She hadn't reached out to her friends, afraid they would abandon her if they saw her current state. But seeing the notification sparked something in her eyes. She had gotten into Marington College, Elyndor's top university, with stellar grades. The Gauntlet was her territory. Winning it meant academic credits and a million-dollar prize.
A million dollars. In the past, that was just pocket change for a designer handbag. She only entered those competitions for the glory and the admiration of her peers. But now, glancing down at her foul-smelling clothes and the dirt beneath her nails, she knew she had to win. That million dollars was her only way out!
But how could she show her face on campus looking like a stray? She needed to find Agnes's money immediately. If she could win the Gauntlet, maybe the Lancasters would recognize her worth and take her back. The thought filled her with a desperate glimmer of hope.
She quickly typed a reply: [My grandparents are mostly recovered, so I'll be flying back soon. I'll be on campus in a few days.]
Her friend replied instantly: [What about the registration? The deadline is coming up.]
Isabella typed: [Could you do me a favor and sign me up?]
Dropping the phone, she tore the room apart, frantically searching for the cash. She bumped into the wooden table making it wobble An idea struck her. She reached for the loose leg and pulled. A plastic bag fett out. sŵnovels
She ripped it open. Inside was a bank ledger! Agnes had actually left her money.
With trembling hands, Isabella opened the ledger and zeroed in on the final balance. Two million dollars.
She stared at the number, her face twisting in rage. "Two million?! Just two million?" she shrieked. "That old hag! She worked for the Lancasters for decades, stealing right under their moses, and this is all she saved? She said this was my nest egg! How is this supposed to last. me the rest of my life? This wouldn't even cover a shopping spree! Worthless trash, she deserves to be a servant forever!"
She threw the ledger on the floor and stomped on it, pretending she was crushing Agnes's face. She hated that woman. She hated that she shared her low-born blood.
But anger wouldn't pay the bills. Knowing this was her only lifeline, Isabelle swallowed her pride picked up the ledger, and snuck out to the bank to withdraw her funds.