WITH MY BESTFRIEND fuming, she paced back and forth, contemplating how to avenge me. Although the bruises were fading, it only made her more livid. "Calista, I don't think you're being completely honest with why you are putting up with this," she finally sighed in defeat. While she scolded me, I was busy admiring her dark brown hair that was in a bun with a pair of chopsticks. It never failed to amaze me. After muttering a string of incoherent curses in Korean, Zavian patted her shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. "It might have been understandable before, but it's outrageous now."
Knowing the stubborn nature of Asra, she would continue like this until she found an acceptable answer. "I'm collecting information and finding vital weak spots in large corporations," I answered as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. "My father thinks I'm away to study, which I am, but I'm also using this as an opportunity to find faults."
Zavian, however, looked unconvinced, "That isn't the only reason, is it, Calista?"
Despite my ability to eloquently lie in compromising situations, I refrained from doing so. "That's right," I calmly replied, tapping on a notebook with a list of names, either crossed out or circled. When I first arrived at this academy, I only wanted the freedom I lacked from growing up sheltered. At first, it had only been about experiencing human interactions and learning from the best professors in North America. However, after witnessing and undergoing the discrimination, I changed my plans.
I had three goals in mind, and I had no intentions of seeing them halfway. The first would be to learn all I could from the professors as I knew how ruthless the business society was. The second would be gathering information on as many corporations as I could. And the third was to investigate who was behind what happened eight years ago. "There's a reason why I cut all contact with you eight years ago,"
These affairs were strictly confidential, and few knew of them. I gritted my teeth, trying to keep my temper in check. Otherwise, I would end up making impulsive decisions. "This involves the incident eight years ago?"
Asra and Zavian were aware of my disappearance but never knew why. I didn't quite like the idea of keeping secrets, especially from Asra, but there were certain things I couldn't say. I nodded, "You can continue nagging, but I won't tell you anything else," my voice was firm and unwavering. "And I'm warning you not to dig any deeper. You're putting your corporations to the brink of disaster."
I hadn't expected to have this conversation on a Saturday morning before the sun rose. "Does your father have any idea what you plan to do? Have you ever considered how we feel seeing you like this?" Zavian retorted quietly. "God, it almost excites me to see how they react when they find out just who you are."
"I'm serious. Promise me you won't," I deadpanned coldly, narrowing my eyes, I added sharply, "I can handle these matters on my own for the time being."
The two were silent even though they had many things to say. In reality, they must have tried and found a dead end. When they made progress, it would result in three steps back. "It really sucks to feel powerless in this situation," grumbled Asra, rubbing her cheeks in stress. Interfering in these affairs would also put her family's corporation, and so, I believed she would be better off knowing nothing. "We promise, but in return, you'll come to us if you have any inconveniences that we can help with."
"I promise. You can stop worrying now," I ushered, clenching my knuckles. The incident eight years ago was never released to the media, and it would remain that way. Letting out a sigh, I circled the name of a certain female.
I couldn't tolerate how students were treated here. They were silenced if they dared show any resistance, thrown away and ruined. Not only would I succeed in my own plans, but I was going to thoroughly ruin everyone who played a role in my humiliation. That would be the only acceptable thing to do. And under no circumstance was I aiming to merely hurt them either. By the time I was finished, they would have nothing.
The perfect opportunity arose when Nicolas approached me, claiming to be actively pursuing me. My forte was using any disadvantageous situation at my disposal. Connecting a call to Landon, I stuck my tongue out at the two sending me watchful stares. "Hey Landon, please send me an overview of Natalia Montgomery."
"What has she done?" asked Landon dejectedly.
I smiled innocently, twirling the bowl of fruits on the table, then plopping a grape into my mouth. Landon knew me too well. "I'm researching for a school project."
REFERRED TO ROYALS, or the Elites, what I previously knew about them only scraped the surface. Using whatever means to rise on top, sacrificing and going to dire lengths to secure the market. They were part of the top tiers—an elusive and exclusive club welcoming individuals above the one percent. Anything and everything was purchasable. And even then, rich people were not all on the same level. Among them, there was discrimination.
Aptly speaking, the top tiers were the ones with money running through from generation to generation. A wealth so stupidly extreme that it would make up a large portion of the one percent itself.
They were the ones making the world go round, not money, but them. The Royals were part of this club, and it happened that one of them was sitting next to me with curious stares, "What's on your mind? You look dazed," whispered Nicolas, poking my shoulder. I ignored him, shifting away with a scowl. If I had known who he was, I might have saved myself some dignity and ran away when I had the chance.
He pouted, scribbled messily on a ripped piece of scrap paper, then passed it to me. Scanning the contents of the note, I shot him a dirty look. You're not as ugly as I thought you would be x. I was unsure whether to feel flattered or offended.
Crushing the note in my palm, I tossed it back at him and continued to idly listen to Professor Lawing's lecture. I wondered if Mauve Diaz was okay. As if taking notice of my distracted state, he turned and glanced in my direction with a small smile. "Miss Lockhart, will you please discuss the key factors regarding the benefits of gold mining?"
My heart immediately dropped, feeling the condescending gazes. I never liked public speaking but had forced myself to bear with it. Despite not looking like it, I was perhaps the most antisocial person and suffered from anxiety when meeting new people or speaking publically. Exhaling, I swallowed my fear. "Playing a role in economic growth, it raises employment through direct and indirect opportunities. While costs of underground mining may be expensive, the outcome long-term will outweigh the negatives," with a pause, I continued, "Not to mention that it brings foreign direct investments as well as tax revenues to countries," fidgeting slightly with my fingers, I couldn't help but notice the burning stares, "The supply and demand for gold has contributed to global economic growth and will continue in the future,"
"Excellent," he replied, nodding in approval. "Calista is an outstanding student, and I hope everyone can learn from her," continued Professor Lawing. "Our discussion tomorrow will be comprised of multinational corporations. You are all dismissed for today." Although his words were praises, they drew more unwanted attention.
I wanted to dig a hole for myself and hide. Truth be told, for the majority of the lecture, I had unintentionally dozed off. My notebook was composed of sketches instead of written notes. And in some odd way, I was still able to understand the lecture without fully paying attention.
While I waited for the rest of the students to leave first, I turned to find Nicolas patiently waiting until I packed my belongings. If I had known he'd become this clingy, I might have tried harder to decline. "Why aren't you leaving?" I muttered, tapping my pen impatiently.
"I needed to talk to you about something," he shrugged, scooting closer. "My mother is hosting a ball this weekend, and you will be accompanying me."
There was an unsettling feeling in my stomach. A type of stress that I couldn't seem to relieve. "Why? I'm sure you could find a substitute."
He frowned, leaning his head in the palm of his hand. Nicolas came off as friendly and playful, but there was a reason they called the top tiers heartless. That had been my biggest concern about associating myself with someone like him—a Royal. "You must feel anxious still," he contemplated for a moment. "My mother invited Asra and Zavian's family. You could tag along with one of them."
"They'll be away for the weekend to discuss marriage proposals," I lied, hoping that Asra wouldn't kill me the next time she saw me. "I'll think about it," I answered swiftly.
With a call from Landon, I immediately picked up, making sure to move further away from Nicolas, "A hazelnut latte, please." I replied nonchalant tone. It was an inconspicuous code word between us. To others, it would act as a simple coffee order, but between us, it was the unindexed and encrypted chatroom that was used to exchange information.
After hanging up, I held my notebook to my chest with Nicolas trailing behind. "What a coincidence. I also like hazelnut lattes." Ignoring his remark, I strode through the corridors as quickly as I could. The envious glares were uncomfortable, and Nicolas hadn't yet seemed to notice that he was digging a deeper hole for me. Having his presence was a nuisance, but it meant that others were obliged to show more respect.
Taking the long way down the stairs, I suddenly felt a pair of hands roughly shove me from behind and closed my eyes for the impact. Unexpectedly, the scent of musk engulfed me with warm arms. It often hurt to act defenceless and weak, but I had to make certain sacrifices. "From this moment on, Calista Lockhart is my property," he announced. "And the next person who lays a hand on her will know the consequences of harming my belongings."
I breathed in relief and pushed myself out of Nicolas's arms, both thankful and irritated that he saved me while calling me property he owned. And that was when I noticed that Nicolas was built in more muscle and a little taller than I remembered. Then I saw Nicolas standing a few steps ahead of me with a look of concern. I prayed for a moment, glancing up to find the one person I didn't expect to see. "Don't give me that dumb look, and pay attention where you're walking next time. I rather not stain this academy with something as insignificant as your death."
Why I oughta, I thought, clenching my knuckles as I ached to give him a piece of my mind. "An asshole dressed as a hero," I muttered under my breath irked.
He raised his eyebrow, "I dare you to say that again,"
"If you heard me the first time, there's no need to repeat it a second, August," my voice was mocking and defiant. Upon realization of my words, I used my palm to cover my mouth. With a swift apology, I bolted straight to the elevators to my dormitory on the top floor, suddenly grateful that it was the only room available to students.