Chapter 315
The LCD screen scrolled leisurely, revealing the ultimate scores of this year’s grand competition.
In first place, Mirabella, with a perfect score of 200.
Second place went to…
Landing in twenty–seventh place: Vincent, with a score of 173.
“Booyah, we nailed the top spot! Our country finally took the gold!”
“Mirabella, you’re absolutely stellar!”
“I’m so choked up right now. Tears are welling up.”
The students clustered around Mirabella were suddenly hugging each other, their eyes brimming with tears of joy.
This wasn’t just a personal victory but a triumph for their nation. This year, their country had finally made it to the leaderboard in the global finals, where national pride overshadowed individual glory.
Mirabella gazed at her score on the big screen, a modest smile playing at the corners of her mouth, basking in her own glory.
Vincent turned to face her, his eyes carrying a subtle admiration, and murmured, “Congratulations, Mirabella, on clinching first place.”
“You’re not too shabby yourself,” she replied with genuine encouragement.
Vincent just smiled, saying nothing more.
Soon enough, the news of Mirabella’s sensational victory with a full score spread like wildfire back home, astounding those who were still reeling from the preliminary
rounds.
It had been ages since their nation had stormed into the finals, let alone in first place with a full score. Thus, the name Mirabella was destined to be recorded in the annals of legends and serve as an inspiration for not just the next but several generations of competitors.
**
Back at the hotel.
1/2
10:58
ip
Chapter 315
Mirabella carefully packed the gleaming trophy into her suitcase. The sight of it made her lips curve into a smile by reflex. Her grandmom Catherine would be over the moon with this trophy.
After packing, Mirabella wheeled her suitcase out of her room.
Before long, the group hailed a taxi and sped off to the airport. With an hour left before their flight, Mirabella stepped away to take a call from Nick in the waiting area. “Nick, I told you, you didn’t need to come see me off,” she said, maintaining a distance.
Nick chuckled ruefully as he looked at his sister standing afar. “Do we really need to talk this far apart, Mira?”
She touched her nose sheepishly.
Nick stepped closer, and as he gazed into his little sister’s bright eyes, he felt a tug at his heartstrings. He raised his hand to her head and ruffled her hair gently. “We’re siblings, Mira. There’s no need for distance.”
Mirabella, who was used to being the one doing the patting, was taken aback. She thought Nick didn’t like being close to others? Dame it, she got played by Zach!
Meanwhile, Zach, halfway across the world, sneezed unexpectedly and felt a mysterious chill down his spine.
After chatting to Nick for twenty minutes or so, Mirabella glanced at her watch. “Nick, try to visit home when you can,” she suggested.
He paused, then looked down and softly agreed, “Sure.” His mind seemed to be
elsewhere.
Mirabella didn’t press further. “You should head back now, Nick. I’m about to board.”
“Alright, safe travels. Text me when you get home,” Nick said slowly.
With a nod, Mirabella returned to the departure gate.
After standing alone for a few moments, Nick sighed softly, his breath fading into the airport hustle. He turned and left, his footsteps echoing faintly behind him.
**
By the time Mirabella arrived back in Ashford, it was the early hours of the next
morning.
