Faerie sat at her usual table in the Hera Academy library, surrounded by her textbooks and notes. As one of the top students, she had just finished her mid-term exams and was immersed in her studies when the heavy door swung open.
Three men in sharp suits entered the library, their presence immediately commanding attention. Faerie looked up, curiosity piqued, as they approached her table.
"Miss Faerie," one of the men said, his tone respectful yet firm. "Mr. Carter Riether requests your presence at dinner this evening. He would like to congratulate you on your outstanding academic performance."
Surprised, Faerie's mind raced. She knew who Carter Riether was—the head of the powerful Riether empire. The thought of being invited to dinner by him sent a shiver down her spine.
"Thank you for the invitation," she replied, forcing a polite smile. "I'll accept."
The men nodded. "We'll pick you up at seven. Dress accordingly." With that, they turned and left, leaving her with a mix of excitement and dread.
After a long day at Hera Academy, Faerie made her way back to her apartment, her mind racing with thoughts of the dinner ahead. As she pushed the door open, she muttered to herself, "Dress accordingly, huh?"
She scanned her closet, frowning at the assortment of clothes. The fancy dresses and tailored suits that might impress Carter Riether were nowhere to be found. Instead, she shrugged and pulled on a baggy white t-shirt, paired it with loose jeans, and slipped on her trusty Converse shoes. It was casual, comfortable—definitely not what one would wear to dinner with the head of the Riether empire, but it suited her just fine.
When the doorbell rang, she took a deep breath and opened the door to find the three men in suits waiting. They exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and disbelief at her laid-back attire, but they said nothing as they escorted her to the car.
The ride was filled with an awkward silence, the men whispering among themselves as they arrived at the Riether mansion. The lavish estate was illuminated against the night sky, exuding wealth and power. Faerie stepped out of the car, her heart racing, and followed the men inside.
They led her to a grand living room, where an extravagant dining table was set, the glimmering cutlery reflecting the soft glow of chandeliers. At the head of the table sat Carter Riether, exuding authority with every inch of his presence.
"Ah, there she is," Carter said, looking up from his phone. "Welcome."
"Hi, father-in-law," Faerie said with a playful smirk, throwing Carter off guard for just a moment.
He cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "Sit down, Miss Faerie."
As she took her seat, he continued, "I'm very astonished by your spectacular academic performance. It seems you're quite the overachiever."
Faerie let out a small laugh. "Cut it, please. I know you really didn't invite me just to congratulate me."
A smirk appeared on Carter's face, one that was all too familiar. "Does my son know he's dating a lowlife, fatherless girl?"
"Does my boyfriend know his father is a criminal thief with nothing but power?" she shot back, her eyes locking onto his with a fierce determination.
The tension in the room thickened, an electric current passing between them. Carter leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "You may want to watch your tone. My son's future is at stake here, and so is yours."
Faerie leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms defiantly. "I'm not afraid of you, Carter. I've fought my entire life to get where I am. Your threats mean nothing to me."
He chuckled darkly. "You really think you can stand against me? You're in over your head. I have the means to ruin you, Faerie. One call, and I could strip you of everything you've worked for."
"Do you think I care about your threats?" she retorted, her voice steady. "I'm not here to play nice. I'm here because Felix cares about me, whether you like it or not. If you think you can scare me away, you're dead wrong."
Carter's smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating gaze. "Your relationship is a distraction for him. I won't allow it to jeopardize his future. I will not let him waste his potential on a charity case."
"I'm not a charity case," Faerie asserted, her voice rising. "I've earned my place at Hera. I'm smart, capable, and I refuse to let you belittle my achievements."
"Is that what you think?" he said, leaning back, his expression becoming more menacing. "I can assure you, your past will come back to haunt you. The truth about your family—your father in prison, your mother a drug addict—it's all part of who you are. You can't escape it."
Faerie's breath hitched at his words, anger boiling within her. "I'm not ashamed of my past. It's made me who I am today. I won't let you use it against me."
Carter watched her closely, an amused glint in his eyes. "You have spirit, I'll give you that. But spirit won't protect you from the harsh realities of life. If you care about Felix, you'll end this foolish relationship before it destroys him."
"I will not back down, Carter," Faerie declared. "I won't be intimidated by you or your threats. If you think you can dictate my life, you're sorely mistaken."
"Very well," he replied, his voice smooth yet ominous. "But remember, Faerie, the game has only just begun. I hope you're ready to play."