Chapter 11
360words
The top scholarship was substantial—enough to cover full tuition and living expenses for three years, a godsend for any family.
According to the published criteria, scholarships were awarded solely based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and competition achievements.
With my qualifications—top GPA in my grade, perfect standardized test scores, and IMO gold medal—I should have been a shoo-in.
But when the results were announced, I was stunned.
When I went to the office to ask questions, I found Mrs. Harrison congratulating Victoria on receiving the top scholarship.
"Why wasn't I selected?" I asked bluntly. "Aren't scholarships supposed to be based on academic merit?"
Mrs. Harrison said nothing, but Victoria rose from her chair.
"Lily, let me explain," she said with a smirk. "Do you want to know the real truth?"
"Those achievements you've worked so hard for? They're things I could reach in my sleep. And the privileges that come to me naturally? You'll never touch them, no matter how hard you try."
"That's the difference between Alpha and Beta. You can study until your eyes bleed, but you can't change your inferior genetics."
Victoria waved her scholarship certificate in my face: "See this? Full scholarship with all expenses covered. Not that I need it. And you—"
"Couldn't even qualify for the lowest tier scholarship. That's reality. Those are the rules in our Alpha world."
I stared at her, fury building inside me like a gathering storm. But I knew arguing here would accomplish nothing.
I turned and walked out without another word.
Victoria's mocking laughter followed me down the hall: "Remember this moment, Lily Thompson. You and I will never be equals."
When I got home, I told Mom about the scholarship situation.
"What?" Mom's jaw dropped. "You're an IMO gold medalist and top of your class. How could you not even get the lowest scholarship?"
I gave a bitter smile: "Victoria told me this is just the difference between Alphas and Betas."
Mom has never been one to stay quiet about injustice. That night, she posted another Instagram story.
