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Novel Catalog
Chapter 63: Invite Mollie
Ainsley hadn’t worn the bracelet at the banquet the previous night, and Manuel couldn’t help but wonder if it was because she didn’t like it.
“Roman and Serina finally got a chance to get back at you,” Manuel remarked, his tone laced with a hint of helplessness.
During the meal, Serina indulged in a mountain of desserts, and Roman spared no effort in preparing delicious dishes. By the end, the table was piled high with food, and even Roman seemed to admit defeat.
“Thanks for the sponsorship, Manuel. Next time, I’ll treat you and take revenge,” Ainsley said playfully, her smile lighting up the room.
Manuel, momentarily distracted by her smile, found himself dazed for a moment. He quickly snapped out of it and nodded. “Alright.”
After they arrived at the apartment building, Ainsley helped Serina up the stairs, both of them talking casually.
At the University of Washington
The Baldry family had acted swiftly, removing the post about Kaitlin from the forum. While no one dared to mention the incident again, Kaitlin couldn’t help but feel the weight of the disapproving stares from her classmates every time she entered the room.
With less than a week until the Psychology Quiz Show, Kaitlin’s main goal now was to disqualify Ainsley. Though she couldn’t sway the school leaders, she knew she could still make Ainsley’s life difficult.
In the Psychological Counseling Room
The students from the Organization Department entered, carrying a signed sponsorship contract from Manuel.
“Thanks to Serina, we secured the Gage family’s support. The Gage family is far stronger than the Baldry family,” one student remarked.
“Exactly! Kaitlin thought she could ruin the competition with her influence,” another added.
Ainsley, just finishing up with a student, was grabbing a cup of water when she saw the group. “Are we all set for the competition?” she asked, inviting them to sit down.
“Ms. Easton, here’s the contract,” one student said, placing the document on her desk.
Another student handed her a list. “These are the judges we’ve picked. If you think any changes are needed, let us know.”
Ainsley glanced through the list. Most of the candidates were psychology professors from the school, including Raymond. Everything seemed in order.
She spotted her name on the list and nodded in satisfaction. But then an idea struck her. “We need one more person,” she said thoughtfully.
“One more? But the judges over the years have all been professors from the department,” one student remarked.
Ainsley nodded. “Yes, but I think we should invite Mollie Randall.”
The mention of Mollie Randall caused a stir among the students. “Ms. Easton, you’re talking about Professor Randall? She’s been on TV and just returned from abroad, right?”
“It’s her,” Ainsley confirmed, her tone resolute.
She handed the list back to the students. “You can handle the other invitations. Leave Mollie to me.”
The students exchanged excited looks. “If we manage to get Professor Randall to judge, this competition will be the most impressive one yet!”
Once the students left, Ainsley took a moment to review the sponsorship contract. The judges were the last thing still up in the air, but inviting Mollie would be no easy feat. Mollie was renowned in the field of psychology, with accomplishments on par with Cody’s. If Ainsley could bring her in, it would elevate the competition’s prestige and motivate the participants.
Meanwhile, in the Garden
Kaitlin, seething with frustration, overheard something from one of the students. Her eyes widened in disbelief. “What? She actually wants to invite Mollie?”
Kaitlin seethed as she connected the dots. Ainsley had secured a sponsor, and without a doubt, it was Manuel. The Gage family’s involvement would give Ainsley a major boost, especially if Mollie agreed to judge. Kaitlin couldn’t stand the thought of Ainsley gaining more recognition.
“I heard Mollie is notoriously hard to invite,” Kaitlin scoffed. “She turned down the National Psychological Competition in New York, so why would she bother with a small school event like ours?”
Kaitlin nodded to herself, determined. “Alright, I understand. Let’s see how far she gets with that.”
At the School Gate
As Kaitlin and Jenny walked out, Kaitlin spotted the familiar Maserati belonging to the Baldry family, with Cason leaning against the door, waiting for her.
“Cason, are you here to pick me up?” Kaitlin asked, her voice laced with a mix of surprise and excitement. She was nervous, afraid that Cason might be there for Ainsley again. After the last incident, she knew she had to make sure he took her away this time to avoid another embarrassment.
“Yes,” Cason replied, nodding as he acknowledged Jenny with a brief greeting.
Kaitlin, filled with a sense of superiority, couldn’t help but brag. “See, Jenny? My brother is here to pick me up. I’ll have him give you a ride home too.”
She then turned to Cason, her eyes hopeful. “Cason, could we drop Jenny off on the way?”
Cason frowned slightly but nodded in the end.
As they drove, Jenny marveled at the luxurious car, running her fingers along the plush seat. Kaitlin, however, was fixated on her own thoughts.
“Cason, I can’t believe Ainsley asked Mr. Gage for help. Now everyone’s talking about their relationship. They’re all guessing what’s really going on between them. I don’t understand how someone like her ended up as a psychology teacher.”
Cason slammed on the brakes suddenly, his face growing cold. “What did you say?”
Kaitlin rolled her eyes, irritated by his reaction. “Cason, you scared me. I just meant that the Gage family has signed the sponsorship contract. I heard the students from the Organization Department contacted several people yesterday, and no one agreed. But by this morning, the Gage family had already signed it.”
Cason remained silent, his expression darkening. Why does Mr. Gage always interfere in her matters?
Back at the Baldry Residence
Kaitlin stormed in, telling Lindsay and Kaliyah what had just happened. Both women were taken aback.
“Cason, do you still not see it?” Lindsay snapped. “You’ve given her so much money already. You’re just helping her now!”
Cason remained silent, his face unreadable as he walked out, ignoring their words.
Kaitlin, visibly upset, cried out, “I don’t care what you do, Mom. Get Ainsley out of the University of Washington! I don’t want to see her anymore. The school values her more than me now, and they’re even letting her run the competition. Mr. Gage treats her so well. Am I really worse than her in his eyes?”
Tears streamed down her face, and Kaliyah, who had been quietly watching, understood exactly what was behind her daughter’s outburst.
Kaliyah’s mind wandered for a moment. She couldn’t help but feel the same way about Manuel. Even she couldn’t deny his appeal, and the idea that such a perfect man was interested in a divorced woman like Ainsley intrigued her.
Lindsay, however, was quick to defend her daughter. “You’re so much more beautiful and clever than Ainsley. Manuel will see through her act sooner or later.”
Kaliyah hid a smirk. Kaitlin’s thoughts are more twisted than she thinks. She’s no match for Ainsley in either beauty or charm. But she can dream all she wants.
After a moment, Kaliyah leaned forward with a calculating expression. “Kaitlin, I have an idea…”
Kaitlin, still sniffling, looked up. “What is it, Kaliyah?”
