Reborn From Ashes novel Chapter 196

"You don't know what you're talking about, Jenny. Focus on getting into college first!" Serena scolded.

"I do know what I'm talking about!" Jenny retorted, her face full of defiance.

"Adults are talking here, kiddo. Stay out of it," James chimed in, backing Serena.

"I'm not a kid! I'm not that much younger than Hayden!" Jenny shot back indignantly. "He just graduated high school, and I'm a freshman. Why is he suddenly an adult, and I'm not?"

"Because Hayden's headed to college now. That's a whole different league," James explained patiently.

"I don't care. I'm still going to say whatever I want!" Jenny huffed, crossing her arms.

"Alright, you win. You're the adult here," Hayden said with a laugh, ruffling her hair. "When I'm in college, I'll make sure to listen to everything you say and not date just anyone, okay?"

"Now, that's more like it!" Jenny beamed, looking smug. Hayden really was the best.

"Speaking of which," Jenny said, her eyes lighting up, "can we go on a trip? It's summer break, after all!"

"We're pretty busy right now. Maybe it's better for you to stay home," James said with a sigh.

"Why don't you take this time to get ahead on your sophomore-year studies? It's the perfect chance to have Hayden help tutor you," Serena added. "He got into Brighton, after all. You should count yourself lucky to have him as your tutor."

"Ugh, more studying sounds so boring!" Jenny groaned, pouting as disappointment spread across her face.

"This is for your own good," James said firmly. "Do you know how important getting into a good college is for your future?"

…

Late that night, Hayden was lying in bed, scrolling through the news on his phone. His expression darkened as he came across an article about the Sterling Group.

The headlines painted a surprisingly positive picture of the company, with no sign of the negative press that had plagued them just days ago.

"Did they turn the situation around that quickly?" Hayden muttered, his brows furrowed.

The Sterling family's strategic moves had clearly paid off. They had navigated crisis after crisis with precision, silencing the harshest critics and stabilizing their reputation.

"Impressive," Hayden admitted quietly.