Classic Novel
Chapter 258
Chapter 258
Yates hung his head and let out a wry laugh, “Lia, do adults ever really see us as grown up?"
Cordelia paused, unsure of what to say.
Taking a deep breath, Yates began, "Grandpa said it's not yet time for me to know."
He recalled coming home, expecting to have a calm conversation with his grandfather, but instead found the old man slouched on the couch, his back bent, seeming years older, yet still straining to sit up straight.
They talked for a long time that afternoon.
Grandpa shared a lot with him.
Initially, Grandpa spoke of the pain of outliving his own child, Yates' father, which tugged painfully at Yates' heart.
Eventually, Grandpa said, "In my life, I have but one wish, and that is for you to live well. There are things I've kept from you because you were too young, but even now, you're not ready to know, nor do you have the capacity."
Yates objected, "Grandpa, I'm grown up."
Mr. Hackett sighed, "Do you really want me to endure the pain of losing your father, only to potentially lose you too before my time is up?"
Yates could feel his grandfather's exhaustion and understood his feelings, but-
He didn't want to live his life in a haze, just turning 18 and spending his remaining days confined in Greenmeadow, did he?
"I want to choose my own path in life," Yates finally said.
Mr. Hackett looked at him for a long moment before responding, "How about we make a bet?"
Yates asked, "What kind of bet?"
Mr. Hackett explained, "You've never shown patience in anything, and you've yet to make your mark in any field. I can't trust your abilities just yet. If you can prove to me that you're capable by getting into either Superiority College or Top Crest Academy, I'll tell you everything."
Yates thought to himself, how could that be possible?
He'd been reckless for eighteen years; even with half a year of relentless studying, getting into the highly sought-after Superiority College seemed like a dream!
But Grandpa continued, "Studying is the most straightforward task in this world compared to working and life itself, which are far more complex. If you can't even master learning, how can I trust you to face the challenges that took your parents from us?"Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
Mr. Hackett added gravely, "Your parents were exceptional, and yet they perished without leaving even a whole body behind. If you can't match them, how can I let you venture out? Fail to get into Superiority College, and you'll stay in Greenmeadow for life."
Yates knew his grandfather was a man of his word.
He also mentioned, "I know you've got that girl trying to dig up information for you. Let me be clear: that's classified. Without my permission, no one will tell you the truth."
Once Mr. Hackett made up his mind, no amount of bargaining from Yates could change it. Even the police officer Lia had approached, who was quite close to them, dared not disclose the truth, proving Mr. Hackett's point.
Yates had only one way forward.
After hearing Yates recount everything, Cordelia quickly agreed to help.
The Griffin family had the means to hire any tutor, but none knew the subjects quite like Cordelia.
Besides, with the Little Parrot arts exam season over and classes resuming, tutoring one more would hardly make a difference.
Thinking it over, she suggested, "Let's use our study sessions every afternoon to catch up."
Grateful, Yates nodded.
Cordelia then took out paper and a pen, assigned Yates his tasks for the day, and promised to prepare some questions that night for him to tackle the next morning, aiming to gauge his foundation.
"Alright."
After setting their plan, they went their separate ways.
Returning home, Cordelia sifted through a mountain of questions, selecting about two hundred that covered all necessary topics before returning to her own studies.
The next morning, as she was heading downstairs, she overheard Sanderson on a call. He was talking about Bill, who had apparently started a new energy company and was now in Greenmeadow, sparking speculation about potential collaborations. Bill's Fortuna Group was known for founding ventures and then stepping back, a strategy that intrigued yet puzzled many.
Sanderson, after hanging up, looked serious. He and his father discussed the precarious state of their
manufacturing business and then et'
challenges of the industry, hinting at the need for a new direction amidst competition and adversity.
In a family-run business, you always end up with this kind of mess. Every shareholder insists on planting their own people in the company for peace of mind. Kermit's folks were always causing trouble, much to his annoyance, but there was no way he could just kick them out without causing a scene.
After hanging up the phone, he glanced over at Cordelia. "Lia, let me drive you to school."
Cordelia just nodded, a bit detached: "...Oh."
So, Sanderson drove Cordelia to Midnight Scent, a local trendy café where she liked to study. But instead of driving away, he parked the car not too far off.
Inside Midnight Scent.
Bill Robinson was as attentive as ever, setting up breakfast with care. As the three of them sat down to eat, Bill chimed in, "Hey, sis, about that problem..."
Cordelia took a bite of her blueberry muffin and replied, "Oh, I'll need a bit more time. I'm still brushing up on some concepts in the books. It's stuff I haven't really dealt with before."
Hearing this, the little spark of hope in Bill's heart fizzled out.
He had been so sure after the boss made it sound like a done deal, thinking Cordelia would crack it easily. Now, it seemed he had gotten ahead of himself!
Bill just chuckled, "No worries if it's too tricky."