The tension in the air was heavy as Mr. Carrington, standing stiffly at the front of Hillwood Academy’s grand assembly hall, delivered the announcement.
"Congratulations," he said, his voice sharp as a blade. "Out of thirty applicants, only four of you will advance to the second trial for membership in the Hillwood Investment Club."
A quiet murmur ran through the room.
Selene Parker stood calmly among the selected few, unfazed. She could feel the eyes of the other students digging into her like pins — envy, suspicion, resentment. It didn’t matter. They weren’t part of her plan.
She caught Sebastian Ford’s gaze from across the hall. The so-called golden boy of Hillwood sat lounging in his chair, his expression a mix of amusement and curiosity. His arms folded loosely over his chest, as if he already knew the outcome of everything before it even happened.
Selene offered him a cool, polite smile, then turned her attention back to Mr. Carrington.
"The second trial will commence three days from now," Mr. Carrington continued. "Until then, prepare yourselves. The next round will test your strategic thinking and your leadership under pressure."
With that, the meeting was adjourned.
Selene didn’t waste time. She didn’t need to listen to the nervous chatter of the others or the whispered predictions of who would fail next. She had better things to do.
She immediately left the assembly hall and headed toward the taxi area. Her mind was already making a list.
She needed a new car. Something sleek, something that would match the vibe she was creating here at Hillwood.
Selene had never been one to blend in. She wasn’t about to start now.
Metro Mall was her destination.
It wasn’t just a mall—it was a destination. And it housed the high-end car dealerships that catered to the students of Hillwood’s elite circles.
As Selene stepped into the building, the air was cooler, the atmosphere more polished. She could feel the luxury in every corner.
She walked past the designer boutiques, her heels clicking against the marble floor. The sound of her footsteps echoed softly as she made her way toward the car showroom at the far end.
The dealership was luxurious, with pristine glass windows showing off the latest models. Several high-end cars gleamed under the lights. A few were familiar to her — luxury sedans, sports cars, and SUVs, each with a price tag that would send most people’s heads spinning.
Selene wasn’t fazed.
She’d been driving nice cars for years, but now she needed something that made a statement. A new beginning. A new chapter.
A few salespeople greeted her, but Selene walked past them, her eyes scanning the cars on display. She knew what she wanted.
After a few moments, she stopped in front of a sleek, black sports coupe. Its curves were sharp, modern, and sophisticated—just like her. The car had an understated elegance that screamed power, but it wasn’t screaming for attention. It was a statement car—subtle, but it would make heads turn.
The sales manager, an older man with neatly combed gray hair, approached her.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. I see you’re eyeing the GT-X. It’s one of our most popular models."
"I’ll take it," Selene said simply, not bothering with small talk. "I want it in black with the premium features package."
The salesman blinked at her, surprised at the decisiveness in her voice. "Of course, Miss Parker. We’ll have the paperwork ready in no time."
Selene pulled out her black-and-gold card without hesitation. A signature was all it took.
The keys were handed over, and Selene couldn’t hide the faint smile playing on her lips as she slid into the car. The leather seats embraced her, the interior sleek and modern. She adjusted the rearview mirror, looking at her reflection for a brief moment.
This car was hers now, but it wasn’t just a car. It was another way to stake her claim in a world that never thought she’d fit.
With a soft press of the gas pedal, the engine roared to life. The car glided effortlessly out of the dealership and into the streets of the city.
As she drove, Selene felt the city around her transform. The roads seemed more open, the sky more expansive. She was no longer just a student at Hillwood. She was someone who owned her future.
She drove aimlessly for a while, taking in the unfamiliar streets of the city. It felt like freedom, but a controlled freedom. She was still playing the game, but now, she was calling the shots.
When she finally parked, Selene took a moment to breathe, watching the city from the comfort of her new car. It was a subtle reminder that things were only just beginning.
And when the second trial came, Selene Parker would be ready.