Coolest Girl in Town (Elise and Alexander) novel Chapter 686

Chapter 686 Light at the End of the Tunnel

After what felt like a long moment, Jack was the first one to break the tense silence by saying, “It seems like you thought I was joking the last time we met, Craig. But, unfortunately, your happy days are numbered.”

“Whatever, man. Go right ahead, try and take me down. We’ll see if you’re just all talk,” Craig challenged with matching defiance.

He had already discerned from the exchange earlier that Jack had feelings for Winona. He can’t do anything to me as long as I stay with her, Craig thought.

On the other hand, Jack was unaware of what the other man was thinking. He only wanted to ruin Craig’s reputation and life as soon as possible. He shot Craig a glacial look, then took out his phone and made a call as he walked away.

…

Meanwhile, a week had gone by, and Andy still had not received the calligraphy Elise wrote at the mall the other day. He even called the Calligraphy Association Museum to ask if they had sent the work to the Archive, but the employee on the other line fumbled over his words and excuses. Eventually, Andy grew restless and decided to drop by the Archive himself.

When he got to the S-Class Archive, he saw that the employee had dozed off at the work desk.

Andy rapped his knuckles against the desk, and with two thuds, he managed to wake the employee up.

“Mr. Nixon!” The employee snapped out of his sleep and stood up as he apologized profusely, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to slack off during work hours. I was just really worn out. I promise this won’t happen again!”

“Don’t worry about it. I’d be sleeping like a log by now if I were you. It’s not the most interesting of jobs, to be fair,” Andy said with a dismissive wave, not wanting to pick on the employee. Then, without beating around the bush, he asked, “I had an item sent over last week that still has not been archived. Why is that?”

“Mr. Nixon, are you talking about Elise Sinclair’s calligraphy?” the employee asked.

“We’re in the S-Class Archive here, so who else would dare send something here unless they’re asking for humiliation?” Andy countered dryly.

“That’s true,” the employee agreed with a flustered smile. “I’ve been here for half a year now, but I’ve never received an S-Class item before.”

“So why haven’t you archived it?” Andy pressed. He had only one thing on his mind right now, and it was Elise’s calligraphy.

“Oh, well, it’s actually because Cody—that is, Mr. Carlson—and his student, Miss Hill, said that while Miss Sinclair is qualified for the Calligraphy Contest finals this year, she has yet to become an official member of the Calligraphy Association. So, as protocol goes, we’re going to need to see where she places in the competition this year and wait for her to be assigned a rating before we can archive her work,” the employee explained truthfully.

Andy’s eyes lit up. “Are you saying Elise is on the list of contenders for this year’s finals?”

The employee nodded with a blank look on his face. “Yes, that’s right.”

When he heard the confirmation, Andy felt as if he had seen the light at the end of the long, dark tunnel. For the last few days, he had been using his grandson’s WhatsApp to text Elise, but she never replied to any of his messages. He was starting to think that he would never meet the genius behind such intricate calligraphy, but alas, fate decided to humor him with a miracle, for he was finally going to see her.

There had been a considerable lack of talent in the recent Calligraphy Contests, and Andy only ever showed up when he was invited as a guest of honor to hand out the awards.

However, now that he knew Elise would be there, he was determined to stay for the entire run of the competition and watch her at work.

“Alright, I understand. In that case, keep the calligraphy with the utmost care until you can archive it,” Andy said to the employee. He and Cody didn’t see eye-to-eye, and he didn’t want the innocent employee at the museum to be caught in their spat, so he let the matter drop for now.

After that, he came out of the museum and decidedly posted a picture of Elise’s calligraphy, which he had taken before this, into the group text meant for premium members of the Calligraphy Association. However, he did not provide any context, making it seem like he was trying to keep something exciting a secret.

Little did he know that everyone in the group text would burst into an uproar.

‘Andy, is this your work? Look at that handwriting! No one can do it without an S-Class Rating!’

‘Come on. Flattery won’t work without common sense. All of you should be familiar with Andy’s penmanship by now, and there’s no way that’s his calligraphy. Spill, Andy. We demand to know the artist behind this legendary work.’

In truth, Cody was competent, though he often resorted to underhanded ways to achieve what he wanted. That, however, couldn’t be helped, seeing as everyone in the industry had different goals and means to attain them.

Andy was never one to hang around people like that. However, he still tagged all the members in the group text and typed, ‘The genius is an introvert with mild social anxiety, so I’d appreciate it if you could all keep her participation in the upcoming finals a secret from the public.

Those in the group replied instantaneously in agreement.

…

On the day of the contestants’ rating day, Tiana, along with Cody and Malia, drove to the Calligraphy Association.

As the car rolled to a stop outside the building, Cody glanced at Tiana and encouraged, “Just treat this like how you would any other practice session and take it easy. You have already outdone yourself regarding your skills, and you’ll do great. Go on, then.”

Tiana eyed the luxury cars that were parked on either side of the street and felt her heart drop to her stomach. She was so distracted by her own thoughts that her face had a dazed look.

“Tiana?” Cody called out, louder this time. “Are you okay? You seem a little pale.”

It was only then that Tiana snapped out of her daze. She tucked her hair behind her ear and muttered a little absentmindedly, “Maybe I just didn’t get enough sleep last night. I’ll be fine.”

“You have to be. The Calligraphy Association only does the rating once a year, and you can’t afford to miss it. So, just hang on until it’s done,” Cody cajoled.

“I know, Mr. Carlson, but what’s with the number of cars today? Are these all parents of the finals contestants? Some of these cars even have reporters in them, and they’re all carrying equipment as well,” she pointed out in confusion.

“Don’t you know?” Cody explained calmly, “The heads of all the Association’s divisions are here today, and I reckon they’ll take part in the rating as well. The press is drawn to the likes of these people, so make sure you do well, okay?”

“Oh, okay,” Tiana mumbled as she let out a sigh of relief, then nodded with a smile. “Don’t worry, Mr. Carlson. I’ll do my very best! I’ll be going now.”