Chapter 20
The Regal Villas, nestled along the riverfront, were a mark of ultimate wealth and prestige. Each home started at a billion dollars, drawing in only the most powerful and elite.
As the Porsche Cayenne rolled into the gated community, Lenore’s sharp eyes glimmered with curiosity.
So this is how the top one percent live…
They arrived at Block 3, Area A, where Silas unlocked the front door with a smart scan.
Inside, the villa was spacious and bright, decorated in cool, elegant tones—a reflection of its owner: noble, refined… and just a little distant.
Silas led Lenore up the stairs.
“The master bedroom on the third floor has never been used,” he said casually. “Everything is brand new.”
Lenore glanced around before nodding. “Thank you.”
She waited until he went back downstairs, then closed the door behind her.
With a calm but calculating gaze, she rolled up her left sleeve and stared at the black smart band on her wrist.
It’s about time…
Downstairs
Chuck, who had been watching Lenore closely, finally exhaled.
“Mr. Garcia… about Mr. Faulkner and Ms. Smedley…” he started, but trailed off the moment Silas stepped back into the room.
There was something intimidating about him—an effortless authority that made people fall silent.
Wayne, who had only taken a couple of puffs from his cigarette, flicked the rest into an ashtray.
His lips curled into a knowing smirk.
“So what’s the plan here?”
Silas didn’t answer immediately. He simply walked over, picked up a glass of water, and took a slow sip.
Then, with a calm but pointed tone, he said—
“Whatever the plan is, it’s none of your business.”
The Next Morning – Greenvine High
The moment Lenore stepped onto campus, she drew every eye in sight.
She wore a crisp white shirt, her school jacket draped carelessly over her shoulders.
Her striking features, combined with her cool demeanor, made her impossible to ignore.
But she didn’t seem to notice the attention at all.
Instead of heading straight to class, she took a detour to the restroom, slipping in her earphones as she answered an incoming call.
Her tone was calm and relaxed.
“Got something to say?”
A deep, measured voice responded.
“Did you really enroll at Greenvine High?”
It was Yves—calling from halfway across the world.
It was early morning in Cathayia, but already midday where he was.
Lenore leaned against the restroom partition, twirling the cord of her white earphones around her fingers.
“Esther told you?” she asked knowingly.
The Smedley family matters were usually kept from Yves by Troy.
So if he knew…
It had to be Esther.
Yves didn’t bother denying it.
“Even though my father only brought you back for my mother’s inheritance…” he said, pausing briefly.
“He’s still my father.”
Then, after another pause—
“And about Esther…”
His meaning was clear.
Lenore’s eyebrow lifted slightly.
Her voice remained calm, but cold.
“As long as they don’t cross my line, I’ll show them some mercy.”
Yves went silent for a moment.
Then, in a low voice, he murmured,
“These past years… they’ve been tough on you, haven’t they?”
Tough?
Lenore chuckled softly.
That word no longer meant anything to her.
Instead of answering, she changed the subject.
“Fifteen million should be enough for you to finish your studies abroad, right?”
Yves frowned slightly.
“I can manage. I work part-time here, and I have a scholarship. You don’t need to—”
Before he could finish, she hung up.
A moment later, she transferred 15 million dollars to his account.
She checked her remaining balance.
Just enough to cover my little girlfriend’s dance lessons and studies…
I’m broke.
She sighed, wrapped her earphones around her phone, tucked it into her pocket, and left the restroom.
By the Sink
Just as she stepped out, she nearly bumped into Esther, who had been washing her hands.
For a split second, Esther froze.
Her gaze lingered on Lenore’s face, her expression shifting from shock… to jealousy… to something darker.
She’s too beautiful…
Helen’s voice called from outside.
“Esther, class is starting!”
Esther took a deep breath, forcing a smile.
“Coming!” she answered, stepping away.
Lenore didn’t spare her another glance.
She simply turned back to the sink, washing her hands at her own pace.
In the Hallway
As Lenore walked toward the classroom building, a gentle voice called out to her.
“Lenore.”
She turned her head.
Upon seeing the speaker, her expression softened.
“What are you doing here?”
A bright-eyed girl with warm dimples stood before her, holding out a carton of milk.
“Waiting for you,” Bonnie Terrell smiled.
“I heard you were back, so I wanted to see you.”
Then, with a curious tilt of her head—
“Why did you suddenly decide to come to school?”
Bonnie had always known Lenore was different.
A prodigy.
She could read ten lines at once and remember everything.
By the time she was ten, she had already completed all her college courses.
And yet—
Here she was, standing in a high school hallway.
To Bonnie, it felt surreal.
