The Boy

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Olivia sat at her desk, bewildered by the thought of sharing a class with Beatrice Sullivan, the so-called "prodigy." The plan was to make her mark at White Valley University, stamping the Bradford name far beyond Hampshire. Her family was already the big shot in their hometown, but Olivia had always known it was up to her to push the boundaries—to build a legacy independent of her family's influence and prove she could start and grow a company on her own.

But now... there's Beatrice.

A week had already passed since the grandiose welcoming ceremony, and everything seemed to be going smoothly. Olivia had already caught the attention of several professors with her sharp insights and forward-thinking ideas. Yet, something gnawed at her.

Where is Beatrice Sullivan?

After the extravagant introduction, the prodigy had vanished. Students whispered about her absence in the hallways, and even the faculty seemed baffled. Everyone, including Olivia, wondered where Beatrice had gone—teachers, students, and even parents were clamoring for a moment of her time.

Beatrice's POV

"The only reason I'm even here," Beatrice muttered under her breath, "is because the curriculum needs to be revamped, according to my mentor's request. I'm not supposed to be anyone's personal business consultant." She sighed, flipping through yet another list of people begging for her time. "If it weren't for that ridiculously flashy introduction at the ceremony, I wouldn't be in this mess."

She glanced at the piles of business proposals stacked on a cart, recently wheeled into her private room.

"And Mr. Morris," Beatrice said, addressing the dean of the Business Management Department, who stood nervously nearby, "what am I supposed to do with all of these?"

Dean Morris hesitated, fumbling for an explanation. He was still somewhat intimidated by her presence. "Ms. Sullivan, I deeply apologize. We've announced on the school's website that no proposals or consultation requests are to be accepted on your behalf, but... well, they just keep coming in."

Beatrice tilted her head slightly and sighed. She had no intention of wasting her time with student projects. "Would you mind helping me sort these?" she asked, her gaze shifting to the far corner of the room.

A soft whisper floated back. "Yes, Ms. Sullivan."

Dean Morris blinked in surprise. He hadn't even noticed the shadowy figure sitting quietly behind the piles of paperwork. His heart skipped a beat as the mysterious figure moved slightly, revealing a young woman with large glasses and messy hair, nervously clutching a notepad.

"I-I-I'll help you organize them," the girl stammered, clearly awestruck by Beatrice.

Beatrice nodded, barely acknowledging her, and turned her attention back to Dean Morris. "See that I'm left alone. No more interruptions. I'm here for one reason, and one reason only. Clear?"

Dean Morris quickly nodded, backing out of the room with a nervous smile. "Of course, Ms. Sullivan. Absolutely clear."

Meanwhile, in the School Hallway...

Outside the administration building, students were huddled in clusters, whispering excitedly. Olivia approached, her curiosity piqued by the commotion.

"What's going on?" she asked her new best friend, Maya.

"The grandson of Aero Enterprises is here. He's sitting in the waiting room right now," Maya whispered back, her voice tinged with awe.

"Dominic Fairway?" Olivia raised an eyebrow. Aero Enterprises was the second most powerful business empire in the country, just behind the Golden Empire. If Dominic Fairway was here, it meant big news.

Maya nodded. "Yup. Do you know him, Vee?"

"I used to see him when my grandparents would take me to their vacation home in Heywood Oaks," Olivia replied casually. "I doubt he remembers me, though."

"Well, still, you know the Fairways!" Maya gasped, her eyes wide with admiration. "That's the family second only to the Golden Empire! You're practically royalty yourself!"

Before Olivia could respond, a wave of gasps rippled through the hallway as the teacher escorting Dominic entered the room.

"He's princely," one girl swooned.

"Dreamy and rich," another whispered breathlessly.

Dominic Fairway, tall, poised, and elegantly dressed, walked down the hallway with a quiet confidence. The students' eyes followed him, admiration dripping from every gaze. The teacher led him into the Dean's office, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.

Inside the Dean's Office...

Dean Morris stood nervously as Dominic entered. First Beatrice Sullivan, now Dominic Fairway? He was beginning to feel overwhelmed by the sheer caliber of students arriving at WVU this year.

"Welcome, Mr. Fairway. It is an honor to meet such an astonishing young man," the Dean gushed.

Dominic smiled politely. "You flatter me, Dean Morris, but the pleasure is mine. And please, call me Nick."

"Nick it is, then," Dean Morris stammered, bowing slightly. "Would you like some tea? Coffee?"

"Tea, please. No sugar. No milk," Dominic responded coolly as he sat down, his gaze calm but intense.

Once the tea was served, the formalities were quickly dispensed with.

"Let me cut to the chase, Dean Morris," Dominic began. "I didn't come to WVU just because it's an elite school. I enrolled because Beatrice Sullivan is here. My family has longstanding ties with the Golden Empire, but I'm not here on behalf of my family. I'm here for myself. I want to prove that I can stand on my own, and I believe Ms. Sullivan can help me achieve that."

Dean Morris paused, caught off guard by Dominic's frankness. "You wish to collaborate with her?"

Dominic nodded. "In a sense, yes. I want to learn from her. We've all heard the stories about the Golden Empire, but no one's ever met the real power behind it. Beatrice Sullivan is the first in her family to publicly show herself, and I believe getting close to her could be a game-changer for my future."

The Dean raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "You're not the only one with that idea, Nick. But I'll see what I can do."

Later, Back in Beatrice's Room...

Beatrice was alone again, staring at the growing pile of business proposals and requests for her time. She massaged her temples, already exhausted by the demands placed on her. The quiet girl in the corner continued to sort through the paperwork, her hands trembling slightly with every page she touched.

The knock on her door startled them both.

Beatrice sighed, knowing it wouldn't be the last interruption. But this time, she had a feeling something—or someone—interesting awaited her on the other side.

______________

Maybe another chapter will entice someone to read :D

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