Chapter 278:
Still, Zaylee kept at it. “I’m not finished with my homework yet. Once I’m done, will you take a look?”
Rylie knew Zaylee’s goal wasn’t real tutoring, so she simply yawned and replied, “Finish it first, and I’ll look it over.”
“Okay,” Zaylee nodded.
She sat quietly at the desk, pretending to focus on her homework as time passed. Sneaking glances, she saw Rylie leaning on the table with her chin resting on her palm, eyes closed as if dozing off.
Zaylee smiled to herself. Letting Rylie sleep would only make her seem lazy, which Zaylee could use later to paint her in a bad light to Brad.
After a moment, with a plan taking shape, Zaylee discreetly texted her mother. “Mom, Rylie hasn’t eaten. Could you make two bowls of noodles for us as a late-night snack when we’re finished?”
Perla’s reply came quickly. “Alright, focus on your studies and the lessons.”
As the lesson drew to a close and the night grew late, Perla went to the kitchen to prepare two plates of pasta, bringing them into the bedroom. She smiled politely. “Zaylee, Miss Owen, you must be tired. I made some pasta for you. Just eat a little before resting.”
Before she could leave, she noticed Rylie, who had been sleeping, slowly open her eyes. Perla froze mid-step. “Were you resting?”
Zaylee gave a faint smirk and spoke for her. “Miss Owen was tired from teaching me, so she took a short nap. Mom, just leave the pasta here. Rylie and I will eat now.”
Perla’s expression showed mild confusion, but she didn’t ask questions. She set the plates down quietly and left.
Zaylee tidied her books and said cheerfully, “My mom likes to bring me late-night snacks when I study hard. Rylie, have some too. Once you’re done, go home and rest. Tomorrow will be busy again.”
Rylie raised an eyebrow. “Did you finish your homework? You don’t need me to check it?”
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Zaylee’s eyes lit up. “Almost. Our teacher gave us the answers today to verify our work. I’ve already checked mine, and most were correct without mistakes.”
“Alright.” Rylie stayed silent about what she had seen earlier. During her pretend nap, she’d caught Zaylee copying the answers.
The girl from the village was too focused on proving herself instead of genuinely learning — a sign she didn’t understand what truly mattered. Rylie never forced others to do what they didn’t want. She calmly ate the pasta Perla had prepared.
She had to admit that Perla’s cooking was impressive. The pasta was clearly handmade from fresh flour, with a perfect chewiness that rivaled the best restaurants. It carried a warmth only home cooking could give.
Perla clearly hoped for her daughter’s success, wanting her to secure a future in Crolens and earn a place in a good university.
Rylie finished her plate, while Zaylee barely touched hers, putting her fork down after a few bites. Lately, she’d grown accustomed to the freshly grilled steaks and sausages from the Morgans’ kitchen.
After the snack, Rylie stood to leave, and Zaylee followed her to the bedroom door.
Before stepping out, Rylie turned with a calm expression. “Maybe you should ask Brad to find you another tutor.”
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