Rivals in Business, Allies in Love

Chapter 2

What Power Really Is~

~Zav Manharti~

Some people crave it, some learn it and some was born with it. I can confidently say that I was born with power running through my veins. I've always known myself to possess the power to rule. That is, my dynasty.

I thrive in a place where power is craved. Both in the classroom and the industry. Everyone have their own weaknesses and strengths and I'm determine to use that to my advantage. Once power is gained, it must be maintained. I will do whatever it takes to stay on top. As long as it's legal. Power should be protected.

Especially from people like Ivy Reynolds. She's my one and only rival. It pisses me off that not only is she always successful at the academy but also in the industry.

My eyes linger on her before settling on my right-hand man. Davis. In business, you should have friends equivalent to your number of enemies. Business is lethal and when you're on the battlefield, you'll want to have a few soldiers with you.

Ivy seems to be doing just the opposite. She has no friends. She must be a really sad person.

I laugh at a joke one of my friends say. They're the energetic type. Constantly talking and joking around. "Dude, we have that foreign language test in like thirty minutes. Gotta cram the last few notes. You coming?"

"Nah, I have something I need to take care of. Happy cramming." I tap him on the shoulder twice. "Jiayou."

"What does that mean?" Tom asks with a laugh.

"Forget cramming. You're failing." I tap him on the back once more before leaving.

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"Student President is like the pride of this school." Mr. Mason has said the same thing last year and the year before that. I'm pretty sure this is the one thing he's good at because he cannot teach to save his life. We're not failing his class because we're all pretty much smart enough to pass at least this class without his help.

The class recites his little speech on par with him. He thinks this speech makes him look cool but really I don't think anyone respects him specifically for this reason.

He wraps up and a breath of relief escapes everyone's lips. "You little rich mind readers." He chuckles. Mind readers. Sure. "Nominations are open." Finally, what we're actually here for.

"I nominate Ivy Reynolds." Predicted.

"I nominate Zav Manharti." I'm so caught up in rolling my eyes that I almost miss my name. I also predicted this.

"Decline." Both Ivy and I reply at the same time. I turn to her but she does what she does best. Pretend not to care. Who is she fooling? I know she's pretending because I do too. She's always sharing my success and at first it was fun but not anymore.

Sometimes I think we're wired the same way. I'm pretty sure she declined because she doesn't see student president as a major responsibility compared to taking over her father's business. She thinks it'll divide her time. I know because I declined for the same reason.

The class is surprised and I would be too if the two most influential people in the school turned down such a position.

Ivy lifts her hand. "I nominate Emily Rose." Of course you do. Predicted. Someone seconds her claim.

"I nominate Christian Davis." It was all apart of my plan and I expected Ivy to do the same. We're annoyingly in sync with our thoughts.

"I second." As you should, Tom.