Chapter 25 She doesn't even have the ability, let alone dreams!
“There's no proof yet, but the future is obvious,” Marta declared, crossing her arms. “I called you here to give you an ultimatum. If you continue sleeping and acting like a tourist, I'll transfer you.”
Kath's eyes narrowed, focused. “What if I prove otherwise?”
Marta leaned over the table, smiling like a shark that smells blood. “All right. Let's make a bet. If you're among the top 25 in the class on next week's tests, I'll never bother you about sleeping again. But... if you're among the bottom ten, you're out of my class. And maybe out of this college.”
A tense silence filled the room. Nísia and Dandara exchanged victorious glances. Be among the top 25 without studying? Impossible.
Kath nodded calmly, without a hint of fear. “Deal.”
She ignored Marta's sarcastic smile and, before leaving, her eyes fell on the paper the teacher had been reading earlier.
“National Chemistry Olympiad”
Kath reached out and took the flyer. “What?” Marta scoffed again. “Are you telling me you want to participate?”
Kath analyzed the paper for a second, her long eyelashes hiding the sparkle of intelligence in her eyes. She dropped the paper on the table. “Maybe.”
She turned and walked to the door. “If there's nothing else, I'm leaving.”
As soon as the door closed behind her, the room erupted in laughter. Marta and the other teachers shook their heads, amused by the “delusional” student.
“It's impressive,” commented a colleague. “The more ignorant the student, the more arrogant they seem to be.”
Marta sighed, turning her attention to her favorite students. “Don't mind her. Nísia, Dandara, you two are the true hope of this school. If you keep up your performance, the exchange program spot in France is already yours.”
Nísia smiled sweetly, the image of humble perfection. “I'll do my best to make you proud, teacher.”
The news reached the Lutz Mansion like a trophy of war.
Daniel and Rosana beamed with pride. The atmosphere in the dining room, under the glow of the crystal chandelier, seemed festive.
Nísia had not only secured her place in the college's elite class, but had also been selected for the prestigious Chemistry Team.
For Daniel Lutz, this was more than an academic achievement; it was social capital. In high society circles, only the Arbex heir, João Pedro, had such an impeccable resume. Now, the Lutz family had its own star.
“Daniel, look at our girl,” said Rosana, pouring more wine into her husband's glass with a calculated smile. “I don't mean to brag, but with Nísia's talent, her place in France is already guaranteed. As soon as she brings home the gold medal, the path to graduate school will be open. Think of the prestige!”
Nísia lowered her eyes, feigning shyness, while her grandmother, Marlene, just sipped her soup in silence, a slight, indecipherable smile on her lips.
“Dad, Grandma...” Nísia began, her voice sweet as honey. “Actually, I'm not the only one with ambitions. My sister, Kath, also said she wants to participate in the competition.”
The mood at the table changed instantly. Daniel's smile disappeared. “Katherine?” He snorted. “I'll be lucky if that girl doesn't embarrass me in public.”
Nísia bit her lip, putting on a look of concerned innocence. "Don't say that, Dad. Today, when the teacher called her to the principal's office for sleeping in class, Kath was very confident.
She said in front of everyone that even though she sleeps, she doesn't disrupt the class and has a chance of winning.
The mention of “principal's office” and “sleeping in class” was the perfect trigger.
Clang!
Daniel Lutz threw his silverware against the porcelain plate.
The sharp noise made everyone flinch. He was already on edge from the humiliating failure with the Mendes Group that morning. Learning that his other daughter was causing trouble at school was the last straw. “Sleeping in class? Called to the principal's office?” Daniel's face turned red with anger. “Useless creature!”
I work like a dog to uphold this family's name, and all she does is tarnish it!“
Rosana placed her hand on his, pretending to try to calm him down, but her eyes sparkled with satisfaction. ”Calm down, dear. How exactly did that conversation go, Nísia?“
”Well..." Nísia hesitated, as if she didn't want to tell him. “The teacher was very angry and wanted to transfer her to another class. But they decided to give her one last chance...”
“Enough!” Daniel slammed his hand on the table, making the glasses rattle. “I will not allow the Lutz name to become a joke in the halls of that school because of her incompetence.”
He turned to his wife, his eyes cold and determined. “Rosana, call the school first thing tomorrow morning. Tell the administration that, starting today, Katherine is prohibited from participating in any competitions.”
The Lutz family was one of the school's biggest donors. An order from Daniel Lutz was law. Blocking the enrollment of a problem student would be as easy as breathing.
Rosana frowned, perfectly playing the role of a concerned mother. “But, Daniel... is that the right thing to do? The girl may have dreams, maybe she wants to try...”
“Dreams? She doesn't even have the ability, let alone dreams!” Daniel cut her off, relentless. “She just wants attention and will end up humiliating us when she fails. My decision is made.”
No one brings this up again. Just do as I say!"
Marlene watched the scene in silence. She saw the victorious gleam hidden in Nísia's eyes and Rosana's feigned submission. The matriarch let out a heavy, tired sigh and went back to eating, without saying a word in defense of her absent granddaughter.