Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 43

Helen turned away from Jenson's provocative gaze.

She opened her textbook and began to concentrate on the new lesson for the day. She wasn't overly concerned about her score on the Math Olympiad test.

Jenson let out a cold snort.

He looked towards Gerard with expectation.

He remarked, "Mr. Ziegler, it seems our class didn't do too well, did it? But that's to be expected. The regional Math Olympiad is notoriously tough. Only those with true skill can score well on it."

Gerard responded with a chuckle. "Jenson, you are correct. The competition's difficulty level was indeed higher than before. But Helen from our class performed exceptionally well. She scored a perfect hundred on the percentile-based exam."

The announcement from Gerard caused the class to stir in surprise.

Jenson's face twisted in disbelief.

"How is this possible? It can't be!" He struggled to accept that he had lost, and so embarrassingly at that.

The other students turned their eyes to Helen.

Her ordinary appearance, usually bringing down the class's average in looks, contrasted starkly with her remarkable achievement in the regional Math Olympiad competition.

It was like a miracle.

There was scattered applause which quickly caught on and soon the whole class was applauding Helen. Everyone joined in except for Jenson.

He sat with a thunderous expression, his hands clenched tightly at his sides.

Gerard called on her, "Helen, why don't you share a bit about your approach to studying with your fellow classmates."

Helen had estimated her score to be at least 95.

She was surprised to learn she had correctly solved the last question, which was the most difficult one, thanks to Chandler's notes.

Helen stood up.

"Thank you, everyone. My approach is simple: extensive practice. Exposure to various problems and the ability to apply concepts creatively is crucial in the Math Olympiad."

Phishie expressed her admiration, "You're incredible, Helen. You've been working through math problem after math problem. You must have finished at least a dozen practice books by now."

Gerard nodded in agreement, urging the class to learn from Helen's example.

After sitting back down, Helen's gaze accidentally met Jenson's. She offered him a faint smile.

Jenson reluctantly looked away, his hands still clenched at his sides.

The class ended, and the students surrounded Helen. They were eager to learn her study methods.

Jenson made his way through the crowd to Helen.

"Ugly... No, I mean. Helen," he corrected himself.

It was the first time he had dropped his derogatory nickname.

Jenson continued, "I lost our bet and I'll honor it. I won't bother you again. From today, I acknowledge you as the one in charge. I'll steer clear whenever I see you at school."

He spoke with genuine sincerity.

Jenson had always underestimated Helen, seeing her as just a country bumpkin. This incident had taught him a lesson.

He resolved not to cause any more trouble.

Helen replied, "A true gentleman accepts defeat. I have to say, Jenson, I admire that about you."

Jenson's lips tightened. He clearly found it hard to accept, but he still managed to call her Helen and not revert to his derogatory nickname for her.

Helen felt her previous resentment fade away after seeing Jenson's strained reaction.