Chapter 224
As Mr. Hammond finished speaking, Summer's eyes snapped open in disbelief, as if she couldn't fathom such a
development.
Colton was also stunned for a moment before snapping back to reality, frowning as he said, “On what grounds
are you cancelling my daughter's national competition eligibility? She hasn’t done anything wrong!”
Mr. Hammond let out a cold chuckle, “Why her eligibility is being cancelled is something we all understand very
well. If | were to pursue the matter of the leaked competition materials, do you really think your daughter would
get off with just a cancellation?”
Putting aside the fact that Summer, as an up-and-coming starlet in the entertainment industry, couldn't afford a
scandal, the issue of the Education Association leaking confidential competition materials, if made public, could
force even the national education authorities to step in and take action.
Colton suddenly felt a cold sweat drench his back.
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“I accept the punishment.” Before Colton could speak, Summer, who had been standing by, spoke up. Though
she was uncomfortable with the situation, this outcwas the best under the circumstances. Even if she
continued in the national competition, she would be just making up the numbers, so why should she waste more
ton it?
Colton glanced at his daughter and ultimately said nothing more.
Morgan, standing to the side, let out a self-deprecating laugh. He would probably never be able to hold his head
high in front of Mr. Hammond again.
After leaving the office, Summer walked Colton out of the school.
“Why haven't you ever mentioned Mirabella’s grades toall this time?” Colton asked heavily as they walked.
Summer pinched her hand and replied softly, “I'm not familiar with her.”
Colton stopped in his tracks and turned around with an expressionless face. “Do you really takefor a fool?”
With things having escalated to this point, it would be foolish not to see the underlying reasons if he hadn't lived
these years in vain.
Summer met Colton’s dark eyes, and her face instantly paled. “...”
“Being so impatient, you'll hardly make it big.” Colton said coldly, dropping the words as he left. She’d hardly
make it big?
Summer watched her father’s retreating figure, with a slight twist on her lips. If it hadn't been for Alden secretly
sending the materials to Mirabella, would today’s events even happen?
Around noon, Mirabella paid a visit to Mr. Hammond's office.
“Are you sure you want to keep up this guilty facade?” Mirabella sat in the chair, somewhat amused as she
looked at Mr. Hammond. He had been in this state for a solid five minutes.
Mr. Hammond coughed and finally spoke, “It was | who brought you Into Parkside High School, and yet it has led
to you being slandered and doubted tand again.”
Mirabella arched an eyebrow. Her hand casually rested on the arm of the chair. “Excellence always breeds
jealousy. There's no need for you to blyourself.”
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Mr. Hammond heared this, and his lips twitched. He fell silent for a moment and then sighed lightly. “I haven't
realized you had shistory with the Gilbert family.” He didn’t mention the more delicate matter of the Gilbert
family’s adopted daughter.
Mirabella pursed her lips. Her demeanor was nonchalant. She simply said, “My last nis Davids now.”
With that statement, she distanced herself from any relation to the Gilbert family.
“No matter what, you've been wronged in this affair,” Mr. Hammond said with a wry smile.
The Gilberts had risen from new money to the helm of Gilbert Enterprises, securing their place among the city’s
elite families. Their connections were obviously strong, which was why the competition material incident had
been so easily glossed over.
Although Mr. Hammond wanted to defend Mirabella, getting on thw wrong side of the education association
wasn't beneficial for her. After all, the Davis family was just an ordinary household, without the means or power
to fight against those wealthy dynasties.
He didn’t want to see such a promising talent get suppressed and ruined by those in higher places. After
weighing his options, compromise was the only choice, even if it was reluctant.