The prelims had finally arrived.


    The exam hall was packed with over a hundred students. Some nervous types were already trembling before the test papers were even handed out.


    Over the past couple of days, Aubree had done some targeted practice onpetition questions, focusing especially on past years’ finals papers. While they were challenging, she still handled them with effortless ease.


    As soon as the test papers were handed out, Aubree quickly scanned through them and already had a n in mind. Without a moment’s hesitation, she started solving problems at lightning speed. To others, these numbers might be hard to crack, but to her, they were like long-lost friends, intimately familiar.


    Less than halfway through the exam, she had already finished the test, handed in her paper, and left the room.


    Before leaving the exam hall, Aubree made a quick stop at the restroom. The sound of running water from the faucet blurred out the conversations in the hallway.


    That voice sounded a bit familiar.


    She didn’t pay it much mind and was about to leave after washing her hands when the voices outside suddenly became clear.


    “Dr. Wilson, this matter is rather delicate to handle,” a hoarse voice of the middle-aged man came.


    Aubree thought, ‘Dr. Wilson?


    ‘Could that be Daxton?’


    Her hand, which had been resting on the doorknob, quickly withdrew. Acting purely on reflex, Aubree pulled out her phone and hit record.


    That familiar voice continued, it was indeed Daxton.


    He said, “Isn’t this just a small favor for you, Mr. oy? For the artpetition, only the finals require contestants to paint on site, the earlier rounds just need submitted works. If you make a few minor adjustments, who’s ever going to know who actually made it to the finals?


    This artpetition was hosted by the Rithol City Art Association, and Alec oy, whom Daxton mentioned, was the key person in charge.


    Alec still looked hesitant. While clearly tempted, he feared exposure. After all, this was a statepetition. If discovered, his presidency would be over.


    Alec hesitated, then said, “But Dr. Wilson, you know our vice president is the chief judge this time, he’s as stubborn as a mule when ites to rules.”


    “I heard your family has some happy newstely, Mr. oy. How about an apartment at Royal Gardens, right by thendmark tower downtown? You can choose any floor n you like. And if transportation is inconvenient, just pick any car you want, I’ll cover the cost.” Daxton casually dangled the bait.


    Daxton said casually, “It’s not that my little sister Carmencks skill, she just missed the registration deadline. With her abilities, making it to the finals would be a breeze. She doesn’t need to win big or be in the spotlight. Just let her get an award to make her happy. That’s all.”


    Daxton spoke with effortless nonchnce, as if he were talking about cabbages at the market rather than a prestigious provincial award.


    Alec was swayed by Daxton’s offer, minimal risk, and multiplied returns. Only an idiot would say no.


    +20


    He’d heard of the Wilson family’s young miss who studied art. Her skills weren’t exactly top-tier. She might scrape by for an award, but making it to the finals was no problem. Besides, the list of finalists had just been drafted and hadn’t even been announced yet. As long as she didn’tpletely embarrass herself in the finals, no one would ever suspect a thing.


    At this, Alec’s face lit up with a beaming smile. “Well, since you put it that way, Dr. Wilson, I suppose I can do you this favor, just for you,” he said.


    The voices in the hallway faded into silence. Aubree waited another moment, holding her breath, and only when all sounds hadpletely disappeared did she finally step out of the restroom.


    Looking at the phone in her hand, Aubree smirked.


    Aubree thought, ‘Honestly, this scene feels all too familiar.


    ‘I really thought so many things would change, and this wouldn’t happen again. But here it is, resurfacing in a different form.’


    In her previous life, after Carmen joined Rithol Art School’s intensive training program, Aubree always covered for her during tests and assignments, so nothing else ever happened. Back then, the artpetition schedule wasn’t as tight as it was now. The prelims were already over by that point.


    Back then, even though thepetition had already started, slipping someone in was as easy as snapping their fingers for the Wilson family. They didn’t even need to do it themselves.


    Not only did Carmen get in, but Aubree was lumped in with her as well. Looking back, it was almostughable that she actually thought the Wilson family cared about her.


    Onlyter did Aubree realize that Carmen wanted the gold medal but,cking the skill, used her to pave the way.