A Warm Marriage After Rebirth

Chapter 112: Chapter 112: Aria Cheney Courting Death

With the police reopening the investigation into the cause of the fire, the matter of compensation was put to rest for the time being, and things at the Jennings Family residence were relatively calm. During this period, aside from Aria Cheney making the occasional snide remark, the atmosphere at home was actually quite pleasant.

But this peace didn’t last long. Seraphina Sterling’s application to skip a grade, which she had thought would be approved without issue, was rejected by the school. The reason was simple: there was no precedent for it. And the person responsible for handling the matter was none other than Aria Cheney.

After dinner, with everyone in the Jennings Family present, Kimberly Jennings bluntly demanded a reasonable explanation from Aria Cheney.

”Kimberly, you can’t blame me for this. Even though I’m the Dean of Students, I have to follow the rules. Since the school was founded, there has never been a case of a sophomore skipping to the senior year!” Aria Cheney began to speak in a bureaucratic tone.

”Normally, for the sake of family, I would’ve turned a blind eye and let it pass. But right now, the school is selecting a new vice principal. I have a very good chance, and I can’t let this be used against me!”

The thought of becoming a leader at the vice principal level made Aria Cheney tremble with excitement. The feeling of being high and mighty, of being looked up to by others... just thinking about it was exhilarating!

”Is it really because of the vice principal selection, or is it because you’re worried that if Seraphina successfully skips a grade and becomes a senior, she’ll become number one in the year again and steal Zoe’s thunder?” Kimberly Jennings didn’t pull any punches. She could be indifferent about her own affairs, but when it came to Seraphina Sterling, she wouldn’t yield an inch.

Aria Cheney’s expression soured. ”What are you talking about? I admit, Seraphina is very smart, but no matter how smart she is, it’s impossible for her to beat Zoe and become number one in the senior year! You can stop daydreaming! Our Zoe is the best! She’s definitely getting into a top university next year!”

”A top university? I wouldn’t be so sure. Based on Zoe’s recent test scores, she can get into a good university, but her scores are still a long way from what’s needed for a top one. But since you have so much confidence in Zoe, sister-in-law, then you shouldn’t block Seraphina’s application to skip a grade!”

In truth, Kimberly Jennings didn’t really care who was number one in the grade. She just wanted Aria Cheney to let Seraphina Sterling go straight to her senior year.

Aria Cheney felt a pang of guilt. ”I’ve already told you, this is a critical time for the vice principal selection. I absolutely cannot give my rivals anything to use against me! This matter is not up for discussion!”

”Vice principal? What a prestigious position.” Seraphina Sterling’s lips curved into a slight smile, a dark light flickering in her bright eyes. ”In that case, let me be the first to congratulate you, Aunt Aria. I hope all your wishes come true and you become Tollan High’s first female vice principal.”

Aria Cheney gave a sheepish smile and said nothing more.

The rejection of her application didn’t seem to affect Seraphina Sterling at all. Aria Cheney had thought she might be dejected for a few days, too distracted to study for finals, leading to a drop in her grades. But when she got the final report card for the sophomore class and saw that Seraphina Sterling had once again maintained a perfect score in every subject, she felt completely out of sorts.

”Vice Principal Cheney, still here? You’re about to be promoted, why are you still working overtime?”

”Don’t call me that yet. Nothing’s set in stone, and the official announcement hasn’t been made! It’s too early to call me Vice Principal.” Though her words were modest, the confident and triumphant look on Aria Cheney’s face was unmistakable.

”It’ll be you sooner or later! The announcement should be out in the next day or two! A big congratulations is in order!”

”Thank you.” Aria Cheney left the school with a smug smile.

This had been happening a lot lately. Although the official announcement had not yet been made, her colleagues had already started addressing her differently. She found herself increasingly enjoying their gazes of envy, flattery, and sycophancy. That feeling of being high and mighty was simply wonderful.

In reality, the reason Aria Cheney had stayed at the school so late was that today was Miss Jennings’s birthday, and all the Jennings children had gathered. She had deliberately delayed her arrival to show how exceptionally important she was.