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Novel Catalog
Chapter 73: She Agreed
This should have been the psychological therapist Manuel had hired for Serina—the same woman who had been waiting for Ainsley at the hotel receptionist desk.
Behind the documents Ainsley had given Mollie, there was also the schedule for the Psychology Quiz Show, complete with the topics for the essay questions. Ainsley began to think that perhaps she should meet with these bright students of the era, to see what surprises they might bring to the table.
When Ainsley returned home, she stared out the window in a daze. She had been reflecting on her conversation with Mollie. Mollie was right. Having studied abroad for many years and participated in various psychological projects, Mollie had achieved significant milestones in her research.
This return to Seattle wasn’t just for her own advancement—it was about solving problems for psychological experts and analyzing specific issues. Mollie’s time was valuable, and Ainsley understood that. If Ainsley had something more precious to offer, maybe Mollie would reconsider attending the competition. But she didn’t, and so she had to give up.
The next day, Ainsley went straight to the principal’s office. “Mr. Ford, I’m sorry. Ms. Randall won’t be able to attend the competition,” she said solemnly.
Raymond, having already anticipated this outcome, smiled bitterly. “I expected as much.”
“What about the school board?” Ainsley asked, worry creeping into her voice. She was concerned about the Baldry family’s potential interference, especially Lindsay’s.
As if on cue, Lindsay pushed open the door, accompanied by Kaitlin. “Ainsley, you’re here too? Well, I don’t have to call you here now,” she said with a sneer.
Ainsley furrowed her brow, unsure of what to expect. Raymond quickly flashed a flattering smile. “Mrs. Baldry, what brings you here today?”
“I came here because of Mollie. I heard she was going to be the judge. I wanted to confirm this personally,” Lindsay said, signaling to Kaitlin.
Kaitlin immediately jumped in. “That’s right, Mom. I heard it directly from Ms. Easton. She said she had reached an agreement with Ms. Randall. She even mentioned it when the professor called her this morning. Mr. Ford also made a call. Now, the whole forum is buzzing about it. So, Ms. Easton, will Ms. Randall really come?”
Ainsley turned to Kaitlin, her expression cold. “Ms. Randall has refused.”
“Refused?” Lindsay’s voice became sharp with disbelief. “How could that be? You said she agreed. It’s only been one night, and now you’re telling me she refused? Ainsley, is this some kind of joke? Everyone on the school board knows about it, and we’ve even invited reporters. You need to explain yourself.”
Ainsley stood firm. “I never said she agreed. This morning, my phone was stolen. Someone played a prank on me.”
“You want to blame it all on losing your phone? Ainsley, did you anger Mollie? Or did she refuse because she heard about your ‘disgusting’ past?” Lindsay asked, a smirk on her face.
Kaitlin chimed in eagerly. “It’s very possible! Don’t forget, you got a chance to meet Ms. Randall because of my birthday party. It was all thanks to me, and now you’re still getting rejected. There’s always a price to pay for what you do.”
“Mr. Ford, she’s made such a big mess of this competition. Are you just going to let her off the hook?” Lindsay continued, her tone turning more threatening. “The whole school board knows about this now.”
Ainsley remained silent. She understood clearly that she had been completely manipulated. The school board didn’t care about the truth; they only cared about reputation and profit.
Just as the tension grew, a familiar voice broke through the air. “Who said I wouldn’t attend the Psychology Quiz Show at your school?”
Ainsley’s eyes widened in shock as she turned toward the door. Mollie entered the principal’s office with her assistant.
Kaitlin blinked in disbelief. “Ms. Randall!” she exclaimed.
Mollie ignored Kaitlin and extended a hand to Raymond. “Hello, I am Mollie Randall.”
“Ms. Randall, why are you here?” Ainsley asked in surprise.
“I’ll explain later,” Mollie replied, glancing at Lindsay. “Madam, I’ve confirmed that I will attend the show. Do you have any issues with that?”
Lindsay, clearly taken aback, exchanged an uneasy look with Kaitlin. How had Mollie agreed? Could it be that Manuel was secretly helping Ainsley?
“Ms. Randall, you truly agree to be the judge of the quiz?” Raymond asked, still in disbelief.
Mollie nodded confidently. “Yes, I’m sure.”
Kaitlin, still reeling, blurted out, “How is that possible? You don’t have time! My brother asked you about this before, and you told him you wouldn’t come!”
The moment she spoke, Kaitlin realized the slip-up she had made. Raymond turned his gaze on her, a look of disappointment in his eyes. Kaitlin quickly looked away, stammering, “I didn’t mean that.”
Mollie, with a calm smile, addressed Kaitlin. “Your brother asked me if I had time to attend events. I told him that, aside from the conference, I wouldn’t be attending anything else. However, I still went to your birthday party. I’ve decided to attend the quiz show because Ms. Easton gave me some interesting documents with essays from students at the University of Washington. They impressed me, and that’s why I’m here.”
Lindsay’s expression faltered as she realized her attempt to undermine Ainsley had failed again. But she wasn’t about to give up so easily. “Ms. Randall, you might not know the kind of person Ainsley is. She’s divorced. Are you really willing to judge a woman like that?”
Mollie remained composed, her voice gentle but firm. “I think you’re mistaken. I’m here for academic reasons, not personal ones. Ms. Easton’s private life is irrelevant to me.”
“Since Ms. Randall has already made her decision, I have no objections. I’ll be leaving now,” Lindsay said stiffly, turning on her heel.
Before leaving, Kaitlin shot Ainsley a venomous glare.
Raymond quickly poured Mollie a cup of tea. “Ms. Randall, we’re so glad you’re coming. The students in the Department of Psychology will be thrilled.”
“The students at your school have already given me a big surprise, especially Ms. Easton’s essay,” Mollie said, turning to Ainsley with newfound interest. “Ms. Easton, I’d like to have a conversation with you.”
“Of course! Let’s talk in my office, shall we?” Ainsley replied, feeling a spark of excitement.
In the next hour, Ainsley and Mollie discussed Ainsley’s essay in great depth. They touched on topics ranging from biological feedback to humanitarian psychology. Mollie was impressed by Ainsley’s knowledge and her unique perspective on some complex psychological issues.
“Ms. Easton, could this question be added to the essay portion?” Mollie asked, handing Ainsley a piece of paper.
Ainsley glanced at it, her eyes widening. “You really want to use this question?”
“Of course!” Mollie replied with a smile.
