Marked By The Alpha's Cursed Blue Moon
Chapter 81. Plan List

Chapter 81: 81. Plan List

After Mr. Frederick finished handing over the sheet of paper, Maria remained seated, eyes fixed on the list he had written.

She was carefully scanning the items he had asked her to work on, trying to absorb everything. Her mind was spinning with questions, with plans, and a growing resolve.

Just then, Mr. Frederick stood up. The sound of his movement made Maria look up immediately. She instinctively understood he was ready to leave.

Maria and Laura both jumped to their feet at once.

"I will be leaving now," Mr. Frederick said calmly, giving them both a small smile. "But make sure everything I asked for on that list is handled and completed within the next two weeks. And please, don’t hesitate to contact me whenever you get any piece of information, no matter how small. If anything seems unclear or you run into any difficulty, just call the number I wrote at the bottom of the page."

He spoke with the calm assurance of someone used to solving complex problems, then turned and walked away from them, his footsteps fading gently behind him.

Maria stood frozen for a few seconds, still gripping the paper, before turning to Laura with a wide smile breaking across her face. "Thanks so much, Laura," she said warmly. "I wouldn’t have met him without your help. I really appreciate everything you’ve done."

Laura smiled back, waving off the gratitude. "Come on, Maria. It’s no big deal. You would’ve done the same—or even more—for me if things were reversed."

Maria nodded in agreement, her heart still racing. The meeting with Mr. Frederick had opened a door she never thought she’d reach, and though it was just the beginning, she could feel something shifting inside her. A new sense of purpose. Of fire.

As they left the building and began walking towards the train station, Maria’s mind swirled with thoughts.

Who would want my parents dead? She couldn’t name a single person who might have had a motive, but that only made her more determined. Whoever it is, I swear... they’ll pay. I’ll give them hell.

By the time they reached the train station and boarded the train home, Maria’s mood had turned quiet and intense. Laura could sense the change, but she didn’t say anything—just gave her friend space to process everything.

When Maria finally got back home, it was already growing dark. As she stepped into the living room, she was surprised to find Bernard and his parents sitting together.

The room was dimly lit, and the mood felt subdued. What shocked her more, however, was that no one asked why she had taken so long to return. No one—except Bernard.

"Maria," Bernard said, standing up as soon as she greeted Beta Gilbert and Luna Victoria. "I’d like to have a word with you, if you don’t mind."

His sudden interest in speaking with her made her heart beat faster. She was caught between nervousness and curiosity. What could he possibly want to talk to her about?

She hesitated for a few moments before finally responding. "Is everything okay? Why do you want to talk to me?"

Bernard gave a small, polite smile. "It’s important. Please... let’s talk in your room."

There was something unusually calm and serious in his tone. Maria couldn’t read his expression fully, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she gave him a small nod and led the way to her room.

Once inside, she turned to face him with a curious look. "So, Bernard, what’s this about?"

He paused, clearly trying to gather his thoughts. It wasn’t often that he looked this unsure of himself.

"We both know final exams are around the corner," he began. "And... I haven’t exactly been on top of my studies this year. I’m way behind, Maria. I’m scared I might fail."

Maria blinked in surprise. Of all the things she thought he’d say, this wasn’t one of them.

"You want help with your studies?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. "But come on, Bernard. We both know you’ll never fail. Not with parents like yours. They practically fund the entire school."

Bernard gave a tired sigh and sat down on the edge of her bed. "That’s exactly the problem," he said, voice quiet but firm. "I’m tired of people thinking I only pass because of my parents’ influence. This is my final year. I want to prove I can succeed on my own... that I’m not just some privileged boy floating on my parents’ power. I want their respect. Real respect."

Maria stood there, speechless for a second. For the first time, she saw Bernard differently. Not as the arrogant, entitled boy she had once thought him to be—but as someone desperate to take control of his life.

"I..." she started, then stopped herself. She took a breath and tried again. "I understand. So... how exactly do you want me to help you?"

He looked up at her with sincere eyes. "I need you to teach me," he said simply. "Help me catch up with all the lectures I’ve missed. You’re one of the smartest students in our class, Maria, and I know your explanations will make things clearer. Please—just help me out."

Maria hesitated, studying him closely. There was no arrogance in his tone, no manipulation—only honesty. And desperation.

Her lips slowly curved into a small, thoughtful smile.

"Alright, Bernard. I’ll do my best to help you," she said gently.

He let out a breath of relief. "Thank you so much, Maria. You have no idea how much this means to me."

But while Maria’s words were kind and her tone sincere, a part of her was already thinking ahead.

This is my chance, she thought. Getting close to Bernard might be exactly what I need to find out who sold the house to Mr. Frederick... and maybe even uncover the truth about what really happened to my parents.

She gave Bernard another soft smile. "Let’s start tomorrow after school," she said.

"Perfect. I’ll be ready," he replied...