CHAPTER FOUR THEME: Where it all began

“The Blackwood Academy—a place where Elites connect to Elites and the rich get richer.”

“Where the hell is your sister? You said she was on her way,” Mr. Blackwood asked, puffing smoke from his pipe.

“I called Marlene. She should be here any minute,” Caspian replied. Mr. Blackwood stood from his seat.

“Good afternoon, Father,” Marlene greeted as she entered the conference room of the Whitehouse.

The Whitehouse was where their great-grandfather had drawn the plans for Blackwood Academy. Even after so many years, it was still used for important meetings. Stakeholders held their regular meetings there as well.

Thane sat at the opposite end in a grey suit that complemented him. His eyes bore into hers, and he looked like he would rather be anywhere else.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” Marlene said, trying to keep her voice calm.

“You should be sorry, Marlene, because I did not raise a fool,” he snapped. Marlene held back the urge to retort, knowing better than to argue in front of Caspian.

“Dad, it’s not what you think…” she trailed off.

“I do not understand why Thane doesn’t have better ways to control your movements at Blackwood!” Mr. Blackwood burst out angrily.

“My business is to see the school grow, not to meddle in the life of a Gen Z. The only thing that makes them happy is the fun of being wild,” Thane replied softly, his calmness irritating Marlene.

“You left the house and attended a club party after creating a scandal on the day your brother launched his latest hotel. Marlene, it’s like you enjoy creating new problems for the family, and I do not admire that trait,” Mr. Blackwood snapped, and she bit her lower lip to control her emotions.

“You are a Blackwood, Marlene, and you must understand that no matter what happens, there are enemies out there who would do anything to drag our family name through the mud. People envy us. People we have wronged while climbing the ladder of success. Don’t be naive,” he continued angrily.

“The Al-Khaleds are throwing a party at their mansion here in Los Angeles to celebrate a project launch at the Academy. We called you here to make sure you behave properly during the party. That’s all I ask,” Mr. Blackwood added. Marlene stared blankly.

“Shut the door on your way out,” Caspian’s voice reached her ears. She felt the familiar sting of hurt. Caspian had always been the cold one among her five brothers; sometimes, it felt like he hated her.

Thane, on the other hand, buried himself in books and documents rather than bother with anyone. Something told her he was allergic to people; he stayed away from women as if they were plagues. He had never been married or dated, and rumors suggested he might be gay.

But Marlene trusted the Blackwood blood too much to believe sons of Mr. Blackwood could have an interest in the same gender.

“Enjoy the rest of your day,” Marlene said as she left the Whitehouse, needing a break from everything—no matter how brief.

She got into her Ferrari and drove to the Blackwood estate.

“Welcome back, Miss Marlene,” the maids said, bowing as she walked past.

“Mom,” Marlene called as she entered the kitchen. Georgia turned, her ocean-blue eyes lighting up with joy.

“Marley, come here, my pumpkin,” she said, kissing Marlene joyfully.

“You didn’t go shopping today?” Marlene asked.

“No, I had interviews and a book club meeting scheduled, but it didn’t work out. I apologized to everyone—I just needed to rest,” Georgia replied. Marlene nodded.

“You should rest more and let the servants cook more often,” she teased.

“I love cooking, Marlene. It’s my way of relieving stress. Plus, I know my kids love my cooking,” Georgia said. Marlene laughed at her mother’s sweetness.

“We’re no longer kids, Mom,” Marlene said.

“You’ll always be kids to me. Now go freshen up and join me,” Georgia said.

Marlene’s mind drifted back to the meetings with her father and brothers, and she groaned. The Al-Khaleds weren’t warm or approachable—except for Jamila, who was sweet. Somehow, she suspected they were trying to pair her with Jamila’s older brother, Rasheed. That had been the reason she dated Sean—to avoid being paired with someone from an overly religious family. Marlene knew the hardships Jamila faced daily.

“I hate this feeling. I hate it so much,” she muttered, eyes swelling with unshed tears.

She stripped off her clothes and changed into training wear, then walked toward her training room.

“Liz played me Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky,” she said as she walked to the middle of the stadium. She clicked her hands, and the robot turned on the music; red lights revealed the stage.

The music began, and Marlene moved fluidly, her soul merging with the melody. Her arms curved like a swan’s neck, while her legs executed precise steps. Her emotions poured out in the dance—elegance, grace, and beauty. This was her only way to release pain, anger, and the longing for a life free from pretense, where she didn’t have to constantly protect the family.

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“Wake up, guys! Time for a run,” Jax announced as he entered Ethan and Dre’s suite. Dre got out of bed still in his underwear.

Ethan sat in the sitting room, wearing running clothes and a white towel over his shoulder. “Where are we running to?” Dre asked, shocked.

“It’s time for your morning run. Your schedule requires you to keep your feet moving,” Jax said, showing his tablet.

“Are we wizards or something? This is 5 a.m.!” Dre exclaimed.

“It’s not midnight—it’s 5 a.m. You’ll get used to it,” Jax said. The door opened, and another woman entered. Her eyes met Jax’s briefly before she looked away; they clearly had some tension.

“Hey, guys. I’m Royalty, your personal assistant. I handle your stylist, lawyer, and all necessary things to build your platform. Salvatore has already taken care of payments,” she said, giving them all the information needed to be members of Blackwood Academy’s elite circle.

During the run, Ethan stayed quiet, while Dre grew frustrated. He wasn’t a morning person, and this process was tough.

“Are you okay?” Royalty asked. Dre made a crying face, making her laugh. They were still outside when cameras clicked.

“They’re taking pictures! Can’t we stop them?” Ethan asked, bored of the attention.

“It only gets worse. You’ll meet more people and might clash with others. I advise signing a no-dating policy. You can have fun but avoid serious relationships at Blackwood Academy,” Royalty said. Ethan signed it without hesitation.

“Wait, I can have fun, right? I’m not committing to celibacy?” Dre asked.

“No,” Royalty said, trying not to laugh. Ethan got up and went upstairs, beads of sweat running down his face.

Jax arrived with gadgets: phones, laptops, and other devices necessary for studies.

“You’d want to freshen up and join your first class,” he said. Ethan went upstairs silently while Dre flirted with Royalty.

“Guy, I’m older than you—stop flirting!” she said.

“Have you heard ‘the older the wine, the sweeter the juice’?” Dre teased. Royalty blushed.

“Dre, you’re crazy! Go get ready.”

“I will, mama,” Dre said, heading upstairs. Royalty chuckled, eyes meeting Jax’s briefly before glaring. He glared back.

By the time Ethan and Dre left in their suits, Ethan had not worn his blazer. Sleeves rolled up, tattoos on display, he ignored the stares. Dre, of course, waved at everyone, shocking Ethan.

In class, everyone went quiet as Ethan took a seat.

Marlene froze. She smelled that familiar scent—a seductive, intoxicating aroma that drew her in. Her jaw dropped. It was the Black guy from the club.

Everyone else didn’t know who he was, but she knew he wasn’t from a wealthy family. He had done something to get here, and she intended to find out.

“Welcome to Blackwood Academy,” she whispered, eyes following the tattoo on his neck and the intensity of his hazel eyes.

“How did you get into Blackwood Academy?” she asked. Ethan ignored her, focused on the lecturer.

“I’m talking to you. I know you’re not rich… I know…” she trailed off.

She reached out to touch him. He bent on reflex, pressing her slightly forward, and the class gasped. Phones went up, capturing pictures and videos.

“Let…” she started.

“Now be a good girl and keep that threat to yourself!” His voice made her eyes widen in shock.