Chapter 7

7

BRIARWOOD SCHOOL *****

A red Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stopped in the parking lot. The car door opened, and a pair of Chelsea boots stepped out, catching the attention of the crowd outside.

Isabella emerged from her red car, wearing her uniform: a white shirt, a black and red flare skirt, black pop socks, Chelsea boots, and a black jacket with the signature "B" for Briarwood Academy.

" Briar make way, the queen is here!

"Welcome back, Isa!"

" I love your boots, Issa!"

" I love your hair! Can I get you coffee every morning?"

" Can we be best friends, Isa?"

Isabella walked into the enormous building, her chin held high, a proud and confident smile on her face. She was their queen, and she knew it.

"Isabella, I missed you," Chappell exclaimed, coming to hug her. Chappell was one of Isabella's three friends, known for her natural red curly hair that Isabella loved.

"I missed you too. Where are Gloria and Abby?" Isabella asked.

"Gloria can't make it today. Her curling iron exploded this morning, and she won't come to school without straightening her hair. Abby has a pimple and can't be seen with an imperfection during the first week back," Chappell explained, rolling her eyes.

Isabella nodded and opened her locker to store her book. A picture of a shirtless hot guy greeted her, posing seductively by biting his gold necklace.

"You still have a crush on Elijah? You've been trying to get his attention for two years, but I don't think he cares," Chappell remarked, peeking into Isabella's locker.

"Actually, things might change this summer. He texted me during our holiday after seeing my bikini shoot. He said I looked hot," Isabella blushed, closing her locker.

"Are you serious?" Chappell's eyes widened.

"I swear! He even invited me to watch their game tomorrow evening at the Cyber house," Isabella said with a proud smile as they headed to the classroom.

"Damn! Did he ask you to bring your friends? Can you take me? I'm a huge fan of Ace," Chappell begged.

A guy was sitting in Isabella's usual spot. She dropped her Louis Vuitton backpack on the table, and he quickly moved away without being told.

"You're such a queen, Isa," Chappell said in amusement, taking the sit beside her before a classy female teacher walked in, and the noisy class fell silent.

"Good morning, everyone. I hope you had a great holiday?" she asked.

"Yes, Miss Abigail," the students replied.

"Good, because we have a new student joining us," Miss Abigail announced, prompting the new student to enter. Isabella couldn't believe her eyes.

" Wow, she's so pretty!

" I love her heels and socks!

" Her lips are amazing; I think I might be a lesbian now!

" New girl, can you share your skincare routine?

" I'm single!

Isabella was confused. She was used to receiving these kinds of compliments.

"Thank you for the warm welcome, everyone. My name is Valeria Ruiz, and I believe we'll have a fun time together," Valeria flashed the sweetest smile anyone had ever seen.

" Damn, my heart just skipped a beat!

" She's the prettiest girl in this school I've ever seen!

Isabella looked back in shock at the person who made that statement.

"Are you blind? I'm literally the prettiest," she said with a stormy gaze.

"No need for comparison. Everyone is pretty. Let's give Valeria the warmest welcome. Isabella, kindly move to the back and sit with Brett, while Valeria can stay with Chappell," Miss Abigail instructed.

Chappell gasped, and Isabella's eyes widened.

"You can't be serious, Miss Abigail," Isabella protested.

"Do I look like I'm kidding?" Miss Abigail gave her a stern look. Isabella angrily packed her bags and moved to the back.

Valeria walked to Isabella's seat and dropped her Chanel bag on the table, causing another stir.

"You're using the latest Chanel bag? Isa has always wanted one, but her dad won't buy it for her," Chappell gasped.

"Oh? This is nothing for me. I have a collection of Debbie Wingham bags in my closet," Valeria boasted.

"Wow, I'm Chappell. I love your socks," Chappell introduced herself.

"And I love your red hair," Valeria winked.

Isabella watched, clenching her fists so tightly she almost broke her pen.

"It's nothing serious. Chappell is just being friendly," Brett said. Isabella slowly turned to him.

"What gives a poor, stupid scholarship back bencher the right to interfere in my business?" she asked angrily.

Brett looked down at his book.

"Good, and never speak to me again. I'm sitting here by chance. Tomorrow, you won't even get to smell my body lotion, so enjoy it while it lasts," she rolled her eyes and crossed her legs angrily.

Brett stayed silent, taking a quick glance at her and shaking his head

***** ******* *******

RUIZ ROYAL ESTATE **** 

"Boss, there's a little issue," Diego said, walking into Alejandro's office. Alejandro was on a business call, so Diego waited until he finished.

"You were saying?" Alejandro asked.

"Mr. Hugo canceled. He's no longer buying the Greek House from us," Diego reported.

"Why?" Alejandro's eyes darkened.

"He switched sides to Marcus Global Ventures because Mr. Rafael offered him better deals," Diego replied.

"Damn," Alejandro muttered a silent curse. "This isn't the first time Rafael has snatched clients from me. Submit all our building plans; we need to re-strategize."

"Yes, boss. I'll do that right now," Diego nodded respectfully before leaving.

Camila walked in.

"What are you doing back here?" Alejandro asked without looking at her, engrossed in paperwork.

"Do you expect me to sleep in the sketch room? I've gone through all the building plans," she rolled her eyes.

"And what do you think?" he asked.

Camila was stunned. "Are you asking me?"

"Is there anyone else here?" Alejandro shook his head.

"They're good but a bit cliché and basic for a huge company. You might need more professional artists," she suggested.

"Would you like to volunteer for that post?" he asked.

"If you want me to," she shrugged.

"I talked to your father yesterday, and he's okay with you working here as my wife. I'm giving you the title of an architect," he handed her a folder containing a contract.

"Seriously?" Camila took the contract and began reading. "You want me to work seven hours every day with no break except Sundays?"

"You think I married you so you could warm my bed?" He raised an eyebrow.