Chapter 83

After thinking everything through, Natalie made up her mind. "Mrs. Locke, I won't take the exam. As long as I don't, the rumors will fall apart, and everyone will see that those who started them were just spreading lies." She could've stood her ground, but she didn't want to inflict the innocent Lockes. They'd taken her in, fed her, and protected her. She couldn't be ungrateful and ignore the possibility of any impact on them. She'd feel guilty if they had to suffer even the slightest bit, so she chose to give up. Celeste had thought of the situation as well. She was both surprised and touched by Natalie's reaction. She was surprised at how quickly Natalie understood the impact of the rumors and was moved that she would willingly give up the exam to avoid causing trouble for the Lockes. The sensibility Natalie had shown deepened Celeste's desire not to let her suffer. She sincerely reassured her, "Nate, I didn't bring this up so that you would give up on the exam. I just didn't wa