CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: SHIELDS UP.

The hushed chatter of the students filling the halls cascade around me as I head to the main office. It felt weird walking the halls; not as a student. Huh... Looking up I'm greeted by the numbers of his classroom. Biology. Two-Three. Sighing, I turn around and head in the opposite direction. Snap out of it, he's not here. I knew he didn't abandon me. I knew it, yet, I still couldn't help feeling his absence. I hated this feeling. August. Nan. I felt his absence as he'd been with me since the beginning and not just a few months. His question still played broken in my head.

'Do you know what you're going to do after this stupid game Atlas?' No. I hadn't thought that far ahead before. Winning. Getting Nans villa back. That's where my goals had stopped.

'What do you want to do with your life Atlas?' I'd wanted for nothing. My life had never ever really been my own and I'd never really seen it differently. Why would you ask me questions I didn't know the answer to? Passing my hand through my hair I step into the staff room.

"Morning Ms. Winters." Nodding slightly, I return their greetings knocking on Hugh's door before entering.

"Sorry for interrupting." Looking up from his computer screen he smiles before shaking off my apology.

"Good Morning, Atlas." His smile was warm, and I felt one forming across my lips.

"Is the meeting with Fairchild still on for ten thirty?"

"Yes. But he has informed me that he may be arriving earlier."

"I see. Has the helipad been prepped for his arrival?"

"Yes, Young Master and I've already sent over Emile to escort him to the main building." He replies arching his brow as I sit on the single sofa.

"What?"

"I have a feeling that's not the main reason for your visit." Rolling my eyes, I sigh while sinking further into the chair. I hated this guy's perceptiveness.

"Do you... think I can have a normal life after this?" his brow arches quizzically at my question, "I mean I've been so consumed by this..." I wave my hand above my head before placing them back on the sofa, "that I haven't really thought about what happens next. What do I do after this ends? After I take back Nan's villa. When I'm finally free of him. What am I even good at?" He remains silent staring at me. His eyes soften as a warm smile forms on his lips.

"You get to do whatever you want Atlas."

"I get that but..." I sigh defeated.

"That's something you'll have to figure out yourself I'm afraid. I'm sure Mr. Fairchild left you with that question for that purpose." I stare at him at the mention of Yuzuki and he chuckles before getting up and heading to the tea bar. Setting a cup in front of me he sits opposite my chair, eyes looking through me intently.

"Why do you think..."

"Because I've been at your side for the past three years. I've seen you sink so far into this game you practically gave up on all and anything you've ever wanted. It's become your second nature, that is, before Mr. Fairchild came along." He chuckles, his knowing gaze fixed on me and I shiver under its weight.

"God. You should become a bloody detective with those eyes."

"I must admit that was my dream years ago. Like you, I was quite fascinated by that line of work and everything around it."

"Oh. Why'd you become the old man's assistant then?"

"I came to realise I hated blood." Without warning laughter escapes me and he joins, our laughter filling the room.

"As funny as that is, I know that's not the actual reason." Wiping away my tears, I take the cup into my hands, the heat resonating through my entire body.

"Hmm. Maybe you should become a detective yourself." Rolling my eyes, I stare at him pointedly. He knows I enjoy my own company way too much to go into that line of work.

"Well?"

"Fine. Although I wanted to be a cop, I wasn't so good at following the law."

"You were a naughty boy I see."

"Oh, Trust me naughty isn't the word to use. Anyways, I broke into this house with my mates and well... it happened to be Irving's. Instead of pressing charges he took it upon himself to reform me." He chuckles and I could see his eyes soften at the memory.

"By that, I'm guessing he's also the reason you met your wife?"

"Right you are. When he first took me in, the company he set me up with was being run by her family and she was a manager. I must admit she seemed out of my league then and sometimes even now..."

"But?"

"But, I've come to love her for the clumsy perfectionist she is."

"That's quite the mix." Chuckling, he finishes his tea before taking my empty mug back to the tea bar.

"Now. Back to your question. I stand by my decision. You have to figure out what you love and go for it. You love reading. You're a smart-ass computer whiz. Your baking is phenomenal. Even those sour ass lemon ones. You even helped Jay design that beautiful necklace for his mother. You, my dare, you are unique and as cliché, as it may sound you can do and be whatever you want to be. I believe Mr. Fairchild knows this too, hence the little task he's left you. We may praise your multiple talents but at the end of the day it is your choice on what path you choose to follow, Young Master." Getting up he moves to kneel before me, and I feel my entire being freeze. Yuzuki. Is this really what you see in me. I always thought I was simply a puppet in this game and that's all I've ever been. Have you always seen me like this? Hugh's hand comes to rest on the clenched fist I've formed on the sofa. Slowly untangling my web of fingers, he holds them in his hand.

"Think about it Atlas and know that Irving and myself will always here for you. Knowing Jason for the short while I have, I know he has nothing but untameable love for you. Believe in the person, he believes you are, Young Master." Squeezing my hands, he gets up, straightening his suit before flashing me his professional smile.

"Now. Let's get back to work, shall we? We've got a game to win and an old snake to skin." Returning his sly grin, I stand and dust off my straight legged chinos.

"Let's." Entering my office, I check my watch to see it's minutes to nine. An hour and a half. Work it is then. Sighing, I take my seat and the minutes pass away before the phone rings.

"Yes?"

"Ms. Brook is here to see you." Sighing at the name, I pinch the bridge of my nose, annoyance building.

"Send her in." Without knocking the door swings open and I'm greeted by her pointed glare. I guess turning out to be the actual daughter instead of a kiss ass daddy girl with connections is even more annoying than the latter. Walking in she stares at me hard, frowning as I don't stand to greet her. This girl surely has big dreams.

"What can I do for you? I'm sure you've got a lesson scheduled right now, Ms. Brook." Flipping her ponytail over her shoulder she drops into the chair opposite me and it takes everything not to roll my eyes.

"I would've thought our relationship had already moved beyond the surname phase." She chides and I sigh, sitting back in my chair as I watch her purposefully pretend to study her nails. Women.

"What can I do for you Ms. Brook?" I had my suspicions as to why she was here, but it would feel so much better coming from her mouth. Smirking inwardly as she shifts uncomfortably in the chair, I stare at her blankly, my boredom clear as day.

"You already know why I'm here don't you?" She asks, frowning at my aloofness.

"I do not."

"I saw that loudmouth talking to you yesterday. I know she told you." I scowled at her jab towards Jess.

"I'm afraid to disappoint you Ms. Brook, but our conversation had nothing to do with you." She looks unconvincingly at me before returning to her nails. God, this girl is too annoying. Her pride needed to be shot down a peg.

"Ms. Brook, if you have nothing of importance to discuss I'd advise you to leave. You've got lessons to attend to and I've got work to do. I'd truly appreciate if you didn't reduce the level of my students." Getting up with a huff she pushes her chair back, causing the leg to drag across the floor loudly, moving to sit on the table next to me. Arching my brow, I look up at her.

"You know, because you're sat here doesn't mean you're not the same old bitch you were last week." She mocks and I stare blankly at the girl standing before me. She really was too full of herself.

"You know, now of all times, I'd have hoped you realise other than an in-direct friendship he meant very little to me. He was Jay's brother; you were hurting him. No matter how much I thought of you as a friend I wasn't going to turn a blind eye." Her sharp inhalation queued her slap and I caught her hand before it connected.

"You know, that really hurt the first time, but I let you. Please don't get ahead of yourself again, Ms. Brook." She pulls against my grip trying to pry herself free, but I tighten my fingers around her wrist before standing to stare her in the eyes.

"Do you know how much you hurt him with your little games? How much you selfishly took from him? How much he lost because of you?" Although my tone was levelled, I knew she heard the venom in my voice. She wiggles her wrist again and I release it, sitting back down.

"You don't get to play innocent. They saw you."

"They saw what they wanted to see. That man never touched me. But you were so insecure you didn't ask for my side, did you? You heard and you believed. That kinda hurt considering how you claimed we were friends. Then again, I already knew you guys only decided to approach me because you thought I had connections to the Chairman. Now, I ask you again, why are you here Luce?" The look in her eyes could give anyone hope. Maybe, just maybe, she'll stop being so conceited. But then again, she's too proud to apologise even when she knows she's wrong. She's too proud to ask for help even when she needs it most. No hope. How ironic, maybe we could've been great friends seeing as I'm also rather horrible.

"I'm not a mind reader." I say flatly, releasing her wrist and rolling her eyes, she stomps to the door without looking back.

"If you think I'll stoop so low to ask you of all people for help you're mistaken. You're nothing more than a replacement. Do you think the rumours haven't started about how your father doesn't want you? That you are simply filling in for his actual son. Do you think the parents and investors of your little club house of a school will just seat quietly while a child is in charge of their money?!" She turns to face me now a mocking sneer across her face. Words, they really hurt you know.

"What's your point right now?" I ask my tone dry, face emotionless. I see the old mans been whispering his 'I heard a rumour' shit again. Sigh.

"I wonder what'll happen to that innocent rep you've been building when the world finds out about you and Jason Fairchild. Seeing as he hasn't shown up in the past two days I'm guessing he really was just a paper plane for you huh? He should've listened and come to me when I offered, hmph. I wonder, if news of his relationship with a student gets out, will the poor man even be able to set foot in another school? Oh Atlas, you truly are the God of misfortune first your mother, then your brother, even your grandmother and now look at you, even men don't want..." Sighing, I get up and walk towards her without stopping and she trails off, shifting nervously as I position myself before her - my lips curving into a smirk and she shallows nervously.

"Oh please do. I hate having to keep my claim on my man a secret. So, please go ahead and tell the world. You'll make it so much easier for me to keep the bugs away. And he doesn't have to worry about his career sweetheart, after all, his woman is the Chairman of such a prestigious academy, so what's there to be worried about, hmm? I'm sure he also knows this seeing as your pathetic excuse at seduction was so beautifully rejected. Hehe. Women really shouldn't be like this, Ms. Brook. Don't you think?" her eyes widen at my statement and I stepped forward pinning her between myself and the door, "You know, even before I got dragged into this mess of a school, my favourite pastime was playing 'Stocks'. I wonder what it'll be like playing tomorrow, hmm? Ms. Brook, you really should be careful about who you go around provoking with that rabid mouth of yours. After all, never once have I claimed to be, innocent. Even you just gave me such an Almighty title. I really shouldn't disappoint." I say softly, a menacing chuckle leaving my lips as a small gasp escapes her and before she could respond I slide the door open and she stumbles out falling; flat on her ass.

"Don't make the same mistakes you made before, Ms. Brook." I say calmly, closing the door as she stares at me dumbfounded. I sigh, making my way back to my desk.

"For fuck sake. It's too lively today, my day has officially been ruined."

"Everything okay?" His concern was notable even without me having to turn around.

"Is everyone just bunking lessons today." I ask chuckling, as I moves to sit.

"I've got a free study period right now."

"I see."

"So..."

"You saw her."

"She looked like she was about to murder someone... or cry..." He says, nodding at my statement.

"We just had a rather nice conversation. She probably feels sick or something."

"Really? A nice conversation was it?" He arches his brow mockingly, fighting the grin that played along his face.

"I'd say it was," I reply with a wink causing his resolve to break.

"That girls way too immature." Jay sighs.

"That's her gig to get what she wants."

"And, what did she want? Seeing she came here herself." He asks, curiosity evident.

"If I had to guess she probably wanted to blackmail me into helping her mother's company."

"Wait, why...?"

"I thought I told you to pay attention to the stock market you little shit."

"S-Sorry, Tom's been..." Sighing, I cut him off and he reaches for the back of his neck shyly.

"I know. Anyways her mother made a rather snarky comment and it got out. Their stocks have been dropping since yesterday."

"But, to try and blackmail you into..."

"As I said it's only a guess." I say shrugging.

"But it's gotta have some truth seeing as she came here personally and alone. What exactly did you mean by blackmail though?"

"Without asking for help, she basically demanded it. Apparently, she's curious as to how the worlds going to react to my relationship with Jason."

"What?!" He exclaims furiously. Biting back my laughter, I knew I couldn't tell him the entirety of what happened as he'd probably combust.

"I'm curious too so I told her to go ahead."

"Wait a bloody minute! What?!" Chuckling at the shock and confusion crossing his face I lean back in my seat.

"What's with the hundred faces?"

"She threatened you… that little... you told her to go ahead?!"

"Officially I'm an adult so no one's going to jail. Secondly, we were discreet, so unless she goes to my father for his paparazzi pics of us, I don't really care what that idiot does."

"That's not the problem. How did she know about you guys?"

"I would be more surprised if she didn't if I'm honest. Then again, I'm sure an old snakes been whispering in her ear like they did with Ms. DuBois." Running his hand through his hair he sighs sinking into his chair and I couldn't help but scowl at the name that just felt my mouth. Since my press conference she's been rather quiet and I couldn't help but wonder why.

"Fuck me."

"Now. Why are you here?" I ask, staring at him and he smiles shyly.

"What? Can't I come to visit you without any motives?"

"You can. But I question it when it's your study time." Embarrassment flashing across his face and he runs his hands through his hair nervously again.

"Umm... my parents asked me to ask you to come to dinner tomorrow night."

"Huh?! Dinner...?"

"Don't worry they're not trying to ship us this time. I told them you have someone. It's their anniversary tomorrow and my brothers coming home so they wanted you to come along."

"Ah... I mean I could never say no to them so of course, I'd love to come." He chuckles nervously again avoiding eye contact.

"What?" Sighing, I stare at him before he finally meets my eyes again.

"They asked that you bring your boyfriend..." Huh... what did he just say? Boy... Boyfriend.

"What?!" He laughs nervously again and I can't help but echo his nervousness.

"I-I... uh... he's on a trip... so..."

"It's alright I already told them he doesn't live near enough to attend."

"I swear your parents are going to be the death of me." I chuckle nervously, placing my head on the table.

"Oh, they'll be my death also." Our eyes meet and laughter erupts in the room.

"God, I've got a stitch." Holding his side he groans placing his head on the table trying to catch his breath.

"Alright then, I'll tell them you'll be coming, yeah?" He finally says after composing himself. Still unable to speak I simply nod my response.

"Well then. I should probably head back to the library before Tom realises I'm gone." Getting up he moves to leave but suddenly stops as he reaches the door.

"By the way, mom really likes the necklace you designed. I don't think she takes it off other than to bathe or sleep. Thank you for helping." Smiling I accept his thanks and once again I'm left in the silence of the office.

"Jewelry design..." The sudden knock on the door breaks my daze and I sit up from my slouched position.

"Come in." Entering he stares at me silently before closing the door and walking over to the desk.

"Busy morning." The smile in his eyes irritates me and I glare at him causing him to laugh.

"Sorry, I couldn't help it."

"You have an annoying sense of humour Hugh's."

"I learnt from the best." Following his snarky comment with a wink, I roll my eyes at him before sinking back in my chair.

"Well."

"Ah, yes. Mr. Fairchild is on his way as we speak."

"I see..." I look up and see him hesitate, looking from the tablet in his hand to me, "... what is it?"

"Master Ingram's personal assistant said he'll be joining the shareholders' meeting today."

"I figured he'd come. If not to stare at those who came to my side but to put me in the spotlight."

"Will you be alright?"

"I realized recently I haven't been alright for a long time. Until now." My confident tone must have pleased him as his frown turns into a wide grin.

"I don't think I've ever heard or seen you look so determined."

"I don't think I've ever been as motivated as I am to kick his ass. As Yu said, he'll eventually call my bluff and knowing his flair for the dramatic I can see a shareholders meeting being the perfect setting for his shenanigans."

"Do you think that'll make the majority falter?"

"Hmm, they'll be uneasy but they won't switch up."

"You seem rather confident in their alliance."

"Meh, more like I trust their love of profits and this Academy my mother built. Plus, with their shares and investments, I hold forty-eight point six per cent of The Academy's assets. That sum, plus what I earn on the stock market will be enough to get the project underway, not to mention the investment we're about to receive from William. This meeting isn't simply to get money and show that this project will continue but to show that egotistic old man that I will win. I'm my mother's daughter after all." His eyes find mine and his emotions mirror mine to the last percentage. Determination. Pride. The will to win. To father this was all a game, to us this was life... and death if you will. The silence between us spoke the words we understood too well and eventually breaking the silence with our laughter.

"You know, I wish August was here with us." My smile deems and he shifts awkwardly.

"Me too." I haven't spoken to him in years since he went aboard to be exact. I missed him dearly but thinking of how he must hate me always made me feel regretful. Father made it seem like I wanted his spot and when he found out about Martin, he also spun his action against me in his web of lies. A small part of me did hate August for even believing I was even capable of doing such horrible things for my own selfish gain, but father was a rather convincing liar. He spun lies that could make you become his own Truman Show puppet to perfection, I can testify to that.

"He'll be back next year around this time as father instructed. I hope he isn't disappointed in my decisions."

"If I remember him well enough Young Master, I'm sure he'll be very proud of you." Smiling, he walks around the table ruffling my hair. Ugh, I hate when he treats him like a kid.

"Answer your phone." I reply swatting away his hand as his phone chimes from his pocket.

"Hello, Assistant Hugh's speaking...." Business Mode Activated, "Ah, yes. I understand, I'll be right down." He hangs up before turning his attention back to me.

"Mr. Fairchild has arrived, Young Master."

"I figured. Go get him, I'll make some coffee." As I get up, I catch his confused stare.

"He didn't have to help, it's the least I can do. Plus, you'll be sorting everything out for the shareholders meeting, I don't want to bother you too much." Pushing me softly back into my chair he smiles and shakes his head slowly.

"Thanks for your concern Atlas, but this is my job. Please allow me to serve you as I would the Headmaster."

"But..."

"I know you feel uncomfortable having to boss me around but understand although he is close to you personally, he is still a businessman." Sighing, I give in and watch him leave.

"Hmph, am I the boss or are you..." the door shuts behind him and I sink back into my chair.

Damn him and his parental instincts.