Reesa herself was stunned for half a breath, then delight surged through her. Her eyes lit up, and after bowing deeply to the three instructors, she rushed straight toward Zora.
"You were right!" Reesa said excitedly, her face glowing. "I got such a high score. Even I can't believe it!"
Zora smiled faintly. "The third assessment will depend entirely on you. Give it everything you have. I believe you'll succeed."
From the instructors' expressions, Reesa could tell they were extremely satisfied with her performance.
Barbara clenched her fists, bitterness rising in her chest. So it was because of Zora.
If not for her, Reesa might never have changed her approach. The more Barbara thought about it, the more unwilling she felt. This resentment quietly took root in her heart.
Nearby, Zora and Baldwin continued observing the assessment.
Excitement, disappointment, relief, despair—every emotion played out across the faces of the participants.
