Shadows of the Forgotten Heiress

After two months, Seraphina finally stood at the grand entrance of Celestia Academy.

The towering structures loomed before her, a perfect blend of modern brilliance and timeless prestige. The air carried a quiet hum of energy, as if knowledge itself pulsed through the very walls of the academy. Yet, beneath the awe-inspiring sight, something deeper stirred within her— a sense of familiarity.

As though she had walked these halls before.

As though she had once belonged here.

Beside her, Reginald stood with a stern expression, his sharp eyes scanning the academy grounds. But when his gaze fell upon Seraphina, the hardness in them melted.

"Child… do you really have to do this?" His voice was heavy with concern. "This academy isn't under my control. I have more than enough businesses— you could have taken charge of any one of them."

Seraphina smiled softly but shook her head. "Grandpa, I feel a sense of belonging here. I don't want to let that feeling slip away." She glanced up at him. "Besides, on weekends, I'll still help out with the businesses. Nicholas will guide me through them."

Reginald huffed, crossing his arms. "Hmph. The child grew up too fast— now she's even talking back to me." He turned his face away, feigning hurt. "No one cares about this old man anymore."

Seraphina chuckled and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug. "Oh, my good grandpa, you have no idea how much this place means to me. When I first heard about Celestia Academy, I couldn't explain it, but I just knew— I needed to be here. Most geniuses struggle to fit in with ordinary people. They repel each other, like mismatched puzzle pieces. But here, among others like them, they can finally belong."

She stepped back, looking up at the massive academy gates.

"I never felt that in the schools I attended before. Not fully. Harvard gave me glimpses of it, but not everyone there understood. Not everyone appreciates a genius, just like not every genius wants to be surrounded by ordinary minds." She turned to face Reginald again. "But Celestia Academy is different. I can feel it. And I want to be part of it."

Reginald studied her, silent for a long moment. Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he waved a dismissive hand.

"Fine, fine! If this is what you truly want, then I won't stop you." His expression turned serious. "But remember, this won't be easy. The academy has been struggling for the past six years. Without strong leadership, the students have become unruly. They may be geniuses, but they are still young, rebellious, and difficult to handle. You'll have your hands full."

Seraphina's eyes gleamed with determination. "Someone has to take up the challenge. Why not me?"

Reginald watched her for a moment longer before sighing in defeat. "Alright. If you need anything, call me or Nicholas. And if anyone here gives you trouble…" His gaze darkened slightly. "Just say the word, and I'll be here."

Seraphina smiled, warmth spreading through her chest. "I know, Grandpa."

With one last glance at him, she picked up her suitcase and turned toward the academy gates.

As soon as Seraphina approached the receptionist's desk and presented her appointment letter, the receptionist's eyes widened slightly in recognition. She quickly picked up the phone, speaking in a hushed yet excited tone. Within moments, the vice principal arrived, his face beaming with a broad smile.

"Miss Grantham, welcome!" he greeted enthusiastically. "We've been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

He gestured for security to take care of her luggage while he personally led her toward her assigned residence.

Celestia Academy wasn't just an institution; it was a self-sufficient world of its own. The staff, teachers, and security personnel all had their own flats within a cluster of residential buildings. Teachers resided in one building, while office staff and security personnel occupied another.

The third, more exclusive building was reserved for senior faculty, including the vice principal, principal, board members, and any guest parents who came to visit their children.

Seraphina's apartment, located on the second floor of the third building, was marked as Flat 202. It was a spacious two-bedroom unit, complete with a cozy living room, a modern kitchen, a study room, a sleek bathroom, and a private balcony overlooking the academy grounds.

The vice principal led her inside and gestured around the space. "Madam, if you need any modifications, just let me or the staff know. We'll have it arranged within hours."

Seraphina nodded, appreciating the efficiency.

"For now, take your time settling in," he continued. "Once you're ready, I'll take you on a tour of the academy."

She gave him a polite smile, watching as he and the security staff placed her luggage in the bedroom before exiting, leaving her alone in the quiet apartment.

With a deep breath, Seraphina rolled up her sleeves.

Her first instinct wasn't to rest— but to make this place her own.

Tying her hair into a neat bun, she reached for the chopstick she had spotted in the kitchen earlier, securing her hair in place. Then, without hesitation, she got to work.

She swept and dusted every corner, ensuring the apartment felt fresh and spotless. The security team had already delivered the items she had pre-requested, including luxurious carpets and decorative room tiles.

Carefully, she unrolled the carpet, smoothing it across the floor, and set to work pasting different wallpapers, transforming the plain walls into an elegant yet cozy space. The warm lighting, soft textures, and thoughtful arrangements made the flat feel less like an assigned residence and more like a home.

She shifted the furniture, repositioning pieces until they suited her taste. The couch found its perfect spot by the balcony door, the bookshelves were angled to frame the study space, and the artwork she had brought with her added just the right touch of personality.

Once satisfied with the setup, she sighed in contentment and flopped onto the sofa, admiring her work.

But she wasn't done yet.

With a determined nod, she pulled her suitcases onto the bed and started unpacking. Her neatly pressed suits, heels, accessories, and essentials were carefully arranged in the wardrobes and drawers. Everything had its place. Everything was perfect.

Taking a final look around, she pulled out her phone and snapped a few photos of her beautifully decorated apartment. With a small smile, she sent them to the family WhatsApp group:

"All settled in! What do you think? "

The group—consisting of Reginald, Nicholas, Lucy, and Oliver— responded instantly. Thumbs-up emojis from Lucy and Oliver. A heart from Reginald, who followed up with a message:

"Looks beautiful, child. Just like you. Make sure to rest!"

Seraphina chuckled softly, feeling warmth in her chest. But as she scrolled through the messages, she noticed one thing.

Nicholas hadn't responded.

Her brow furrowed slightly. He was usually quick to react— whether it was teasing her or giving some dry, sarcastic comment. But this time, he was silent.

Was he busy? 

Shaking off the thought, Seraphina placed her phone down. There would be plenty of time to figure that out later.

For now, she had a whole academy waiting for her.