Chapter 9

Eleanor returned to the Hampton family's villa as the night drew closer. She intended to head straight to her room for some rest, but she overheard a heated argument as she passed by the second floor. Curiosity piqued, she crept closer to listen. It was Theodore and Amelia quarreling. "There isn't a University in her village. Has she even ever read a book? Maybe she doesn't even know how to read," Amelia's voice dripped with disdain. "That's why we have to send her to campus," Theodore replied calmly. "But what's the point of sending her to Harvard University? She'll be a nobody among the elites. I'd rather hire professors to tutor her so she won't embarrass herself." "I spent a lot of money to secure her admission to Harvard. After all, Eleanor is our biological daughter. If Catherina has the opportunity, so should she." "Biological daughter? She looks like a wild child with no manners. She's not smart, nor is she popular. It's enough that we have Catherina and Charles, who are underachievers. Adding her will only bring us more shame!" Amelia's voice grew louder, laced with sarcasm. "That's enough. It's not her fault she ended up like this!" Theodore's tone matched hers in volume, his patience wearing thin. Amelia's irritation only intensified. "Theodore, what do you mean by that? Have you become so infatuated with your newfound fatherly duties that you'd scold me for that little wretch? I think she's a jinx!" Seeing Amelia's agitation, Theodore sighed and softened his tone. "We've neglected her for so many years. I don't expect her to achieve much, but we should at least give her a good education." Amelia, sensing Theodore's shift in demeanor, decided to back down. "If you want to send her, go ahead. But don't come crying to me if she gets expelled and brings shame on us." Eleanor, listening from her hidden spot, sneered. In her previous life, she had gone to the Williams Court and missed this conversation. When Theodore later asked if she wanted to attend Harvard University, she refused, infuriating him. Harvard University was the most prestigious institution in the country, coveted by many. But back then, Eleanor wasn't interested in its fame. She had pursued her own passions and felt the University had nothing more to offer her. This time, however, she decided to change her approach. She would show Amelia who would truly be disgraced... Three days later, Eleanor went to the University to register. With societal advancements, education had become more holistic, and Harvard University was no exception. The university had four grades, each strictly divided into classes based on overall performance: Ordinary, Elite, and Super Elite. At the pinnacle was the Cloud Class, distinct from the other three. Students in the Cloud Class not only excelled in all areas but were also outstanding in a specific field. These were the geniuses, the future leaders, whose brilliance was evident from birth. Admission to this class promised a secure future for their families. Upon Eleanor's arrival, the University, already informed about her, bypassed the entrance test and placed her in the Ordinary Class. As she passed by the central garden, she noticed a list on the large LED screen – the Harvard University Genius List. The Professor leading her caught her gaze and, couldn't hide a trace of disdain. Did this fool think she could make it to the list? Eleanor noticed the Professor's disdain but remained unfazed. She knew her strength transcended any list or ranking.