The Elites and The Secret Elite

Chapter 1

Isabella Van Doren

The sunlight peeked through the curtains, gently kissing my face as I stirred awake. Today was the first day of school, and a surge of excitement mixed with nervous energy surged through me. I groggily rubbed my eyes and glanced at the clock – 6:30 AM. The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning, and suddenly, I was wide awake.

Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I let out a yawn that echoed through the quiet room. The morning light painted everything in a soft, golden hue. I couldn't believe summer had flown by so quickly, leaving me standing at the threshold of a new school year.

As I shuffled to the bathroom, my mind raced with a million thoughts. New classes, new teachers, and the inevitable sea of faces I would have to navigate. The anticipation fluttered in my stomach like a squadron of butterflies, and I couldn't help but wonder how this year would unfold.

The mirror reflected a mix of emotions on my face – a blend of determination and a hint of trepidation. I combed through my long, light brown hair, trying to tame the unruly strands that always seemed to have a mind of their own. The familiar freckles across my nose seemed to dance in the morning light, a reminder of countless summers spent outdoors.

Dressed in leggings and a turtleneck with a blazer, I made my way downstairs, the wooden steps creaking beneath my weight. The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, a comforting aroma that promised a new beginning. Mom was already in the kitchen, humming a tune as she prepared breakfast.

"Good morning, Isabella," she greeted me with a warm smile. "Ready for the first day?"

I nodded, doing my best to match her enthusiasm. I was eating my breakfast, looking at the views from our penthouse in Brooklyn, overlooking the Manhattan Bridge and Manhattan skyline. Thinking about how quickly my life changed and how I spent my summer working on my business along with my mother.

As a 12-year-old, I embarked on a journey that began as a simple hobby—designing clothes and selling them through social media. The initial years were characterized by slow growth, with modest earnings trickling in. However, things took an unexpected turn when I turned 14. Influencers started showcasing my designs in their outfit of the day posts, catapulting my venture into the limelight.

What was once a modest hobby evolved into a burgeoning business, with my mom joining forces to navigate the exciting yet challenging world of entrepreneurship. By the time I turned 16, the momentum was unstoppable. The turning point came when the likes of Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, and Kim Kardashian, alongside other influential figures and fashion gurus, adorned my creations on their social media pages.

From humble beginnings, my brainchild, Elysian Attire, has transformed into a multi-billion-dollar empire, boasting a staggering net worth exceeding 9 billion dollars. Elysian Attire primarily sells daily wear for men and women, competing with brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Zara, Gant, and Lacoste.

In the same years when the Kardashians and Jenners recognized my clothing line last year. It marked the inception of my second venture, Van Doren, a high-end designer brand with aspirations to rival the likes of Dior, Chanel, and Hermes. Van Doren specializes in exquisite purses, accessories, and a range of clothing, spanning from luxurious designer pieces to sophisticated formal wear for both men and women. The brand's current valuation stands at a staggering 900 million dollars, contributing to the Elysian Corporation alongside Elysian Attire, which together commands a collective worth just under 10 billion dollars.

Initially, my mother was employed in a corporate environment, but the dynamics shifted when my business began to thrive. With our newfound success, she transitioned into the entrepreneurial realm and now collaborates with me in steering the company. Juggling academic commitments with the demands of a flourishing business can be daunting, but my mother assumes responsibility while I am in school, handling the managerial aspects. Simultaneously, I am actively engaged in the design process, molding the aesthetic and vision of Van Doren's creations.