CHAPTER THREE

If someone had told me three months ago that I would have to leave London for my safety - I would have laughed. I was running away like a coward with my tail between my legs, instead of solving my problems. I didn't what was more insulting, the fact that I was the richest person in the world and couldn't solve a dispute. Or the fact that I was going to be attending High school in America when I have already graduated High school and have a Business and  Computer science PhD. 

Looking at the preppy building in front of me, I could only hope that this will be enough to keep me safe until the threat subsided. I looked towards my left where Robert was driving toward the front entrance of the prestigious Lakeview Academy- my home for the next nine months. I sighed as I faced the front again taking into the vast fields that spanned the property, a football game that was in progress and the crowd going wild. 

"I don't understand why I have to attend High school when I have already learnt everything Robert". I grumbled in slight annoyance. I understood perfectly well why- but that did not mean that I was happy about it. It would be the first time that I would be away from Levi for so long.  

"You know why Avalon, this is for your safety. I will not back down on this. Besides this is a genius plan- to hide right under their noses. Also this school is private and many elites go here, therefore they will automatically have higher safety precautions, compared to public High schools". 

"I am posing to be a scholarship student. How will this benefit me? I have so much on my plate with the latest designs and the billboards that are due to run within the next few months. I do not have time for hormonal teenagers and homework involving calculus". 

"You are a teenager yourself pumpkin", he smirked cheekily before adding in a serious tone "This is for your safety Avalon, I need to know that you will be safe here. We have changed your last name and are using your mother's maiden name. So now you have your alias as Avalon Gracia, and I will be registered as your guardian. We've made sure that the documents showed that you are from a middle-income background, so we have more time to find that fucker before anything gets serious. The Dean knows who you really are, so if you do have any problems just go to him. But you shouldn't have any problems because my team and I will be there - always". 

I sighed slightly as I stepped out of the rented run-down jeep. "Take care of yourself, and Levi- please".

"Always, pumpkin". His eyes softened as he kissed my forehead.

                                                                       _____

"Miss Kingston I must say it is an h...ho...honour to meet you. I h...have read many o...of your papers and your views upon your business". He stuttered with nervous eyes and clasped his hands together as Robert left the premises. 

"Dean Evans thank you for your praise. As you know Robert has previously briefed you over the phone upon the predicament that I face. Therefore you must understand as to why I am here. I believe that you have signed an agreement regarding confidentiality about my identity?" He nodded. "So I must ask you to treat me as one of your students and please call me Miss Gracia from now on" I said monotonously. 

"I...I apologise Miss Kin...Gracia, your identity will be confidential and only I will know of it. Here is the welcoming pack to Lakeview Academy, your room keys and your timetable. As all students here, you will have private quarters with a fitted en-suite. I have one of my students who is here right outside as we speak to escort you to your accommodation". He nearly squeaks by the end of his speech whilst sweat is accumulating on his head. 

I shook his hand as he opened his office door for me. "Thank you once again Dean for taking me into such a prestigious school". With this I collected my belongings and the welcome pack before stepping out into reception. 

"You must be the new student!" I turned to find a girl with medium length dirty-blonde hair and brown eyes. She stood a few inches shorter than me at 5'7 and currently grinning like a maniac. 

"Yes, and you are?..."

"Selena Castro, your tour guide and possibly your new best friend!". I blinked twice and nodded once. Not even ten seconds later I found myself hand in hand with her dragging me off to which I believe where the dorms were located. She was talking my ear off about this school not once noticing I have not responded at all. Castro I recognised, as this was one of the biggest casino companies in America owned by Bryan Castro. 

As I looked around I noticed several boys staring at me with intrigue and confusion, and some of them were smirking in a perverted manner scanning my body up and down. The girls that were here were glaring at me. Why? I had no clue.

We reached the dorms after a few minutes and Selena guided me to my door number 23A. 

"Thank you Selena". I tried to dismiss her but clearly she had no idea of the term. 

"No problem" She invited herself  into my room looking around and asking "What was your name again?" I gave her my emotionless face as I glanced at her again after dragging in my luggage. 

"Avalon Gracia".

"Ava, it's very nice to meet you! You're just in time for dinner. Drop your stuff and come on let's go!" 

"Uhhh...." 

She was jumping on the balls of her feet. Was it possible to be this hyper this late into the evening? Apparently so. "Are you ready?" She was like a little bunny. I guess I had no choice regarding this matter. 

"I uhh.. guess?" I looked at the mirror that caught my eye in the vanity situated at the corner of my room. Trying to smoothen my naturally wavy black hair, I observed my forest green eyes that I had inherited from my father. I was severely jet lagged from Italy. I was currently wearing black skinny ripped jeans with a simple white T-shirt. Nothing too special- nothing stands out. Good, stay hidden. I locked the door to my room and followed Selena with my keys and phone in hand. 

The cafeteria looked like a typical High school setup with noisy teenagers and a food serving station, although the interior design looked nothing short of a high end restaurant. Selena and I grabbed our food and made our way towards a table. "Hey guys!"

"Hi Lena", some guy responded looking at her before his eyes scan over to me. Looking over my appearance, his eyes scanned me and a smirk rested upon his face. "Hey gorgeous, what's your name?" another girl smacked him on his head as we sat down. 

"Respect, Max", he pouted as he rubbed his hand at the back of his head and then watched me with hopeful eyes. 

"Avalon Gracia". I rolled my eyes at him. I could already tell that he was the child of the group. 

"British", I turned my head toward another guy at the table. "My name is Tyler Castro, Lena's twin". 

"And I'm Max, Max Finley". The first guy added as he waited for a reaction. I don't give him one and stare at him dead in the eyes. This was an elite school, so many children of successful business people attended here. I knew what his family did, and they were very successful at what they do. 

I dipped my fry in ketchup in a nonchalant manner and ate it whilst still staring at him. His jaw dropped. "You seriously don't recognise the name?". 

I quirked an eyebrow. 

"Not everyone cares about money Max", the same girl with brown hair and hazel eyes interjected before introducing herself. "Nice to meet you, I'm Harper Jones". I nodded in acknowledgement. 

"So Ava what made you come here? I mean from all the way from England?" 

"This is a good school and has great opportunities, besides I couldn't exactly give up on the scholarship that they offered". They all looked at me with wide eyes. 

"You're on a scholarship?"Lena questioned. I just stared at her to continue. "Lakeview doesn't give out many scholarships, damn you must be smart", she muttered. 

"Well whatever made you come here, welcome to Lakeview Academy Avalon", Tyler smiled at me. 

"So tell me what less-" Max started off only to stop as the whole cafeteria fell in silence. I casted questioning eyes at him and he just pointed a finger towards the entrance. I turned to find three boys and a girl entering through the doors making their way towards the table at the center. 

"Who are they?" I whispered as I turned back to the table.

"They're the Royal elites of Lakeview Academy. They are the richest people in America. You see the guy in the center with the dark brown hair and grey eyes? He's Elijah Easton, the sole heir of Eastons Designs. Next to him on his right is Jaxon Walters and his twin Aspen Walters. Finally we have Austin Cooper." Lena answered my question with a dreamy gaze towards Austin. 

"They're all pricks, don't interact with anyone but themselves. They're childhood friends and practically run this school. Last year someone stood up to Elijah and the poor guy got expelled. You don't want to get on their bad side, who knows what they can do?" Tyler added, while I resumed my eating. 

"Don't worry though gorgeous, I'll protect you!". Lena just shook her head at Max as Harper glared at him looking like as if she was betrayed. 

"Max!", Harper gave him a sharp look. He looked back at Harper with wide eyes before gulping heavily. 

"Harp, you know you're the only one for me baby!". Max pulled her into a hug and kissed her lips. 

I took into account of their words as their conversation resumes and turned my head to observe the Royal elites. I could tell that Elijah was the leader of this group, just looking at his friends as they bickered between themselves. He had a permanent scowl on his face. Jaxon seemed to be the brains of the group, with his head inside some book and glasses that rested upon the bridge of his nose. The quiet observant one. 

 I turned my eyes back to Elijah to see that he was already staring at me. We made eye contact and I hold his piercing gaze, neither of us backing down. His face contoured in anger as his lightening grey eyes darkened as if a storm was brewing in them as he scanned my face and body. As he made eye contact again, I remained emotionless and cocked my head to my right and raised an eyebrow as if to say, you done? 

He looked surprised as his face splits into shock for a mere second before resuming that scowl. Jaxon, noticing our exchange leant over and whispered something into his ears, before a slight smirk rested upon his lips and turning away. I watched his back for a few more seconds before turning towards my table once again. 

There was something about Elijah Easton.