Chapter 35: Isla wins?

HIDDEN BEAUTY

EPISODE 35

MR GRAYSON

“Hey mark"

“If it isn't the low budget ex wannabe don"

“How many times have I told you to stop calling me that!"

“ well aren't you?" You were only lucky to land a rich woman, doesn't change the fact that you're a bloody excon".

“ well... That's about to change, I finally kicked her out and tommorow I'll get everything when she signs that divorce"

“ hmmm... You sure?

“Yes, 100% and why aren't you happy for me?”

“I'm happy for you bro but I have interacted with rich people, those who built their wealth from the ground up and one thing I can assure you is this; they can't everything like that, they are systems made to protect their properties. Trusts."

“So what do you suggest?"

“Olivia. Use Olivia "

“ and why do I need Eleanor's daughter?"

“ she's her next of kin, the one who would inherit her wealth, so get custody of her and she'll likely put you in charge of running things".

“ hmmm.... That's true. Thank you for this advice my good friend, I better go find Olivia ".

“ Oh really. You're really desperate in reaping where you did not sow".

“ say whatever you want but I'm done being under a woman" Mr Grayson said before ending the call and heading over to Olivia's room.

He knocked on the slightly open door before stepping in. Olivia laid on the bed watching a series on her tablet.

He stayed silent for some minutes before poking her.

What! She snapped, annoyed.

Easy tiger. Chill. He ruffled her hair making her more pissed.

“I paid five thousand dollars for that dad! Can you leave me alone and go fk your bitch?

“ Can't I spend time with my daughter anymore he asked placing a hand on his chest and faking hurt but Olivia was having none of it.

“What do you want father she asked impatiently.

Fine. It's about your mom. I know. I know. Calm down and hear me out, he said seeing the look on his daughter's face. It looked like contempt and hatred?

Well that is perfect, he'll be using that to his advantage.

“ I'm divorcing your mom he said in a solemn pitiful voice. She no longer listened to me, mismanaged the company and disrespected me".

Livvy dear, I can no longer stand by and watch her ruin all what we've built together, he paused satisfied with his daughter's disgusted expression.

“The company would be safer in my hands dear. But I want custody of you, you're more important to me and I can't let you be with her"

“ I'll be stupid if I go with her father. Tell me what to do".

He smiled. His plan was successful.

“ It's simple. Just tell the judge you want to be with me if he tries to give you to her".

“ And if he questions my choice?

“ You tell him, your dad is the only one who has ever shown you love".

“ I will dad. You don't have to worry about that".

Good girl. Come here he said pulling her in for a hug happy that his plan was successful.

Beep Beep

She pulled out the hug at the sound of her phone beeping. It was a message from an unknown sender.

📨 Everything's ready. She agreed to meet tommorow. (A)

She smiled after reading the contents. Her enemy's downfall was tommorow and she could not wait.

Boyfriend? Her dad asked startling her.

Eww no!

Really? Care to explain the wide smile you had?

It's nothing, really. Let me be she frowned.

Okay princess he stood up, I'll leave you to it.

Oh dad I need to buy a new custom made handbag...... I'll send the money her dad yelled his voice distant as he walked away.

THE NEXT DAY

Are we there yet? Amy asked her Mr Donovan her dad led her downstairs in a blind fold.

Soon baby, just a little more..... and here he peeled off the blindfold.

She slowly opened her eyes....then OMG! Father,is this real? I'm not dreaming right?

You're not dreaming dear, this is real and this is for you he said as he handed her the remote to the new Bugatti Veyron.

I.. I'm sorry father but I can't accept this she handed the keys back to her dad. It's too expensive she added making the frown on her dad's face deepen.

“I know we've been down for a long time Amy bear but don't ever think you are undeserving of the finest things. So what if it's expensive? You are my daughter. A Donovan. And you deserve all the good stuff".

“I'm sorry father I didn't mean to hurt your feelings but this cost a lot and I wanted it to be invented back into the business".

“ Wow. Her brother laughed. Is this really you Amy? You've changed".

“ I know right. And I think love this new Amy" he smiled.

“ Look here Amy, we may not have gotten to where we used to be yet... but we're doing way better thanks to your wonderful idea and please accept this gift from us he said pointing to her brother and himself, as a thank you at least. Please.

“ Fine. Thank you father. I really appreciate" she said pulling him into a hug.

But why choose something that no one at school drives? Only two of this was made this year and the Daniels got one for their mysterious daughter.

“ Because you deserve the best my dear" . Now go turn heads, Lyn would take you he said stopping her in her tracks "

“Did you just say Lyn?

“Good morning Princess" a voice said from behind them.

“ OMG!Lyn!!! She jumped on her when she was close enough.

“ She's really changed like you said " Lyn laughed.

“ Told you. Alright you two,we have to go take of something at the company. Take care princess,he kissed her forehead. And you know what to do,he said to Lyn before leaving.

“ Alright let's get you to school,she pulled her towards the car.

The ride to school was lively. Amy apologized for the way she treated her in the past,then they did some catching up till they arrived school.

Rosevale's driveway was littered with chatter from students as usual when suddenly the soft hum of a high performance engine rented the air making everywhere silent.

“ That's a limited edition Bugatti, only two was made this year and one was purchased by the Daniels Family and the other one was purchased by an unknown buyer three days ago" someone said.

“ OMG! Do you think someone from the Daniels family is joining our school?

“ I bet it's a hot girl"

“ No it's definitely a hot guy"

“ we'll see"

The students argued as the car pulled up slowly into a parking spot.

The doors swung outward with a graceful fluid motion and out stepped Amy with the grace of a thousand peacocks.

The whole parking lot went silent. The expressions on the faces of the students was a mix of surprise, envy, shock and fear.

The Amy they broke shamed and bulliéd just pulled up in a very expensive ride. It was at this point they realized they ruined their relationship with the Donovans, the most powerful Family in the country.

“ Hey guys" she said when she found her friends.

“ Look who pulled up in a Bugatti " Violet said.

“ Congratulations Amy, on your new ride Akira pulled her in for a hug. It'll surely get better from here she whispered"

She smiled because Akira's words gave her more hope for some strange reasons.

Thanks guys. You guys are the best. She smiled hugging them one after another.

And are you prepared for today Akira?

“Seriously the twins scoffed. Akira doesn't need to be prepared to beat Isla". She's just gonna get there and have fun.

“Right" they laughed walking to their classroom.

DANCE CLASS

The mirrored walls of the school’s dance studio reflected the bright lights as students gathered around, forming a loose circle. At the center stood Isla, poised and confident in a glittering crop top and fitted dance leggings. Miss Teylor stood to the side, clipboard in hand, watching closely.

The music kicked in a fierce commercial pop track and Isla moved with sharp, practiced precision. Every flick of her wrist and twist of her hips was calculated to impress. She ended with a final pose, smirking as light applause followed.

Then it was Akira’s turn.

She stepped forward in her signature black hoodie and joggers, expression unreadable. The soft blend of hip-hop and ballet fusion music began, and she moved like water fluid, expressive, and captivating. The way her body flowed through the space pulled gasps from the students. Her dance wasn’t just technique; it was emotion, story, magic.

When she finished, silence hung for a beat before the studio burst into applause.

Ten minutes later, after a short deliberation, Miss Teylor stepped forward with a calm but firm voice. “The representative for the school’s talent show will be… Akira.”

Gasps, murmurs.

Isla’s face twisted. “Seriously? We’re choosing a hoodie girl? We need a face, not just moves.”

Miss Teylor’s gaze shifted to Akira. “You’ve won fairly, Akira. But I must agree on one point for the show, you’ll need to perform without the hoodie. We need full expression.”

Akira’s jaw clenched. Slowly, she shook her head. “I’m not taking it off.”

A heavy silence settled. Miss Teylor nodded slightly, disappointed but composed. “Then I’m afraid I’ll have to give the spot to Isla.”

Isla smirked triumphantly as Akira stepped back, unfazed but clearly stung. The students began to disperse, whispers following.