Chapter 3

Mr. Sterling left the office and headed home. Upon his arrival, his wife immediately noticed his unusual demeanor. Concerned, she asked, “What happened at the office today?”

He sighed deeply before responding, “There was an incident. Someone tried to sabotage our operations.”

She was taken aback. “But we have no enemies in this jewelry business. Everyone respects our company and wants to collaborate with us. Who would do such a thing?”

“Sweetheart, business is more complex than it appears. Even without direct competitors, there are always those who envy our success and would go to great lengths to undermine us,” he explained calmly.She fell silent, contemplating the gravity of the situation.

Meanwhile, it was getting late and Seraphina was still at her friend’s house, having lost track of time. She had forgotten that the next day was Monday, the start of a new school term.

“Vanessa, call Seraphina and tell her to come home immediately. She needs to understand the importance of responsibility,” Seraphina's dad instructed firmly.

Her mom called her as instructed, conveying her dad’s message. “Seraphina, your father needs you to come home now.”

Frustrated, she told her friends, “My dad needs me to come home. He always treats me like a child.”

They suggested she stay for dinner, but insisted on leaving. She called her driver to come pick her up.

Upon arrival,her personal maid greeted her and took her things.

“I think I have to reward the one who pumped sense into your head “ she said grinning.

Entering the mansion, she called out, “I’m back, everyone!. Who missed me?”

“No one missed you, young lady. Your father is quite upset that you came home late,” her mom said, emerging from the kitchen.

“Mom, I wish you would address me more maturely. I’m not a child anymore,” she replied.

“You’re not serious. Go upstairs, freshen up, and come down for dinner,” she instructed.

Seraphina did as she said, though she dreaded the next day. Starting at a new school meant making new friends and adjusting to a new environment, which felt exhausting.

“Sera! Dinner is ready!” her mom called.

Her dad asked, “What’s taking her so long?”

“She’s freshening up,” her mom replied.

When she finally joined them at the table, her dad asked sternly, “What were you doing at your friend’s house that made you forget about school tomorrow?”

“I just wanted to spend some time with my friends,” Sera explained.

“You should have called us. We were worried. Don’t let this happen again,” he warned.

Feeling upset, she said, “I’ve lost my appetite,” and left the table.

“Come back here,” her mom called, but she didn’t respond.

Sera hated being yelled at but often found herself yelling at others. She locked myself in her room and eventually fell asleep.

The next morning, Mrs. Vanessa gently woke Sera up. “Time to get ready for school,” she said, placing her breakfast on the table.

“Mom, I’m too old for breakfast in bed. You’re still treating me like a child,” Sera complained.

“You deserve to be treated like a princess. Even older couples enjoy breakfast in bed,” she replied softly.

“I prefer eating at the dining table. What’s the point of having maids if we don’t use their services?” she argued.

“Mind your words. The maids are older than you and deserve your respect,” her mom admonished.

Seraphina told her that they are commoners and commoners don’t deserve to be respected.”

Her mom sighed and left the room, leaving her to prepare for the school day she was dreading.

After getting ready, Sera ate her breakfast and moved to the hall. Her mom saw her and couldn’t help but smile. “You look beautiful in your new school uniform,” she said, admiring the perfectly ironed outfit prepared by the maids.

Her mom complimented her on how beautiful she looked in her new uniform. Sera thanked her and asked where her dad was.

“He had to go to the office very early this morning. He didn’t even eat his breakfast,” she replied, a hint of concern in her voice.

“Who will drive me to school?” she asked, a bit worried.

“I will,” Mrs Vanessa said with a reassuring smile.

“You, Mom? I’ve never seen you drive before,”

Sera said, shocked.

She chuckled softly. “I can drive, Seraphina. Just wait for me in the car. I’ll be ready in a minute.”

Seraphina went to wait patiently in the car. Soon, her mom joined her and they drove off to the school. On their way, Sera noticed several big cars on the street heading in the same direction.

When they arrived at the school, Seraphina and her mom got out of the car. She took her to the principal’s office. The principal greeted them warmly, and they sat down to discuss important matters.

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Vanessa” the principal assured her mom. “Your husband has taken care of everything. Seraphina will be in good hands here.”

“Mom, I’m not a child for you to put me under the care of some teacher. I can take care of myself in this school,” she said, her frustration evident.

The principal noticed her tone and intervened gently. “Seraphina, you’ll be placed in the senior year. I believe you’ll find it challenging and rewarding.”

A student was instructed to take Sera to her class. As they entered, the class greeted them. The student introduced her as their new classmate. She could feel their eyes on her as she found a seat at the corner of the room.

A few minutes later, a teacher entered the class and called her to introduce herself. “I’m Seraphina Sterling,” she said confidently.

The room fell silent, and jaws dropped. “You’re Sterling? The daughter of the CEO of the best company in the city?” the teacher asked, astonished.

She nodded. The students started smiling, clearly excited to have a popular figure among them. They welcomed Sera warmly, and she began to feel more comfortable, ready to make friends who would respect her.