“How is that possible?!”
“Why not? I saw it with my own eyes! She scored a 95, leaving the person in second place far behind!” the person said, then looked at Queena strangely. “Your sister is so talented. How come you never mentioned it before?”
Just then, someone else came over to share the same news, adding with a puzzled tone, “Queena, didn't you say your sister never studied medicine and couldn't even identify basic herbs?”
They all looked at Queena.
Queena’s emotions were in turmoil, but she did her best to hide it, forcing a distracted smile. “That’s how it was when I was still living at home. It was because she was so unruly that the tutors my family hired refused to teach her.”
“I’ve been in Riverton for a few years now, so I’m not as up-to-date with things back home. I had no idea she’d become so capable, and she even kept it from me. She’s probably wary of me…”
“Aren’t you sisters? Why would she be wary of you?”
Queena gave a bitter smile. “I probably never told you, but my mother is her stepmother. They say it’s hard being a stepmother, but being a stepsister isn’t easy either. She’s always thought my mother used dishonest means to marry into the family, and that we’re out to get her… but my mother married my father after hers passed away. How is that dishonest?”
Her words dispelled the suspicion that had arisen from her earlier comments in the exam room. Hearing her air her family’s dirty laundry to explain the situation, they all felt a wave of sympathy.
“That Anastasia is so impressive. I was thinking of trying to befriend her, but I can’t believe she’s that kind of person!”
“Exactly! To be so suspicious of you without any proof is just awful…”
They all sided with Queena, offering her words of comfort. After a while, Queena’s expression finally seemed to improve.
She smiled gratefully. “Thank you all for taking my side. I’m really touched.”
“Don’t mention it. We’ve been friends for years. Besides, that Anastasia is clearly in the wrong. Why would we side with her over you?”

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