Chapter 02

Penelope’s POV.

It had been a week since Madeleine graced us with her not-so-delightful presence. I hated to cross path with her in school due to how she never misses the chance to mock me for being out of her league.

It was a good thing that she didn’t live in the Vanderbilt mansion. If she did, I wouldn’t be able to survive. It had been only one week, yet, she had taken over the whole school. Girls flocked around her like little minions; boys wanted her to notice them too. Even worse, she commanded the whole school, and got whatever she wanted when she asked for it.

Even the meanest girl in school was afraid of her. It was lunchtime, and everyone was gathered at the cafeteria. I took a seat near the door, and Lena did the same. We got our food and began eating.

“Has Madeleine been coming to your house?”

My house…

“I wouldn’t know,” I replied her. “I’ve not been going out of the staff quarters lately.

The excitement on her face died down. “Okay.”

It seemed like the idea of me living in the staff quarters hadn’t really registered into her head yet.

“Attention, everybody,” Madeleine said, standing in the middle of the lunchroom. 

Everyone became quiet instantly, and she began. “As you all know, I’m new here. So, I would like to do something relevant. I’ll be hosting a student charity gala at Bancroft mansion, and everyone of you is invited.”

They began cheering, making her beam with pride. She clapped her hands and it was quiet once again.

“Now,” she continued. “It’s for only the elite students as it’s going to be a charity auction. But be rest assured, I know we don’t have any student who isn’t an elite amongst us. Except…”

Her gaze rested on me, and everyone followed it. Some of them began laughing.

“Since it’s for charity, I would like to personally invite Penelope. For the first time, you’ll get to attend such an important event, not as staff, but as a guest.”

Lena gasped and looked at me sympathetically. I felt a pang in my heart at the words I just heard. I chose to swallow it and focused on my food.

“I have gotten permission from the principal to ensure that no one misses this event. It is compulsory. Through this event, my family will make a huge donation to Whitmore.”

They all began clapping at once. She walked over to our table and gave me a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“I’m personally inviting you, Penelope. If you don’t want to be suspended from school, you had better attend it.”

“Why would I be suspended simply because of that?” I asked.

“Because you can’t afford to donate to the school if I decide not to when the number of people present aren’t promising.”

I knew she was up to something, and I wasn’t looking forward to it. “Alright, I’ll be there.”

“You had better be. It’s important that everyone knows their place in philanthropy.”

Tears stung my eyes, but I held it in. I refused to show weakness in front of this girl who was misusing her luck of being born into a rich family. Whatever she had planned for the night, I had to create a counterattack.

**** **** ****

I arrived at the ball wearing a dark green dress that my father had bought for me. As I stepped out of the car he had rented for me, cameras came flashing in my face. I have to admit that I was enjoying every bit of it. I wasn’t a shy type, so I smiled in front of the press as my pictures were taken.

I walked into the hall, marveling at the grandeur of this mansion. Unlike the Vanderbilts mansion, this one was more traditional. Red and gold was splashed around like royalty… it was all so overwhelming.

As I wandered around, I got lost in a large hallway. 

“Oh dear,” I groaned. “Not here of all places. I can’t get lost here.” 

A hand grabbed me and yanked me into one of the rooms. My heart flew into my mouth as I struggled to break free. My arms flailed around helplessly as I tried to fight whoever it was that was holding me.

Did Madeleine send someone to hurt me?

Now, I was genuinely scared, because I knew how mean these people could be.

“Keep still, dammit!” the voice cursed.

I stilled instantly, looking up to see Sebastian. Relief flooded through me at once. For a moment, we stared at each other, and I allowed myself to get drowned in his brown eyes. Suddenly, he let me go, and I almost fell. 

“What are you doing?” I asked furiously, scrambling to my feet.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“What do you mean? Madeleine invited me.”

He scoffed. “You’re really proud of that? Does your little brain not tell you that you don’t belong here?”

“I’m not stupid, I know I shouldn’t be here. But she threatened me.”

“What did she say?”

“Oh, right. You weren’t there when your fiancée told me that I might have to make a huge donation to the school in her place if I didn’t attend.”

“Go home.”

“No.”

“You, listen to me and go home right now.”

“No, I won’t.”

“Yes, you will.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.”

“I’ll call the chauffeur to pick you.”

“I’m staying. Why do you care anyway?”

His face turned cold. “Whatever… You’re on your own.”

Then he left. I badly wanted to smack him in the face. I followed him and found my way back to the main hall. 

Finally.

Just then, one of the girls spoke loudly enough for all to hear.

“Did I just see Sebastian come out of a room with Penelope?”

Well, I’ll be damned.