Chapter 50

Every second of waiting felt like an eternity. Wren sat quietly, his gaze fixed on Jude, waiting for an answer. Jude, who was visibly burdened by the tension, spent what felt like hours sifting through student records, only to come up empty. There was no record of Clara in the academy's enrollment list. But Wren was certain. He insisted the academy had accepted her. Left with no choice, Jude summoned one of the admissions officers, Steven Clarke, to clarify. Finally, after much back and forth, they reached a conclusion. "Mr. Zachman," Jude began, his tone cautious. "As you've just heard from Mr. Clarke, the academy did extend an offer of admission to Clara. However, she failed to submit the required portfolio by the deadline and did not show up for orientation. As a result, her admission was rescinded." Jude paused, studying Wren's reaction. "She is not currently enrolled here." The explanation hit Wren like a blow to the chest. His face went pale as Jude's words echoed in