Chapter 168: Victoria Holloway Screamed Hysterically

"It's all Clara Whitmore's fault! She stole my spot!" Victoria Holloway screamed hysterically, smashing a vase to the floor. "And you! Why did you let her take that exam?"

Grant Holloway felt a throbbing pain in his temples.

The moment he heard "Clara Whitmore," his entire body tensed.

Since returning from Harbor Cay, he'd tried countless numbers to reach her—all met with silence.

He'd camped outside her apartment, but she was never there.

The gnawing anxiety kept him awake night after night.

And now, this was how he finally learned of her whereabouts...

"What do you mean?" His voice was strained.

"She ranked first! Professor Miriam Caldwell is only accepting three students this year, and I was fourth!" Victoria shrieked. "If not for her, I would've made it!"

Grant froze.

"She... got in?"

"Yes! With flying colors!" Victoria laughed mockingly. "She's thriving without you, about to become an Ashford University graduate student. Regretting it now? Should've kept her locked up tighter!"

"Enough!" Grant's eyes darkened dangerously. "Your failure is your own incompetence. One more word like that—"

The air turned icy.

Victoria clamped her mouth shut, trembling, until Catherine Holloway entered, breaking the tension.

Taking in the shattered debris and her daughter's terrified expression, Catherine frowned.

She'd heard everything outside.

Clara actually got in?

That day at the library, she'd assumed the girl was putting on an act. Yet not only had she taken the exam, she'd been admitted as Ashford University's top candidate.

Catherine curled her lip.

What did degrees matter? She'd never be good enough for the Holloway family.

"Your brother is right," she said coldly. "Prove yourself next year. Throwing tantrums won't help."

"I won't accept this!" Victoria clenched her fists. "I prepared for two years. She only studied for six months. How could she outperform me? There must be foul play! I'll confront her myself!"

She stormed out.

Grant massaged his temples and left the chaos behind.

Catherine stared at the wrecked room, fuming.

These children would be the death of her.

Following a memorized address, Victoria sped to Clara's apartment, fury burning hotter with each mile. She rehearsed her accusations in her head.

But as she parked, she froze.

Clara was walking into the building—with a man.

Victoria gasped.

She recognized him.

Elias Mercer, an Ashford University professor!