I Want To Spend The Next School Year With You.

Everyone in the room was surprised at Stephen's sudden outburst. When the boy realized what he just did, his face became as red as a tomato out of embarrassment. Even Kate, who was feeling down a moment ago raised her head to look at the handsome boy who vowed to protect her.

The corner of Andrea's lips raised by half a centimeter as her gaze landed on Stephen. 'Hah~ my little Kate has a knack of attracting bees left and right. I worry about the future.'

In truth, she was very amused. Not only Ethan was smitten with Kate, it seemed that Stephen also fell for her adoptive daughter's charms. She had already decided long ago that she would support Kate in whatever decision she would make.

Whether it be about her life choices, her relationships, and other things, she would support them all. If Ethan or Stephen could make Kate fall in love with them then Andrea would gladly bestow them her blessings.

Noah lightly coughed to distract everyone's attention away from his son. He then smiled at Kate and told her the decision he made a few days ago.

"I know that it was not your fault for being late," Noah said in a gentle manner. "You did the right thing. However, instead of being rewarded for your action, you were punished. For the wrong things you experienced during that exam, please accept my apology."

Noah slightly bowed his head in apology. He didn't find bowing to the one who saved his son distasteful. After all, the academy's reputation would be ruined if news of this came out to the public.

"In regards to the results of the exam, although it was regrettable, I will not lift a finger to give you a free pass to enter the academy," Noah continued. Andrea's gaze narrowed and Noah could instinctively feel that the woman was about to hurl expletives at him. In order to prevent that from happening he raised his hand in a gesture to prevent her from saying anything.

"Tell me, Kate. Would you rather enter the academy through the backdoor or would you rather use your own ability to become part of it?" Noah asked. "Please, give me an honest answer."

Kate closed her eyes and thought about Noah's question carefully. If it were the Kate of a few months ago, she would gladly take the option of passing the academy using the backdoor. However, after studying diligently for a few months just to pass the exam, she felt that all her effort would go to waste if she accepted such an offer.

Although it was regrettable, she felt that using her own ability to pass the exam was the right thing to do. This was also the reason why she didn't allow Stella to switch with her during the test. If she wanted the easy way out, Stella would be more than happy to take the exam for her.

After confirming her true feelings, Kate opened her eyes and looked straight at the School Dean of the most prestigious school in the country. Noah felt the determination in her gaze and secretly approved of the girl in his heart.

"I would rather use my own two hands to crawl my way towards the academy gates than have a free ride and feel guilty for the rest of my life."

"Excellent answer!"

Noah was very satisfied with Kate's answer. He knew that the girl would not disappoint him and it made him feel that he made the right decision.

"Since you put it that way then I'll give you a second chance," Noah said with a smile. "You will take the make-up test along with my son. The test will happen four days from now and I will personally oversee the examination."

"If you fail the exam, there will be no other chances." Noah shifted his gaze towards Andrea and saw her expression became a bit softer. "Are you satisfied with this arrangement?"

"Very satisfied." Andrea nodded her head in appreciation. "I believe in Kate."

"What a coincidence, I believe her, too." Noah laughed good naturedly.

The atmosphere in the room became amiable and both parties had smiles on their faces. Stephen felt grateful that his father allowed Kate to take the make-up test with him. Because of this, a genuine smile appeared on his face which surprised his father and older sister.

Both of them knew that because of Stephen's illness, the young boy had forgotten what it was like to really smile. He only smiled because it was the proper thing to do. However, there were no feelings behind it.

Charlotte gazed at her little brother then at Kate. It was obvious that Stephen liked the girl who saved his life, but it made Charlotte a bit anxious. She still didn't know Kate's background and she was afraid that the young lady would lead her brother astray. Charlotte decided to ask his father to do an investigation later and dig up Kate's background.

She was overprotective of her sickly little brother because their mother entrusted him to her. If the girl's background was suspicious, she would not allow her brother to get close to Kate even if she had to tie him up with a rope.

While she was deep in thought, the waiter returned bringing the dishes that they had ordered. After carefully arranging them on the dining table, the majority of them left while only two remained.

They were there to assist and serve them during their meal. They were high profile guests and their boss wanted to give them the VIP treatment.

"The two of you may leave," Noah said with a smile. "Please tell John that I am grateful for his hospitality, but we can manage by ourselves."

Although the two waiters were reluctant to leave they still did as they were told. It was not the first time that this happened and they were used to it already. Noah personally opened a bottle of champagne and poured its contents in Andrea and Kate's glass.

Even though Kate and Stephen were still minors, Noah thought a glass of champagne was not a big deal. After all, this was a celebration of sorts. Andrea also nodded her head and gave her consent. As long as nobody inside the room talked, no one would charge the three adults for being irresponsible.

Noah raised the glass of champagne in his hand, "May the two of you successfully pass the exam."

Everyone raised their glasses in reply, "Cheers!"

The group of five ate and drank happily. Stephen felt emboldened because of the champagne and talked to Kate freely. Perhaps it was due to the champagne or the delicious food, but Kate didn't shy away from Stephen's attempt to socialize with her. The two children talked happily about many topics until it was time for them to part ways.

"Kate, do your best to pass the exams," Stephen said seriously. "I want to spend the next school year with you."

Kate didn't notice the hidden implications within Stephen's words. She smiled sweetly at him and nodded his head. "You better pass the exam too. What would you do if you fail?"

"I will not fail."

"Oh, very confident are we?"

Stephen grinned as he nodded his head. "Let's meet again in Saint Claire Academy four days from now."

"Mmm, I'll be there."

With one last wave of her hand, Kate left the room with Andrea. The moment the door closed, Stephen's eyes dimmed a bit as if he lost something important to him. Noah patted his son's shoulder in encouragement.

------

"Heinz, get the bill," Ciel said. "It's time to go back home."

"As you wish, Young Master," Heinz replied. Even though it was brief, the butler felt a sense of coldness in Ciel's tone. After giving Ciel a brief glance, he walked out of the door to settle their bill. For some reason he had a feeling that Kate's days inside Saint Claire Academy wouldn't be peaceful ones.