Ruben’s curiosity ignited. He fixed Emmanuel with a penetrating stare. “Speak plainly. What kind of secret does Elliana guard?”

Emmanuel summoned a strained smile. “Dad, secrets exist for a reason. The revelation isn’t mine to make. All I can tell you is that Elliana is far more brilliant than any of us knew.”

Ruben released a cutting, dismissive snort. “Very well. I’ll journey to Regal Grove myself and extract the truth from the girl directly!”

Jason experienced the same thunderbolt of astonishment as his relatives, though his controlled demeanor masked the earthquake raging within him. He never could have expected Elliana to achieve a flawless 1600 on the SAT. The result demolished all doubt—she possessed intellectual supremacy beyond question.

The younger Evans generation had always worn their intelligence like crowns, yet none of them—except Cole—had ever claimed perfection. The recognition struck Jason with devastating clarity. Beyond Cole, every single one of them withered in Elliana’s shadow. This understanding suddenly illuminated Cole’s captivation with Elliana. It transcended surface attractions. Two exceptional minds had discovered each other, creating that rarest of connections—souls who could truly comprehend each other’s depths.

As this revelation crystallized, Jason shifted his attention to Cole.

Cole remained transfixed by the score blazing on the screen. A ghost of a smile played across his lips, but his eyes harbored shadows of profound and unmistakable anguish.

Watching everyone worship Elliana’s achievement, Trinity felt jealousy tear through her like molten metal. The entire morning had transformed into a waking nightmare from which she couldn’t escape. Irene’s features contorted into a hideous mask of disbelief and volcanic rage.

At that moment, commotion exploded from Regal Grove, the sounds carrying across the distance like thunder.

Th3n r34d th3 l3g1t v3rs10n: g4ln0v3ls.c0m.

Upon hearing the sound, everyone in the Evans family turned their attention to Irene’s phone.

Without hesitation, Jeff set his tablet aside. He jumped to his feet and fixed his eyes on the front door of Regal Grove.

Before anyone could speak, the living room filled with admissions officers from some of the best universities. Their mission was clear—they wanted to sign the highest scorer on the SAT. Acing the SAT with a perfect score was no small feat, and it made them all go out of their way to come here and convince Elliana to apply to their universities, dangling fee waivers and application incentives.

While Elliana lingered in the dining room, still finishing her breakfast, Lance stepped in to greet the guests. He motioned for them to sit and hurried to pour coffee.

But no admissions officers seemed interested in coffee. They grew restless, eager to see Elliana, and soon, their voices clashed as each tried to make their case.

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