"God… to think I looked up to these people, admired them for their supposed legal and clever means of climbing the ladder… at least, that's what I thought. Who would've imagined they were this corrupt?"
Kayla caused under her breath listening to their nonesense, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.
"You know that saying… not all that glitters is gold," another voice chimed nearby, a hint of schadenfreude in the tone.
That. Is. It. Kayla thought, her emerald eyes flaring with anger as her gaze swept over her friends. They were laughing and chatting non-stop, oblivious to the storm raging inside her. Amy's sharp glare followed them, silently telling them off, but Kayla felt she needed more than silent judgment.
She walked over, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Aaron, oblivious to her mood, pulled her into a hug. "Oh, baby… I guess there's no more yacht," he said with a teasing smirk. For a second, Kayla considered rolling her eyes at his thoughtless remark. But maybe she needed this, a reminder that someone still cared—or at least acted like it did.
"Umm, Kayla, we should take our leave now," Ellen said, her voice light, as if nothing had happened. One by one, the others followed, leaving her to stew in the chaos of her thoughts. They didn't even talk about it… as if it didn't happen, she thought, sighing heavily as she moved toward the grand doorway.
"Everyone, please… leave. Drop the wine glasses, gather your things… the party is over," she announced, her voice unexpectedly firm and sharp, echoing through the hall. Her glare swept over them, demanding obedience, and slowly, reluctantly, they filed out. This task was usually left to the servants, but her parents had insisted they take a break, leaving Kayla to handle the aftermath herself.
"Thanks for coming," she called after them.
"Yeah, yeah…" came the indifferent responses.
"Byeeee!"
Outside, whispers followed them like shadows. The crowd left behind a trail of gossip, accusing her parents of corruption, of undermining society. Kayla clenched her fists. What corruption? What society? she thought. Her parents had long been the ones shaping this society for their gain. All they had ever wanted was to reap where they did not sow, to take from the rich politicians and powerful figures and claim it as their own. And now, when the public saw them brought low, they bad-mouthed them. Why even bother inviting the poor? They are no better than the rich anyway. Society is just society.
Aaron's hand on her shoulder pulled her from her thoughts. "Bye, babe," he said softly, his tone grounding her. Where is he going now? she wondered.
"Oh, sorry… it's urgent," he said, brushing a kiss across her cheek before disappearing. Kayla exhaled twice, shutting the doors behind her and leaning against them. She wouldn't see her parents until the next trial. Perhaps she'd have to pay to see them… and maybe, just maybe, that was what would lead her to Kaiden Scott. For now, she had only one task: to be strong for them.
The elevator ride to her room was silent except for the soft hum of the machinery. Once inside, she stripped off her clothes and stepped into a cold shower, letting the water cascade over her tense muscles. Her mind swirled with thoughts—of her parents, of the mysterious Kaiden Scott, and of the world she thought she knew, now crumbling around her.
---
Dressed in a loose robe, she sat before her vanity, blow-drying her long, curly ginger-red hair, letting it cascade past her waist. Her aqua-blue eyes caught their reflection in the mirror, bright and sharp despite the weight of the past night.
"It's just you and me now, Mister Jamal," she whispered to her cat, who pawed lazily at her feet. Jamal, with fur the same rich ginger as her hair, had been bought by her parents a month after her birth. They had been captivated by his color—it reminded them of Kayla, their little girl. Since then, he had been her steadfast companion, silent and loyal.
"Goodnight, little guy," she murmured, cuddling him close, tears brimming in her eyes. Her life had collapsed in a blink, and though she did not yet know the full extent of the darkness ahead, she clung to her only constants: the small warmth of Jamal, and the hope that, after darkness, light would come.
*_**
Morning light filtered through her room as Kayla rubbed her eyes, struggling to adjust. Her iPhone read 11:30.
"What… 11:30? How did I sleep this long?" she whispered to herself, scrambling out of bed. She showered, dressed in a classic red gown that clung to her pear-shaped figure, her lips a matching bold red. Without makeup, her sharp, defined features were striking, magnetic.
"Bye, Jamal," she said to the cat, who barely acknowledged her departure, lazily turning over on his bed.
Her car keys rested on the dark ceramic console. She picked them up and left her queen-sized bedroom, descending via the elevator and heading toward her car. She had an appointment with the family lawyer, and there was no time to waste.
The Kornels Mansion gave way to Diamond Mine Estate as she drove, the streets quiet but for the faint hum of early traffic.
---
Case Closed Law Firm.
"What do you mean they froze my bank account?!" Kayla shouted as she burst through the office doors. "Those were my parents' hard work! Why would they do this? It's not like my parents stole the money—they earned it!"
"I'm sorry, Miss Kornels, but the law is the law," Mr. Rogers replied, calm but firm.
"So… you mean I won't be shopping anytime soon? For God's sake, Mr. Rogers…" she groaned, running a hand through her hair.
"Please… is there anything that can be done?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowed in frustration.
"No," he said, leaning back in his leather chair. "Unless you work hard to pay for it yourself. I can lend you a little, but it won't be enough."
Kayla's heart sank. Mr. Rogers had been the Kornels family lawyer since her grandfather's death, the only person she trusted aside from her closest friends.
"You would have to become independent, Miss Kornels," he continued, his tone firm.
"Is there any way to persuade them?" she asked, desperation lacing her voice.
"No," he answered shortly, leaning further back into his chair.
She lowered her gaze, defeated. "Fine," she said softly, standing to leave.
"Miss Kornels, wait. There is a way for you to see your parents," he said, his voice serious.
Her head snapped up, hope sparking in her eyes. "Really?"
"Yes," he said. "I can take you to the station right now, where they're being held. Come with me."
Kayla exhaled sharply, heart pounding. For the first time in a long while, she felt that glimmer of control. Whatever lay ahead, she would face it head-on—strong, determined, and ready to uncover the mysteries that her parents' downfall had unleashed.