Chapter 207
Everyone was buzzing with curiosity about what could have her so worked up.
“Selene, what’s in the envelope?”
“It’s an invite to Club 257’s annual gala!”
Selene’s cheeks tumed a rosy red, barely able to contain her excitement. The group had been abuzz about the gala for days, but Selene had never in her wildest dreams thought she’d get an invite. After all, she wasn’t an official member yet.
For the past two years, she hadn’t been able to attend. But now, Club 257 had actually sent her an invitation. Did this mean the club had recognized her? That she’d soon be a full–fledged member?
Flora, who was slouched over her desk, glanced up at the invitation in Selene’s hand. She furrowed her brow but kept silent.
“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I’m actually seeing an invitation to Club 257’s gala! I’ll be bragging about this forever!”
“Selene, you’re incredible! You’re going to meet all sorts of brilliant minds from different fields at the gala! I can’t even imagine what that’s going to be like!”
The classmates buzzed around her, as if they were the ones who had been invited. Selene’s hands shook as she held onto the invitation. She had sacrificed so much for this moment. At the gala, she’d finally get to meet F, right?
During the next two classes, Selene couldn’t concentrate; her mind was completely consumed with thoughts of the gala. Flora, meanwhile, checked her email on her phone and opened a file sent by Crimson. Sure enough, Selene’s name was listed at the bottom, along with a few other provisional members. Flora took a screenshot and sent it back to Crimson.
[Are provisional members attending this year?]
Crimson replied quickly: [Yeah, a few higher–ups thought it would be good to observe their character up close for evaluation. Makes sense to me, so I agreed. But don’t worry, they won’t get near the core members, just milling around the edges.]
[If you think someone’s not suitable to attend, just cross them
the list.]
Flora glanced at Selene, whose cheeks were still flushed with joy. After a moment, she replied: [I’ve checked the list, and it’s fine.] Crimson sent back a thumbs–up emoji.
At lunchtime, Dane and his friends, along with Kaylee, went to the cafeteria. Knowing Flora had plans to eat out with Connor, they didn’t invite her. Connor had some trouble on the way and apologized to Flora for making her wait in the classroom.
Selene, too excited to eat, stayed behind as well. With everyone else gone, the classroom was empty except for Flora and Selene. Selene decided to use the restroom. She carefully placed the invitation inside her desk, taking a final worried glance before heading out. When she returned, Flora was gone, and she sat down, eager to admire her invitation again. However…
The invitation was missing.
Selene’s heart sank as she frantically searched her desk. No luck. She remembered that it had only been her and Flora in the room. Hesitant, she began to search Flora’s desk but still found nothing.
The invitation couldn’t have just vanished. Selene combed through Class Z, her eyes landing on the trash can. She froze in horror, Her treasured invitation had been tom to shreds and tossed in the trash!
Chapter 20B
