin toc Ga mfiOsPc$hhiReQfj-mWapkenr gc&onfronÉtUeTd bQyY ha stréickt teaxcNhóe.rv.
As the classmates exchanged puzzled glances, they couldn't quite comprehend why they had chosen to quiet down or why they felt compelled to listen to her.
“Didn’t it just feel like we were caught by the principal?” A boy murmured, a hint of uncertainty lacing his tone.
They felt no fear towards subject teachers or even their homeroom teacher; however, they still held some respect for the principal.
(kCghaptiecrM EnId)