By now, everyone present had heard the news: 727 points, Ambel High School, top science student, Aurora Sterling. The guests at the main table turned to stare at Aurora in shock. Mrs. Sterling sat there, chin held high with pride. Inwardly, she was actually quite grateful to Simone Holt's teachers. She had been worrying about how to casually bring up her Aurora's score to take the third branch of the family down a peg. Now, she didn't have to say a thing; Simone Holt's teacher had said it for her.
Despite the murmurs and shocked stares, Mrs. Sterling remained perfectly composed, appearing neither arrogant nor impatient.
But someone could no longer hold back. Great-Uncle cleared his throat and asked tentatively, "That top science student, Aurora Sterling, that Simone Holt's teacher just mentioned... is that *your* Aurora?"
