Chapter 169 - 169: Alumni
October, with its clear autumn air, didn’t show signs of gloom even after the arrival of fall. Every day had sunny weather, warm and pleasant.
After returning from the mountain, there were only a few days left in the National Day holiday. While the students were enjoying their last days off, Purple Summers spent each day in her room, reviewing her lessons and waiting for the grade-skipping assessment after the holiday.
Alexander Summers didn’t bother her anymore.
He was not a leisurely person and was often not at home. The family thought he just liked to have fun and didn’t find it strange that he might be at a casino or with some women.
“Don’t underestimate your brother just because he doesn’t have a proper job now. He was very smart when he was young,” Atra Blanc said to Purple.
No matter how bad her son had become, he was still her son, and Atra felt sorry for him. She talked to Purple about the past.
“He was admitted to Grey as a top student, but Janelle Roberts said that the family needed to save money and send Nathaniel to Grey. There was no extra money to send your brother there. I wanted to pay his tuition myself, but he didn’t allow it, fearing that if I took out the money, Janelle would snatch it away.”
Janelle Roberts was the late Mrs. Summers.
Atra Blanc sighed and said, “Your brother is actually a very filial child.”
Hearing this, Purple seemed to be able to imagine how a weak and helpless boy had struggled under his domineering stepmother’s control.
Nathaniel was Janelle’s biological son, and even he frowned when mentioning his mother. It was clear how cold Janelle had been when she was alive.
“What happened after that?” Purple asked curiously, “Did he continue to study after middle school?”
Atra Blanc nodded, “Later, your brother went to Brevet High School. Although it’s not as good as Grey, it’s still very decent.”
Purple was amazed at how small the world was because she had graduated from Brevet High School. She hadn’t realized that Alexander had been her schoolmate.
But why didn’t she have any impression of him at all?
Atra Blanc continued, “I don’t expect him to be rich or successful, but I just hope he will settle down and take on some responsibilities. He is not young anymore and cannot continue to fool around like this. Ah, people his age should already be engaged or married, but he’s still single…”
This topic was a bit awkward for Purple, and she forced a smile without saying anything.
What could she say?
If Alexander was fooling around with other women on the side, she would have been teased by him for nothing, and the situation would be awkward. If Alexander had a particular affection for her, given their sibling relationship, her situation would only be more awkward.
“How about that Ms. Francis? Why hasn’t she come to the house anymore? Purple, has your brother mentioned Ms. Francis?” Atra Blanc asked her.
Purple looked baffled, “Ms. Francis? Which Ms. Francis?”
Atra Blanc pondered, “It seems her name is… May Francis? Your brother’s girlfriend.”
Purple was speechless. She hadn’t expected Atra Blanc to have such a good memory. She had completely forgotten about that girl and her name.
“I’m not sure… uh, I need to study now, Mom,” Purple said.
Atra Blanc immediately stood up to leave the room, reminding her before she left, “Don’t stay up too late studying.”
“Okay.”
When the door closed, Purple let out a barely audible sigh. Looking at the textbook in front of her, her thoughts raced, and she couldn’t focus on a single word…
In the blink of an eye, the day of the grade-skipping assessment arrived, and Purple woke up early.
The Summers Family car was parked in front of the large iron gate entwined with vines. Laura Summers sat in the car, waving towards her with a brilliant smile.
“The roads might be congested today. We’d better leave early so that we don’t delay my aunt’s exam,” Laura said, clearly considering Purple’s situation.
Purple understood that Laura’s performance in the previous days was all for the sake of reaping the rewards today.
“Laura, thank you.” Purple offered a radiant smile, her bright eyes shining..