PROLOGUE
Two Years Earlier...
"Tonight on News Channel Eight, we're featuring Bel-Air's Hill Academy, now the most renowned high school in the USA," the news anchor announced. "Let's take a look at an exclusive video showcasing a remarkable scholarship opportunity at this school."
Pearl Adams, a girl with a ponytail, was glued to the television screen.
"Sis, look, look," she tapped her stepsister Emma Adams's shoulder to draw her attention to the TV.
"Are you a motivated and talented student dreaming of a brighter future? Look no further!" A brown-skinned teenage girl in the school's uniform spoke confidently. "Here at Hill Academy, we believe in unlocking your potential and shaping tomorrow's leaders. That's why we're excited to announce our scholarship program that covers tuition, textbooks, and even accommodation for deserving students like you."
Emma turned to Pearl. "You're not planning to go there, are you?" she asked.
"Of course I am, sis. I want to go there," Pearl replied.
"But you know it's expensive," Emma said. "Even if we start to work all day, we still can't afford it-"
"I'm brilliant so I will get a scholarship easily," Pearl interrupted. "Didn't you hear? Their scholarship even covers accommodation."
"Why are you so obsessed with this school? Forget it! Not all that glitters is gold," Emma argued.
"Please, let me give it a try. It won't change the fact that you're smarter than me," Pearl playfully said, and her sister chuckled.
"Okay, fine, you can go, but you have to be careful there," Emma agreed.
The ad girl added on the TV, "Apply now and join our community of scholars at Hill Academy!"
Two weeks later, Pearl Adams, who had never stepped foot in Bel-Air, found herself on her way to its prestigious high school.
The towering four-story building of the school, with its white walls, green pillars, and rooftop, left her in awe. Unlike her old school, this one boasted two flags flying high in the compound. Inside, it felt like heaven on earth for her. They had separate labs for all kinds of science experiments, and the teachers were welcoming. The library was massive, with no late fees for borrowing books, and there was even a music room. Her dormitory, named the Ship House due to its ship-like design, provided spacious accommodations. Her room was a large, airy space with an air conditioner, colorful study desks, a television set, and a lavish bathroom. Everything she had ever dreamed of seemed to come to life.
Being one of the few scholarship students among the predominantly wealthy attendees at Hill Academy, Pearl wanted to befriend those from affluent backgrounds. She sought out the ones in authority, those with numerous Instagram followers, and those she could outshine to get the first position in her class... but her efforts led to an unfortunate outcome...
One morning, Emma kept calling her sister's number repeatedly, each met with silence.
"Is Pearl okay?" she wondered.
Ignoring her worries, she turned on the TV and heard the shocking news.
"In today's breaking news, tragedy strikes at Bel-Air's Hill Academy as a scholarship student takes her own life. The reasons behind this devastating act remain unclear. The deceased, Miss Pearl Adams, 15 years old..."
Emma fell to the floor, crying hard. "No, this can't be true," she sobbed, covering her mouth with her hand. "Why would Pearl commit suicide? Something's not right. What life do students live in the halls of Hill Academy? I need to find out."
