The following week came like a whisper and a storm all at once. The Gracia mansion buzzed with movement maids dusting chandeliers, gardeners trimming already-perfect roses, and security tightening every gate. Word had spread: Miss Allison Gracia was back in America.
But I wasn't just coming home; I was reclaiming something. My peace. My identity. Maybe even my future.
I stood at the top of the grand staircase, staring down at the sea of faces below maids, butlers, cooks all waiting for my morning tantrum, like old times. Instead, I smiled softly.
"Good morning, everyone," I said, my tone calm but firm. "I'm Allison. Please, stop being formal. We're all human here."
The silence that followed was golden. Then, whispers. Shock. Relief. A few smiles dared to appear. I curtsied lightly, the move catching even me off guard.
When I reached the dining room, Aunt Lucy and Dad were already there. Aunt Lucy looked radiant as always pearls around her neck, that mischievous smile that could melt a boardroom full of billionaires.
"That's my hot niece," she said, handing me a sleek black handbag. "Here's your bag, your car key, and a brand-new iPhone."
I chuckled, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "Thanks, Aunt Lucy. You spoil me."
Dad slid a credit card across the table platinum, of course. "Drive safely, my girl. And remember what we talked about no bodyguards."
I nodded. Freedom, finally.
Outside, my brand new Lexus shimmered under the morning sun. The paint was still wrapped in factory plastic. "Marcus," I called. "Remove the packaging and make it look girly my kind of girly."
Within minutes, the car gleamed with a soft rose-gold finish and subtle silver accents. I smiled, slid into the driver's seat, and drove off with music spilling through the speakers freedom humming in every note.
Halfway to school, I saw her a girl surrounded by bullies, their voices sharp and cruel. She wore the same uniform as me, only hers was torn at the hem.
I parked without thinking, stepping out with my sunglasses perched low. "Stop that, uglies," I said, my tone cold enough to slice through their arrogance.
The leader turned, glaring. "She owes me a thousand dollars. Pay up or shut up."
I walked to my car, pulled out a wad of cash $10,000 and tossed it at her feet. "There. Keep the change. Now get lost."
They scattered, stunned. I turned to the girl, helping her up gently. "Why'd you borrow money from them?"
She hesitated, eyes downcast. "I… needed to pay for school practicals. I didn't want to get kicked out."
I took out my phone, dialing the principal. "From now on," I said, "Louisiana Petez doesn't pay for anything in Royalties High. It's under me."
There was silence on the other end, then the principal stammered, "Y.Yes, Miss Gracia."
When I hung up, the girl stared at me like I'd just rewritten her life. "Why did you help me, Miss Gracia? You're like the richest girl in the world. I thought you'd be mean."
I sighed. "I don't like people being bullied. It reminds me of what I used to feel trapped."
She looked away. "I'm an orphan. My brother and I got separated. I live under the bridge now, but I study under scholarship."
Something broke inside me and then bloomed. "Louisiana," I said softly, "would you like to be my sister? My family can take care of you. You deserve more than this."
Her eyes filled with tears. "Sister?"
"Yes, sister."
Back at the mansion, I took her straight to my stylist. "Make her look like herself, but let her shine," I said.
An hour later, Louisa no, Louisiana Gracia stood before the mirror, radiant. The same uniform, but it fit her differently now with confidence.
Marcus entered, carrying a new bag. He froze, his eyes wide. "Louisiana…?"
She turned, confused. "Marcus?"
They ran to each other, tears spilling freely. "Allison," Marcus said, turning to me, "this is my little sister. I've been looking for her for eight years."
My lips parted in shock. "Then that means she's my cousin."
Marcus nodded, tears streaking his cheeks. "Thank you for finding her."
"Guess fate had plans," I said, smiling softly. "But we're late for school."
When we arrived at Royalties High, every head turned. Phones came out. Whispers spread.
"Isn't that Miss Gracia?" someone said.
"No way. She's too kind to be the real one."
"Look at her car stop joking, that's a Lexus!"
And then, a Lamborghini purred into the lot. The crowd gasped.
"That's the real Miss Gracia!" a girl shouted.
I smirked, lowering my sunglasses. "Really? Let's see who the real one is."
Dad's driver stepped out of the Lamborghini. "Miss Gracia, your father sends his regards."
The girl who claimed my name turned pale.
The principal rushed out, bowing deeply. "Miss Allison Gracia, welcome to Royalties High."
The crowd fell silent. The fake one tried to speak, but the principal cut her off. "You're not Miss Gracia. She is."
Louisa and I followed him to his private lounge, where he handed us our new books. Later, in the announcement hall, he took the stage.
"Good morning, students," he said. "This semester, our Queen is none other than Louisiana Martins Petez!"
The hall erupted in applause. Louisa's eyes widened. I nudged her forward, whispering, "Go on, sis. You earned this."
As she received the crown and badge, I clapped louder than anyone.
The principal continued, "And one last announcement the school's owner, Miss Gracia, has donated $500 million for an inter-school party this semester!"
The hall went wild.
Louisa and I exchanged a look that said everything.
This wasn't just the beginning of a new chapter.
It was the birth of something unstoppable .