WITH THREE MONTHS passing in a blur, it came as a surprise to see that I had managed to survive for this long. Making enemies without trying could be considered a talent. But true to my words, I ever so slowly began to release private information about the Montgomery's. From blackmailing, stealing ideas from smaller businesses, the scandals of Natalia, and the death of Gracie Sommers, there was no hope in trying to save what was already lost. When a world-renowned investor made it known to the public that they were no longer supporting Vincent Montgomery and withdrew all investments, all other investors did the same. And instead of filing for bankruptcy, the largest enterprise in the world—Storm Corps, offered to buy them out. When the billionaire's list came out before the news, I had seen Vincent Montgomery on there. And as quick as it came, the list underwent repairs and updated a new list without him. That alone was good enough for me. 

And as for Natalia, I'd seen her meet secretly with the Headmistress to sign her withdrawal forms. This would be considered her last week at St. Blair's. Rumours spread that her family was forced to return back to Moscow to reflect on the severity of their actions. I giggled at the idea of Natalia on a farm, wearing tattered clothing as she milked a cow. It was far-fetched to think since Moscow was beautiful and that she was far too spoiled. But with her day-to-day lifestyle, I highly doubted that she would be sipping on a lavish cocktail on a resort somewhere. She certainly couldn't afford to hire private designers to make her a new outfit for every day of the week either. 

I even had been kind enough to graciously bless Vincent Montgomery with a call, to which he immediately picked up with a hostile tone. "How the fuck did you manage to do it?" 

"You sound angry at me," I replied sadly, "Shouldn't you start off with a friendly greeting?" I questioned, adding playfully, "You were so desperate that you accepted less than a billion, huh? It must be difficult to readjust your lifestyle. After all, you aren't used to a couple hundred million compared to the billions you used to make." 

He gritted out, "What have we ever done to you?"

"It's what you have done to others," I drawled, "You're the typical rich person, acting high and mighty. You destroy lives because you don't like them," I retorted slyly, "I'm simply showing you how it feels. Oh, and because your daughter started it first. I'm quite petty, you know." 

"THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON business classes along with a few students from the fashion department will be going on an exclusive trip to France next weekend," announced my favourite professor. "Flight and accommodations will be handled by the academy," and I felt the icy gazes of everyone in the lecture hall. I happened to be the only scholarship student in the morning class. My black blazer and plaid skirt truly stood out. Noticing the excitement of an unexpected trip, I scanned the room. Catching August's eye, I had nearly forgotten we were in the same class. Sending me a wink with a cheeky smile, I whipped my head back to focus on Professor Lawing and pretended I didn't notice Nicolas's nosy behaviour. 

A hand shot up, "Why France?"

Professor Lawing twitched, irritated that he was cut off while speaking. It was his pet peeve that I noticed. Tightly, he answered, "There's a large charity gala that invites the top thirty companies. While they'll be attending and staying for two weeks, the top fifteen have agreed to undertake one to three students to personally mentor. This will mean less than forty of you will have a chance," he added, "And as the wealthiest tycoons, they lack nothing. They'll be choosing you based on your ability to perform." 

Daniel raised his hand, waiting patiently for the professor to give the cue. "As everyone may know, Caeden Storm rarely attends gatherings unrelated to business," he began, "Since he stands at the top, will he also be going?"

This was the million-dollar question everyone had. Eleven years ago, Storm Corps was a small and insignificant name. On the brink of bankruptcy, an anonymous investor helped him grow. Like a miracle, nine years later, no one had expected him to become the most successful man today. "It's unconfirmed." 

"He better go," I murmured under my breath. 

"He better go?" Nicolas repeated questioningly. 

Coughing embarrassingly, I nodded, "I'm hoping I get a chance to meet Caeden Storm. I might be lucky to be mentored by him." 

And it seemed that either I had spoken too loud or that Daniel had the hearing of a bat. "You? Do you think you have the right to even wishfully think that?" He scoffed, offended by my words. "I'd give you five-hundred thousand if you could even." Of course, that amount would be considered pocket-change to him. 

"Five-hundred thousand if I get mentored by him?" I raised a brow, "Is this a bet?"

He rummaged through his pocket to hold out a chequebook, waving it around like an accessory. "Five-hundred thousand if you get mentored. Otherwise, you better get those withdrawal forms ready." 

Nicolas pinched my arm threateningly, opening his mouth as I interjected quickly, "Fine!" After the words left my mouth, I felt my ego slowly crack into a million pieces. I had no idea how I was going to pull this off. My brain had completely shut down after he named his price. It was too busy daydreaming of dollar signs. Massaging my temples, I awkwardly smiled, "Nicolas, what do I do? Why didn't you stop me?!" 

"You're a goddamn idiot." 

Amen, Nicolas, amen. 

WHEN DINNER CAME by, my eyes unintentionally wandered to where the Royals sat, lingering on August in particular. I would be lying if I tried to call them ugly. Displaying a perfect demeanour of grace that made others insecure, I felt a little mesmerized by them. "God, I wish I could be with one of them."

"Be quiet, Theresa," her friend elbowed her roughly in mild fear, "Rule number one, stay in your social hierarchy." The two were scholarship students, which I recognized from the art and dance department. Upon noticing my attention on them, she hatefully glared at me. "Look at her. She's not that pretty at all. That slut's trying to sleep her way into the Royals." Okay, clearly, there was discrimination right now. Liana was a walking Goddess to them, and everything she said was taken wholeheartedly. 

The redhead, Theresa, grimaced like she was staring at a bug. "I can't even stand to look at her," she pretended to gag, loud and obnoxiously that the small group of students laughed. "I can even smell the poor coming off her." 

We're all scholarship students, dumbass. If I smell poor, you do too, was what I refrained from saying. Instead, directing my attention to Asra and Zavian, I leaned over the table and whispered, "Watch this." 

Licking my lips, I exhaled out to calm my overwhelming nerves. Standing up, I straightened my plaid skirt and pushed my hair behind my neck. Gulping the rest of my sparkling raspberry water down, I plastered a flirtatious smile and strode to the center table. With August next to a girl who was too close for comfort, nearly falling off her seat, I pursed my lips since no one seemed to notice it. Tapping the girl, I pushed her chair away with a screech. Pulling a spare chair from a table nearby, I placed it in between him and the girl. "What do you think you're doing?" Demanded Liana, clenching the glass in her palm. 

Was I going to regret my actions? Probably. "I'm sitting next to August," I replied cooly. Taking a glimpse of his plate, I reached over and took a small bite of his wrap. His jaw dropped, watching my every move. "This is really good, Augustine." 

"What did you call him?" Gritted the girl beside me. 

I frowned, "His name? You should have seen him when Thalia called him that," I joked, knowing damn well I was pissing off every girl in this dining hall. "His mother, Thalia, she and I get along so well." I was just doing this for shits and giggles now. "Letha, right?" 

"Don't call my name like you're important or–"

I interjected monotonously, "Right," I inched closer to whisper in her ear. "You're currently engaged but sleeping around with one of the professors?" Letha wasn't a Royal. However, because she followed Liana like a lost dog, she was given privileges. Even if I'd be tied up on the rooftop again, it was so worth seeing the look of disbelief and how they were powerless. Everyone sitting at this table was holding some sort of a secret, and it was too bad that I happened to be the queen of exposing them. "Sit tight." 

She looked down in shame, silently and obediently eating her food. There was uncertainty in the air from how bold I was acting. "Calista," came the warning. 

"Yes, August?" I pouted, lifting my head that my breath fanned his neck. "Fine, I'll go since I'm not welcomed," slowly, I stood up and instead of leaving, I wrapped my arms from behind him. I let out an airy sigh by his ear, feeling his body tense up. Making sure the two of us could only hear, I whispered, "May the best player win." With a coy look, I dipped my head to kiss his cheek, then winked at Nicolas. 

Letting go of my hold when the announcements began, it was perfect timing for dinner to be over. The dining hall had never been as still as it had been at this very moment. The only thing that could be heard was my black oxford shoes clicking against the floors. Pushing open the heavy wooden doors and listening to them slam shut, I stopped dead in my tracks. 

I didn't realize I was holding my breath, feeling light-headed and breathless. My cheeks were painted rosily, heating up the more I thought of my actions. I had zero experience with men and relationships, which meant this was the first time I willingly went out of my comfort zone. And for some reason, it was exhilarating. Recalling how flustered August looked, I laughed to myself, wondering how could someone like him experience that. 

"The Heartbreak Society Games, huh?" I tapped my lips, wondering what kind of antics I could do next. And I suddenly knew why people found this event entertaining. Thrilling and gave flashes of adrenaline rushes, I was going to thoroughly enjoy this, even if it wouldn't last long.