Chapter 167

Harvey looked at Yolanda. He wanted to say something but held back. He didn't approve of Yolanda using the Southdale Physics Competition as part of her wager. Winning the championship in such a competition was incredibly difficult. "Mr. Coleman, I know what I'm doing. If I dare to propose it, it means I can achieve it." "But…" Even though Yolanda said this, it still couldn't put Harvey at ease. "I'm not done yet," Yolanda stated. Then, she continued, "I promise to get a perfect score and rank first in the next monthly exam, and I'll win the championship in this year's Southdale Physics Competition. "If I fail to meet either of these conditions, I will apologize publicly to all the directors of the school board and leave First Academy voluntarily. "In addition, I'll donate 50 million dollars to the school. However, if I meet both conditions, Hector must resign from the school board. Also, I will join the school board as a director, which will grant me decision-making authority." After she finished speaking, the conference room fell into a stunned silence. This bet was enormous, and the stakes were high enough to tempt the minor board directors. Yolanda had promised to donate 50 million dollars! Even if the amount was split among everyone present, each of them would receive more than five million dollars! They all believed that even if Yolanda could get another perfect score in the next monthly exam, there was no way she could win the Southdale Physics Competition. Therefore, this was a risk-free, guaranteed win for them. After much consideration, it was Chris who finally spoke up. "Hector, agree to it for the good of the academy." Since Hector was directly involved, his agreement was needed to make the deal official. "I…" Hector had initially wanted to agree immediately. But for some reason, when he looked at Yolanda's calm expression, a strange sense of unease crept into his heart. "What are you worried about? She won't be able to meet either of those conditions. If you agree, you'll be a hero for the academy!" Chris urged. Since the establishment of First Academy, no donation had ever exceeded five million dollars. If they secured 50 million dollars from Yolanda, it would be a major windfall for them! Hector steeled himself and nodded decisively at the group while agreeing. "Alright!" "Words are wind. I need you to put all this in writing," Yolanda added. "Yolanda, are you absolutely sure about this?" Harvey asked hesitantly. He was the only one who looked worried. If he had been a little more ruthless and staked his own position as principal, he might have been able to protect Yolanda. But now, Yolanda's gamble had become far too risky. Yolanda nodded slightly. "Yes, I'm sure." "Alright then," Harvey said with a sigh. He then called his assistant into the room to draft the details of the agreement and have both parties sign it. While Yolanda was in the conference room signing the agreement with the directors of the school board, the registration for First Academy's annual Art Festival began. The Art Festival featured three main categories—painting, dance, and vocal performance. It would span three days. During this period, there would be no classes, and students would have free time to explore the activities offered. Students participating in dance and vocal performances would perform during the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival if their acts were selected. As for the painting category, selected artwork would be exhibited on the opening day of the festival. Rachel had been studying art but never had a piece of her work been chosen since junior high school. She looked at her current submission and then at the sketch she had picked up from Yolanda. After a long moment of hesitation, she wrote her name next to the sketch and submitted it. … After signing the agreement, Yolanda left the conference room immediately. To her, First Academy's courses were no challenge at all. Plus, Gavin's birthday—the one from his previous life—was approaching. She planned to prepare a "surprise" for him.