Chapter 7: Chapter 7

"How's school going for you, Adeline?"

I was going to take another spoonful of my food when I heard Papa's authoritative voice. We were eating at a large and elegant table, just the two of us, having our meal.

"It's f-fine, Papa." I replied, giving a rigid response.

"Make sure you're putting forth your best effort in class. When I stoop down in my position, you do realize you're going to handle the firm, right?” he stated as he drank his water.

"Yes, Papa."

"Good, because the company doesn't require a CEO who has even basic academic qualifications. Make certain to demonstrate that you are capable and can effectively manage the organization."

"Isn't it too soon to broach this subject, Papa? I'm still in my first year, and I'm sure you're not ready to give up your position just yet, are you?" I asked in a nice manner, since I didn't want to come across as being antagonistic.

"It is preferable that we discuss this as soon as possible. You are at an appropriate age to begin training, but I wanted you to adjust to your college year first. Perhaps next year." He said it forcefully, as if no one should disagree with him. "And aren't you relieved that the company will soon be in your possession?"

"I am, Papa. Our family's most valuable asset was the business. It's been going powerful and strongly for quite some time now, which is why I'm feeling a little p-pressured." I said it openly.

"That is why you must give it your all. I can't give your aunt the entire company because you know how brat and spender she is. She has the potential to bring the entire corporation down with her." He was referring to my father's sister, Aunt Clara.

Aunt Clara was a big spender, and I often to see her in the mall displaying her expensive dress with paper bags of designer labels in her bodyguard's hands.

She has a son and a daughter who are both similar to her, I rarely speak with my cousins and I am not particularly connected to them. Carl, his son, exudes a playboy image and is frequently seen in the bar squandering his money on the most expensive wine. Clair, his daughter, was her mini-me, the last time I saw her, she was fresh from a trip overseas, clutching fancy paper bags. Papa asked to where she had gone, and she replied that she had been to Paris to get Chanel's current release and limited edition products.

Aunt Clara got separated from her husband after he was caught cheating on her multiple times, and I silently thanked God that my aunt wasn't the martyr type of women who would settle for a dishonest husband. I was twelve when I spotted him in the mall with a girl, enticing her with expensive items. Of course, I informed Aunt Clara, but I was too late; she had already filed for divorce.

With the exception of Papa, no one was able to stop them from acting on their whims, but he soon gave up because the family was so privileged. They didn’t listen to him. I recall him saying that all he had to do was wait until Aunt Clara and her children had learned their lesson.

"Papa, I've had to tell you something..." I began softly. I remember that I should tell him about the tutor situation, but I wouldn't say it was Zeeve.

"What is it, Adeline?" he asked, his piercing gaze now fixed on me.

"I'll be late to go home on Tuesdays and Thursdays because I'll be tutored," I replied courageously as I waited for his response, clutching the hem of my shirt tightly.

"Tutored, Adeline? Why do you need to be tutored? I thought you were doing well in school."

"Yes, Papa. My p-professor complimented me on my academic performance and expressed her desire for it to continue. In addition, I'm helping a friend with an extracurricular activity."

“Is it a boy? Tell me you're having secret romances behind my back, Adeline. You're well aware that such a thing would occupy your time and would be a source of distraction.”

"It's a girl, not a boy. Sancha is familiar with her." I lied.

Damn it! I guess I'll have to ask Sancha to vouch for me now.

"Make certain. You are free to do whatever you want as long as it does not interfere with your studies. Adeline, I don't want you to rebel against me just for some boys." he stated sternly.

“Rest assured, Papa.”

He nodded and continue eating.

"Oh, you're a user, aren't you? You even exploited me to hide the fact that you are going to be with a man." Sancha said as she laughed.

We were talking through video call in my room when I told her about what we and Papa had discussed. It's better to be safe than sorry, because even if Papa agrees to my tutoring, he might still question Sancha about it.

"Whatever you say, Sancha. It's not like we were planning something nefarious. And don't get worked up, I was just notifying you so you could vouch for me if Papa asked."

"Yes, Ade, I know what to do. I'm sure you're aware that I've got your back."

When she saw my beautiful smile, her face wrinkled up. I can't stop myself from laughing.

"By the way, your cousin must have heard about Millenium Dreams, huh?"

It grabbed my interest right away. Cousin? Perhaps he was referring to Carl, he was a social butterfly, after all, and it's not surprising that he knew one of them.

"Carl? It's not hardly surprising, to be honest. He's surrounded by a large group of friends."

"No, I'm not referring to Carl. It’s Clair. That girl was a fan.”

Clair know who they were? It's odd, but not surprising. Clair went to a different school, and I didn't anticipate him to be a fan of a band. I assumed she was completely focused on her pricey bags and shoes.

"And you wouldn't believe me if I told you! She almost stripped in front of the band, which made her the topic of some gossip ladies on social media!” She continued as if she were astonished.

"What? She will not, under any circumstances, do such a thing!"

Clair was never a conservative girl, but she would never do such a thing. She liked to wear revealing tops and short skirts, unlike me, who only wore them once in a blue moon. I was raised to be prim and proper because I was taught to be so. That is what my grandfather wants, and it is for this reason that I have grown to appreciate what he wanted for me.

Of course, he wants his other grandchildren to be like that as well, but how can he do so when their mother approves of such behavior and lifestyle? That's why I believe Papa was so strict with me because I always followed him, unlike his other grandchildren who were free to do as they pleased.

"Tell me that when you've seen the video. Oh, I almost forgot, it had already been deleted. They were at the bar because I believe Millennium Dream has a gig there, and your cousin had removed his top and was about to unclasp his brassiere if it weren't for her friends stopping her."

My mouth drew apart. Clair is capable of such feats? If Papa finds out, I'm sure he'll go on a long rant at her. Ofocurse, Clair won’t talk back because she still holds my grandfather in high regard.

"That's crazy!" I exclaimed. "I had no idea she was capable of that."

“She was reportedly pursuing Primiel while simultaneously flirting with Alistair. He can't flirt with Auxel, though, because he's not interested in her. Carter, who is as frigid as ice, is the same way.”

I stared at her, waiting for the name he didn't say.

"What? You're waiting to see if Zeeve flirted with her? He certainly isn't. On the video, I saw him with another girl, therefore I believe that explains it."

"You’re crazy, I wasn't waiting for that!" I defended myself.

She merely laughed and didn't seem to believe what I was saying. I just said goodbye because I told her I was tired, but when I got back in bed, my mind was still wandering.

So he was dating someone else, huh? Isn't her girl going to be jealous if he's seen tutoring another girl? Or maybe it wasn't his girlfriend that he was with, but simply a friend, and Sancha came to a quick conclusion.

Oh damn! Why am I even thinking about it? It doesn't matter to me!