I ignored her, rolled over, and went right back to sleep.
When Richard Bennett found out I hadn’t taken the SAT, he blew up again.
In the end, he decided to hire a private tutor for one-on-one lessons so I could repeat the year.
After the exams, Margaret Bennett took Olivia on an overseas vacation, while I stayed in the hospital with Grandma Grace until she was discharged.
They only returned the day before the banquet.
Just like in my previous life, all the guests believed this event was purely Olivia’s eighteenth birthday celebration, forgetting it was also supposed to be my welcome-home banquet.
But this time, instead of feeling wronged, I was actually looking forward to it—because I knew there’d be a good show.
Olivia opened with a piano performance, earning the crowd’s applause and praise.
“Not only is Olivia beautiful, but she’s also talented in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. And she scored above the top university threshold on her SATs—truly impressive.”
Olivia gave a coy smile and thanked them.
“It’s all thanks to Mom and Dad’s guidance. I love you both so much.”
Richard and Margaret beamed with pride.
Then a few of Olivia’s arrogant friends turned their attention to me.
“If the younger sister is so outstanding, then the older sister must be even better! Why don’t you perform something for us?”
“I heard she didn’t even take the SAT—must be hiding some terrible scores.”
The teasing grew louder until Olivia stepped in with faux compassion.
“Oh, don’t make fun of my sister. She grew up in the countryside, has poor grades, and isn’t used to high society. Her temper can be bad—be careful she doesn’t offend anyone.”
Well, since she’d said that, it would almost be rude of me not to offend someone.
I walked up onto the stage confidently, mimed rolling up nonexistent sleeves, planted my hands on my hips, and smiled at her little clique.
“I’ve actually got plenty of skills—throwing spoiled brats over my shoulder, slapping the smug off a fake sweetheart, stabbing a bully with a compass, or making one drink toilet water. Which of you wants to help me demonstrate?”
The atmosphere froze instantly, and I could feel their glares slicing into me like knives.
My parents and Ethan glared at me in disappointment.
At that moment, a delivery man suddenly burst into the hall, shouting,
“Who’s Madison Clark? I’ve got your acceptance letter from Harvard—congratulations!”
Perfect timing.
The awkwardness on everyone’s faces turned into shock.
Olivia’s face went from pale to flushed red, disbelief written all over her.
“What? Madison Clark? Harvard? I must have heard wrong!”
“This has to be a mistake—she didn’t even take the SAT, how could she get into Harvard?”
“Yeah, this delivery guy must’ve been paid to fake it and make her look good.”
The delivery man’s brow furrowed.
“Who’s Madison Clark? Please sign for this. I’ve got other packages to deliver.”
Olivia lunged forward, snatching the envelope and tearing it open.
Richard leaned in, his face serious.
When he saw the bold crimson Harvard seal, his eyes widened and he grabbed the letter from her hands.
He stared at it over and over before finally looking up, his expression breaking into uncontrollable excitement.
“It’s real! It’s real! My daughter has been accepted to Harvard!”
Margaret clasped his hand, overjoyed.
Olivia’s shoulders slumped, her face full of panic.
I curled my lips into a cold smile.
Can’t handle it already?
I seized the moment.
“Dad, Mom, today’s not just my official return to the family—it’s also my birthday. Can you grant me one birthday wish?”
Richard, still grinning from ear to ear, agreed instantly.
“Of course, sweetheart. Ask for anything—you have my word.”
