Chapter 2 Lucian leaned in , his warm breath brushing against Darlene's ear as he admired her flushed cheeks . " I like seeing you so frightened and powerless . " Darlene freed herself from his arms . " You're too drunk . Please don't behave like this . " Lucian narrowed his eyes slightly , his face darkening . " Behave like this ? Darlene , show some gratitude . Without us , your mute mother couldn't have found a job , and you wouldn't even have a shot at the elite academy . One single Wintervale Academy uniform costs more than your living expenses for several years ! " Wintervale Academy , a world - renowned , prestigious institution , stood as the only bridge for commoners into high society, admitting just three top students globally each year . Darlene was one of them . She came to the Calder family at eight , became Lucian's study companion , and received the finest elite education . She had long since developed remarkable resilience . She paid no mind to Lucian's ridicule , scuffles , or making her do his homework . But now in puberty , Lucian was full of raging hormones . Every look he gave her was far from innocent . UL In front of the Calder elders , Lucian hid his intentions well . But whenever Vanessa wasn't around , his hand would find its way onto her leg . " If my mom sees us , I'll just say you seduced In the soft light , a mist seemed to veil the girl's eyes , making her look fragile and pitiful . " Lucian , cut her some slack . " Adrian Lockwood , who had been standing behind Lucian , couldn't bear to watch this and seized Luhand . Wintervale Academy was divided into two factions . One was led by the old - money families of Langley , Lockwood , and Calder . The other was under the command of the new - money families of Rowland , Drayton , and Ellington . Together , they controlled the lifeline of the UK's economy as well as the world's financial resources . Adrian was the heir of the Lockwood family . His face defied gender , like a flamboyant male fairy from Disney movies . But Darlene knew his true colors . On the surface , Adrian appeared gentle and approachable , but underneath , he was just as critical and rigid as any other old - school aristocrat . In a society of strict hierarchy and impenetrable class barriers , nobles and elites ruled the UK and prevailed over all rules . In time , Adrian would implement many laws to drive ordinary people to despair . He disposed of his family's illegitimate offspring without batting an eye , tossing them under his father's bed . While Lucian was distracted , Darlene hightailed it out of the room . Adrian raised his eyebrows as he watched the girl flee . Lucian shook off his hand , ready for a fight 76.23 ALL LeapAhead Daily Book Cast Install O < Chapter 2 " What ? Do you fancy my maid ? " Adrian smirked . " How dare I fancy the girl whom you've staked a claim to ? " But judging by her glances at me , you should probably be concerned that she might be falling for me . " Menu Darlene called an Uber and headed straight to the Calder's mansion . Today was the weekend . Vanessa preferred peace , so the mansion had significantly fewer staff than on a regular workday . Darlene walked for nearly half an hour , passing through the main building from the entrance until she reached a secluded small house in the back . This was where the servants rested . Darlene had never met her biological father since birth and took her mother's surname . In this world , her mother was different from the one she had in her real world before entering the novel . In reality , Darlene was a child of a large family . Her mother died when she was young , and her father remarried several women of equal social rank . In the fight for the heir's spot , she never dared to let her guard down .. Her father was proud of her , saying there was nothing she couldn't accomplish . Everyone loved her , and she was always in the spotlight . But she overworked herself to the point of her sudden death . That was how she ended up inside the world of this novel . She was once the girl born with every advantage , but now had fallen to the bottom of society . Life was poor , and her mother , Sylvia Norwood , could not speak . Nevertheless , Sylvia proved to be an excellent mother . Sylvia used to work three jobs a day to ensure Darlene could attend a good art school , When she learned that the Calder family was hiring a caregiver for a handsome salary , she refused to let the opportunity slip away . There was just one thing that baffled Darlene . Part of her mother's memory was missing . Sylvia couldn't remember how she became pregnant , nor could she recall whether she had any family . On the way up to the third floor , where Darlene and her mother lived , Darlene was met with hearty greetings . The maids congratulated her on getting into Wintervale Academy and becoming Lucian's schoolmate . Some even joked that she and Lucian were dating . " We're not . Darlene shook her head in denial . " How could you not ? I have a daughter too , but she's not as lucky as you to have Mr. Calder as a friend . " A plump middle - aged woman remarked , her voice thick with envy and resentment . Darlene replied , " If your daughter studies hard and manages to top every national exam , Mrs. Calder would choose her as a study companion * Lucinda's face darkened . It was no secret that her daughter's grades tanked at the bottom of the entire grade . Sylvia , who was in the room , overheard the exchange in the hallway and rushed out , waving her hands in protest , her face flushed with distress . " No ! 1623 StarShort Epcretly telling you I watched dag sten 5.0 % Shop Now O < Chapter 2 " Nothing is going on between Darlene and Lucian ! " If Vanessa heard this , they would be kicked out of the family ! Vanessa hated servants who didn't know their place ! " Mom , it's getting late . Let's get inside and rest . " Darlene pulled her mother straight into the room , thinking it was a waste of time to argue with a woman like Lucinda . Mary Nobles could remain untroubled , partly because the lower classes were busy fighting among themselves and dragging each other down . Sylvia was mute . The doctor explained that her aphasia was caused by severe trauma , and whether she would recover depended on when she could overcome her psychological barriers . Darlene felt that this so - called psychological barrier was most likely related to Sylvia's missing memories Sylvia appeared young , her hair neatly coiled , her temperament gentle and graceful , radiating the charm of a refined woman .