Chapter 17 Of course , she is . She passes the microphone as deafening cheers erupt . Valerie steps up next , and I roll my eyes , not caring if the cameras pick the action . " I'm Valerie St Clair , " she says smugly . " I'm twenty and a travel influencer . I also take online classes at Harvard University while traveling the world . " She winks at the crowd , and they go wild . Envy runs through me as I imagine the beautiful , glamorous lives Lara and Valerie lead . I wait as girl after girl introduces their self . They're all between nineteen to twenty - two , either in prestigious universities or have glamorous jobs . Then Eliza takes the microphone , and I wonder about the reception my new friend will receive . " Um , h - hi . " I wince as she stutters . I can see her hand shake . " I'm Eliza Kinsley , and I ... um , I- " Her voice is too soft , and her shyness is evident . I feel awful when Easton steps forward and puts an arm on her waist . " Eliza Kinsley , everybody ! " he announces and all but shoves her out of the way so the next girl can introduce herself . My sympathy for Eliza is short - lived , however . Because soon , it's my turn . My microphone feels heavy in my hand as I step forward , struggling to keep my composure . " Hello , everyone . " My voice sounds too loud to my ears . " I'm April Farrah . I'm twenty - one years old and I'm a Biomedical Science major at UChicago . " Due to the blinding lights , I can barely see the crowd , but I don't need to see them to know that my reception is nothing compared to some of the other girls , especially Lara and Valerie . June tugs on my hand and I continue like I was asked to . " Um , this is my little sister , June , " I say , hating how the attention in the room shifts to her . " I'm her primary guardian , and the Ashfords have been kind enough to let her be with me . " Then, against every instinct that screams at me to protect my sister from the cruel world , I hand her the microphone and hold my breath . " Hi ! " her small , childish voice rings through the air . " I'm June . I'm nine years old and I love it here ! " Scattered laughter echoes through the room , and a few people even clap . I let out a huge sigh of relief as I pass the microphone to the last girl . After the introductions , Easton announces that there will be a press conference in the gardens outside . He encourages the crowd to stay indoors and help themselves to the surplus buffet while the press conference is ongoing . By the time we appear in the garden , the press conference has started and the Ashfords are being interviewed . I catch the end of a question . " ... dependent sister . How does that affect the dynamics of the competition ? " I barely register that the question is about me and June when Peter answers , like he's been waiting for that one question specifically . " It's ... fun , " he says with a smirk , and his gaze meets mine across the garden . " It adds flair , ensuring that the competition will not be boring or straightforward . " I grit my teeth , recognizing those words from that first day in my room . The reporters chuckle amongst themselves , evidently loving his reply . Samuel , however , looks less than impressed . And he proves my hypothesis that he favors Nathan over Peter correctly when he pointedly turns to his second son and says , " Nathan , maybe you can provide a more insightful answer . " My heart skips a beat as Nathan crosses his legs and clears his throat . My breath stills as I wait for him to tell the whole world what he thinks about me . 1/2 12 p p . Winning the Hee Who Bullied Me Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!