True Tycoon Her Empire, Her Rules

Delia made her way through the crowd, her arrival stirring up whispers as potent as the latest scandal on TMZ. It hadn’t been long since her mother had passed away, and her father, Samuel Lopez, had remarried with a woman, bringing a new stepmother and stepsister into the picture. 

But Delia was smart. She had a firm grip on the inheritance her mother left her, and she didn’t waste a second pining for some storybook version of paternal affection. 

She had a reputation among the younger set for being both badass and refreshingly real. There wasn’t a soul who didn’t know Delia. 

At the sound of her voice, Springer and a few of the youngsters immediately checked their phones. 

“Did something new pop up online?” 

“Did they spill the beans on the Supernatural Department?” 

Earlier in the day, netizens had been desperately seeking info on the Supernatural Department. only to be met with a wall of silence that was driving them mad. 

Normally, it would be rude to be on your phone at such a gathering, but the younger guests were not burdened by such etiquette. 

They quickly searched their phones and their eyes widened in shock. 

The net was abuzz. Some people had followed a trail starting with the mysterious talisman issued by the school, and though it was slow going at first, they had uncovered a student supposedly enrolled in the EU Supernatural Department. From there, they found a few more students. 

Piece by piece, they put together the puzzle of what this bizarre Supernatural Department was all about. 

Firstly, despite the weird name, the institution was no diploma mill but a top–tier academy with special recognition from the state. 

Secondly, the tuition was dirt cheap, with free lodging and textbooks, plus students received a monthly stipend for special paper and ink… 

Thirdly, it was one of the three exclusive academies in the country that didn’t accept applications but invited students exclusively, capping enrollment at thirty per year. 

Fourthly, based on the social media posts of an alumnus, the academy was nestled in the mountains, possibly occupying an entire mountaintop. 

Fifthly, the school didn’t fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Education and focused solely on esoteric arts, teaching talisman drawing and geomancy, untouched by any modern political ideologies… 

12:37 

As they scrolled through the comments, Springer and the others were gobsmacked. 

Was this school Hogwarts. 

The comments section was exploding with excitement. 

“Is this the legendary school of mystic arts we’ve all dreamed of? My wizard gene is stirring!” NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.

“Is it too late for me to drop everything and apply?” 

“Don’t kid yourself, darling. Check item three: no applications, invite only.” 

“This is like being handpicked by the gods! Does magic really exist in this world?” 

“I’d give my everything to study there! Can I cling to Winnie’s coattails and sneak in?” 

“Take me with you! Does Winnie need a sidekick? I’m loyal and I come with snacks.” 

“I used to think who in their right mind would go to such a school, but now I see it’s not about being in your right mind, it’s about being chosen.” 

The commotion was so intense that even the other guests couldn’t resist taking a peek at their phones. 

Then, their eyes grew wide, and a mix of envy and intrigue shot towards Winnie. 

They weren’t necessarily jealous of the school’s amenities or the cost; it was the exclusivity. the allure of the chosen few that really hit a nerve. 

After all, in their elite circles, everything had to be unique. 

Would those membership–only clubs with million–dollar fees be as desirable if they were open to all? Of course not. It was about being part of an exclusive world. 

And despite mainstream skepticism of mystic arts, deep down, many hoped it was all true. 

Especially tonight’s VIPS, who were more than convinced of these arts‘ existence and held those with such talents in high regard. 

And now, Winnie was suddenly the person to watch, not because of her family name, but because of her own merit. 

Bacchus Bryant never imagined that one of the Bryant child would one day be seen in such a light by these people. 

As the guests‘ attention shifted to Winnie, Amber, Hobson, and even Yates, the supposed stars of the evening, became mere background players. 

Amber’s grip on her knee tightened. She couldn’t understand why a department that was once scoffed at was now the object of everyone’s desire. 

Was mystic arts truly so impressive? She had received a guaranteed spot at her college of choice without a hint of envy, while Hobson and Yates had earned their places at prestigious universities without anyone batting an eye. 

12:38 

To the uninformed, it might seem that Winnie was the sole protagonist of tonight’s banquet. 

What Amber failed to realize was that the initial disdain was rooted in the belief that the Supernatural Department was nothing but a superstitious relic. 

But as soon as the internet confirmed that the school was not only legitimate but potentially state–sanctioned and deeply involved in the realm of mystic arts, everyone’s perspective 

shifted. 

After all, no one could be sure they wouldn’t one day need such mystical expertise. 

And nobody could reject the opportunity to forge a bond with someone who might one day be a powerful practitioner of these arcane arts. 

Hiding her irritation, Amber forced a casual glance towards Hobson, trying to maintain the façade of equanimity. 

Ever since the scores had come out, putting Hobson at a frustrating second to Winnie, he had been nursing a grudge. The fact that today’s celebration, which was supposed to celebrate him as one of the stars, felt like a public execution only rubbed salt into his wounds. 

After all, he was a bona fide member of the prestigious Bryant family, a golden boy in everyone’s eyes. And he had been bested by a girl who peddled trinkets and charms, of all things. 

Not only did she sell those curiosities, but she also chose to enroll in that bizarre institution–the Supernatural Department. It was as if she was stomping on the faces of those who had set their sights on the top domestic universities right from the start. 

So, even now, no matter if the Supernatural Department turned out to be more reputable than they had thought, Hobson wasn’t about to admit it was anything special. 

“A school that peddles mysticism and superstition could never compare to our top–tier universities at home. This current hype is nothing but a flash in the pan,” he scoffed. 

The higher they lifted her now, the harder she would fall eventually. 

All he had to do was sit back and wait for the day she came crashing down.