A GOLDEN EMPIRE

CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE

DAY TURNED TO NIGHT quickly. Aurora, clad in a navy blue bow button OSCAR DE LA RENTA split skirt dress and some matching LOUBOUTIN pumps, sits at her desk, writing her personal statement for her application to UCLA. Going to school there has always been a dream of hers. Now you're probably thinking, 'She gets straight A's. Why not go to an ivy league university?' Let's just say that she was to be close to home. Plus she wants to continue the family legacy.

Aurora's pen hovered over the page as she mulled over her next sentence. She wanted her personal statement to be perfect—a reflection of her ambition, intelligence, and deep desire to step out of the shadow of her family's name. The Hollingsworths had built their empire in Los Angeles, and UCLA was more than just a prestigious university to her; it was a symbol of continuity and independence.

"Growing up in Los Angeles, I've witnessed firsthand how passion and perseverance can shape not just a career, but an entire community. I want to build upon the legacy my family has established, not just by contributing to our business, but by creating something uniquely my own."

Satisfied with her progress, Aurora set her pen down and stretched. The soft rustle of her dress reminded her that time was slipping away. She glanced at the clock on her gilded mantle—8:45 p.m.

Fifteen minutes until I need to leave.

Her phone buzzed on the desk, pulling her attention. It was a text from Avalon.

AVALON
Hope you're not backing out tonight.
Kingsley's expecting everyone to be there.

Aurora smirked, typing back a quick response.

AURORA
I'll be there.
Tell Kingsley to keep the champagne chilled.

She slipped her statement into a sleek leather folder and placed it neatly in her desk drawer. As much as she valued her education, she knew appearances mattered just as much in their world. If she didn't show up tonight, questions would start to swirl, and the last thing she needed was to become the subject of society gossip.

Heading to her closet, Aurora swapped her sensible writing pumps for a pair of glittering strappy heels, their red soles gleaming under the soft lighting. She adjusted her dress in the mirror, her reflection exuding the effortless elegance expected of her. But beneath the polished exterior was a woman determined to carve her own path.

Winston was already waiting by the time she made her way downstairs. The estate was quiet, save for the soft hum of the fountain in the courtyard. As she slid into the backseat of the sleek Rolls Royce, she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

Tonight, she'd play her part as Aurora Hollingsworth, the golden girl of Los Angeles society. But tomorrow, she'd take another step toward her dream of becoming something more.

"Kingsley's estate," she instructed Winston, her voice steady.

The car pulled out of the gates, the city lights sparkling like diamonds against the inky night sky. Aurora leaned back, her thoughts drifting between the world she was born into and the one she was determined to create for herself.

The future was hers to shape. And nothing—not even the expectations of her family or the gilded cage of her social circle—could stop her.

The car wove through the winding roads of Beverly Hills, the shimmering lights of the city below a constant reminder of the world Aurora had always known. As they approached Kingsley  estate, the grandeur of the scene came into view. The gates were open, flanked by security guards in crisp suits, and the driveway was lined with an array of luxury cars, each more expensive than the last.

Winston stopped in front of the grand entrance, where attendants were already opening doors and ushering guests inside. She stepped out gracefully, her heels clicking against the polished stone driveway. The air was cool, tinged with the faint scent of the estate's perfectly manicured gardens.

Inside, the party was in full swing. The sprawling ballroom was packed with the who's who of Los Angeles society. The Empire—the city's most elite young heirs—had once again managed to turn an ordinary Tuesday night into a spectacle of decadence.

"Aurora!" Kingsley's voice boomed from across the room as he spotted her. Dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, he was every bit the charming host. "Fashionably late, as always. I'd almost started to worry you wouldn't grace us with your presence tonight."

She offered a soft smile, letting him kiss her cheek in greeting. "I had a few things to take care of. But I'm here now, aren't I?"

"And looking as stunning as ever," he replied, handing her a champagne flute. "Come, the others are in the lounge. We've been waiting for you."

Aurora followed Kingsley through the crowd, exchanging polite smiles and nods with familiar faces as they passed. The lounge was a more intimate space, filled with plush velvet seating and a glittering chandelier that cast a golden glow over the room.

Avalon was sprawled elegantly on a sofa, her sapphire dress shimmering under the light. Adrianna and Brandon sat nearby, deep in conversation, while Mario jleaned casually against the bar, a glass of whiskey in hand as he spoke to Autumn.

"You made it!" Avalon exclaimed, sitting up as Aurora entered. "I was about to send a search party."

"Don't be so dramatic," Aurora said, smirking as she took a seat beside her. "You know I wouldn't miss one of Kingsley's infamous soirées."

"You've been so busy lately," Adrianna chimed in, her tone laced with curiosity. "Rumor has it you're applying to UCLA. Care to confirm?"

Aurora hesitated for a fraction of a second before responding. "It's true. I've always wanted to go there."

"UCLA?" Mario raised an eyebrow. "I would've thought you'd aim for an Ivy. You're practically royalty around here."

Aurora sipped her champagne, her gaze steady. "Sometimes, it's not about the name. It's about finding the right fit."

Avalon gave her a sly smile. "Translation: she wants to stay close to home—and us, of course."

Aurora didn't bother correcting her. Let them think what they wanted. Her reasons for staying in Los Angeles ran deeper than anyone here would understand.

"Well," Justin interjected, raising his glass, "whatever her reasons, let's toast to Aurora and her future. To the next Hollingsworth empire, wherever that may be."

The group raised their glasses, clinking them together as laughter and chatter filled the room. Aurora smiled, but as the evening unfolded, her thoughts kept drifting back to her personal statement, tucked away in her desk drawer.

One day soon, she'd trade nights like this for a world that was entirely her own. But for now, she'd play her part, knowing that the best way to rewrite her story was to remain two steps ahead of everyone else.