Chapter 03

Penelope’s POV.

Madeleine came forward and hooked her arm with Sebastian’s. She looked at me like she was expecting some sort of explanation. Before I could speak, Sebastian did.

“She seemed lost when I saw her. Her presence is revolting, so I told her to go home.”

My head whipped up to look at him. I wasn’t expecting him to say nice things about me, but saying it in front of everyone? I knew he said that to protect his reputation too. After all, there was no reason why he would be there with someone who was below his class.

Madeleine seemed to be very pleased with this. She looked at me triumphantly, deliberately flashing her ring at me. I scoffed inwardly. What was she trying to do? Did she think I was in love with Sebastian or something?

I turned, ready to go home, but her voice stopped me. 

“Come on, stay and enjoy the party. You earned it. If people like you aren’t here, it wouldn’t be charity now, would it?”

She unhooked her arm from Sebastian’s, and took mine, leading me to a seat. Afterwards, she went back to him. The event began, and I was grateful that nobody noticed me. I was able to stick to a corner until it was time for the auction.

I watched as they all flaunted their parents’ wealth, offering huge donations to charity. Even Lena donated a huge sum of money. When they finally finished Madeleine grabbed the mic. 

“Since you all know, this event is for charity, so I would like to exempt Penelope Hastings from making a donation. The generosity of the elites is what keep the poor going. So, Penelope, since you have no money to donate, just sit and enjoy the party. You’re a guest today, not staff.”

I clenched my teeth, fighting back tears as I watched her go back to her seat. Guests from other schools were present, and she used the opportunity to humiliate me. I knew she was up to something, but it was better to endure it than to be put in a tight corner in school.

Food was served and I couldn’t bring myself to eat. I was sitting at the same table where Madeleine, Sebastian, and other people were. Madeline did not allow Lena to share a table with us, so I was out of place without her.

“You’re so kind, Maddie,” one of her minions told her. “I didn’t expect that you would invite her.”

She said the her with so much disdain that I clenched my fist under the table.

“Thank you, Anne,” Madeleine beamed. “Things we do for the less privileged. It's so hectic.”

“The Vanderbilts are so kind,” another girl said. “My daddy says people misuse such opportunities.”

“The cook stole our food!” a blonde girl said. “When she was caught, she said she wanted to give it to her daughter. Couldn't they just buy food or something?”

One of the boys from another school looked at me and spoke. “You don't look bad for an outsider.”

Outsider.

That was what they called people like me who weren't from the Upper East side. 

He continued. “If you weren't, I would have gone for you. You're hot.”

“Careful,” Sebastian growled. 

Everyone, including me, was surprised. We turned to look at him.

One of the boys laughed. “My, my! This is interesting. What's going on between you two?”

“Don't push it,” Sebastian said. “I don't listen to apologies.”

The boy gulped and backed away. Now, the whole table was silent, and I took that as my cue to leave. 

I stood up. “Thank you for inviting me, Madeleine.”

She smiled. “Please, call me Maddie.”

I nodded and left. The car my father rented was waiting outside for me. Before I could open the door handle, Madeleine called my name.

“Yes?” 

She gave me a mean smile this time. “I just came here to tell you one thing. You should know your place. People will misunderstand Seb's compassion for affection.”

She leaned forward and whispered in my ear. “And that can cost you your entire wretched existence.”

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

The next day, I sat with Lena in class, waiting for the teacher.

“I'm sorry that happened to you yesterday,” she said. “Madeleine wouldn't let me follow you. And by the time I came outside, you had gone.”

“It's okay, Lens,” I said. “I'm just glad it's over.”

The teacher walked in and we scrambled back to our seats. 

“Good morning everyone,” she said. “I hope you're having a good day. Today, I'll be selecting committee members for the International Leadership Summit. Only students who reflect Whitmore's legacy will represent us.”

Everyone began talking excitedly. It was finally our turn as senior year students to be selected for the leadership summit. Many students from around the world would be present. It would be a great opportunity to show my intelligence to the world, but I didn't think they would choose me.

After all, I didn't reflect Whitmore's legacy when it came to wealth. Despite being an A-list student and the best in the entire school, I still wasn't considered worthy. Only Lena could be considered worthy between the both of us. 

Madeleine stood up. “Where will this Summit be held?”

“It will be held in France this time.”

“Oh, that makes it available to all.”

The teacher grimaced and brought out a list from her bag. “The following students will represent us: Sebastian Vanderbilt, Madeleine Bancroft, Theodore Beaumont…”

The list went on and on. Eventually, Lena's name was called. As expected, my name wasn't called.

“So,” the teacher said. “These ten students will be representing us.”

“You missed out a name,” Sebastian said without raising his head.

The woman laughed nervously. “I called your name, Mr. Vanderbilt. Or who are you talking about?”

“Penelope Hastings.”