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Buffy and other characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, et. al and used without permission. No copyright infringement intended & no money earned.
The next few weeks were very busy for Buffy. Her grandmother bought her new clothes from all the top designers: Dior, Chanel and Valentino. There were shoes, bags, hats, lingerie and every other type of accessory anyone could need or want.
She was now officially Elisabeth Anne Mertuil. The family always kept the name even if they married. So when her grandmother married Joseph Summers, she remained Anne Mertuil. Their motto was "The name must survive to prosper."
Her lessons with her grandmother started after the first week. Unfortunately, she didn't fool Nana with her dumb blonde routine; she was a hard taskmaster. Buffy actually enjoyed the lessons but wouldn't let Nana know. That wasn't how you played the game. She wouldn't start school until the next year since only two weeks remained before the summer break.
Anne bought Buffy the latest, high-speed laptop, and had it delivered to the house. Anne learned to her delight that Buffy was quite computer savvy. Buffy realized listening to Willow had actually soaked in. Buffy searched the net for the latest information on their holdings and possible new prospects. They played the stock game, which Buffy learned she had inherent talent for picking stocks. She earned nearly a million dollars in fake money. Unknown to her, Anne invested in the stocks Buffy suggested. She deposited the money in an account under Buffy's name.
Buffy swam and rode each day. Her grandmother arranged for her to take fencing, martial arts and dancing as well. She wasn't as strong as before but still stronger then most people. Anne offered to call the Council but Buffy refused. She this was her life and she would learn to live with it. No Council. Buffy met with her grandmother every morning; after a late lunch, she spent the rest of the day trying to use up her excess energy. Jean-Pierre was even teaching her to sail the littlest boat.
Suddenly it was the end of the summer; Anne had decided that it was time to throw a gala event. The last few weeks of summer were the busiest in the Hamptons, since everyone would be returning to the city. People wanted a chance to catch up on gossip after vacationing for the summer. Older children were back in the fold ready to be shown off, as the assets, they were.
The invitations had gone out earlier in the week. No one would ever think of not showing up to one of Madam's parties. Madam only held a party for a reason; rumors were flying trying to guess what it was this time.
The papers were all signed and iron clad. No one could ever contest it, even if they tried. Anne smiled, wondering how her family would take the announcement at the party. Yes, it will be quite a night. Ma petite will shine. She watched her fence several times and was very impressed at her ruthlessness. Oui, Lizbeth has all she needs to control the family. They'll never see her coming.
An interesting conversation was taking place, in a large town home, in the center, of the upper echelon, of New York. "Mother, what's grandmother up to? Haven't you been out to the house while I was in Europe?" Kathryn Mertuil asked. She could almost pass for Buffy's twin, except for the dark chestnut, shoulder-length hair. Her skin was a pale alabaster; her eyes were a darker hazel.
"No, Kathryn. I told you Anne wouldn't allow it, no matter what I tried. There were rumors she was ill, but I couldn't confirm them," Tiffany Mertuil replied. She talked to her daughter, while staring in her vanity mirror. An attractive woman in her early 40's, although she told everyone she was only 35, looked back at her from her mirror. Her first husband had been a Mertuil. When she remarried Edward Valmont several years later, she had kept the Mertuil name. Once a Mertuil, always a Mertuil, Tiffany didn't care if she married fifty times; she wasn't giving up the name she had worked so hard for. When Kathryn inherited, it would be worth even more. It would be her calling card to become the most powerful hostess in all of New York. She smiled at her reflection.
"Are you listening to me," Kathryn screeched.
"Darling, not so loud, we don't want Edward to hear. He's in the study with Sebastian; that horrible boy's in trouble again."
"I don't care. Rumors ran the city regarding Grandmother being ill, and you didn't call me," Kathryn accused, with narrowed eyes. Could mother's head be anymore empty?
"I told you I couldn't confirm it. Really, Kathryn, if I can't confirm it then it just isn't so. Now what are you going to wear and who is going to be your escort?"
"I brought back a new Dior from Pairs. Court will escort me of course. Although, I haven't called him, yet to let him know that I am home," she shrugged.
"Oh darling, I thought you broke it off with him before you left for Europe. He has been all about town with a new girl, Cecile Caldwell. She and her mother are on their way over to meet you. Cecile will be attending Manchester in the fall. Since you are the Student Body President, I, of course, said that you would be happy to answer their questions."
"Of course, we broke up. I just assumed he would want to go on the arm of a Mertuil to a Mertuil event."
A knock sounded at the door. "Mistress, Mrs. Caldwell and her daughter are in the salon, waiting for you and Missy Kathryn."
"Thank you, Mai Li. Tell them we'll be right there. Come along dear."
Kathryn stood gracefully then walked over to the bathroom. "I need to freshen up, Mother. I will be right there."
"Don't take too long darling; we don't want to appear rude."
Kathryn laid out a line of cocaine from her cross pendant, snorting it quickly. It didn't seem to take the edge off her anger like it usually did. How dare Court cheat on me? No one leaves me until I'm through with them. Court will find that out very soon. Checking her face over carefully in the mirror she prepared to join her mother.
"You missed a spot, sis."
Turning, she saw Sebastian Valmont standing there. "Sebastian, get out of here. I'm using the bathroom."
"But for what, dear Kathryn? I told Tiff I'd escort you to the salon. It's penance, I'm to stick by your side; to use you as an example for 'good behavior'," he laughed. "If the parental units only knew, sweet, innocent, Kathryn's a big coke whore. You've slept with more people than me, which I must say, dear sister, is quite a compliment."
"Go to hell, Valmont." Kathryn moved to push her way past him.
"Will I like it there, Kathryn?" he slipped his hand into her shirt to fondle her bare breast. "Why Miss Mertuil you are not wearing the proper undergarment; what would people think?"
"Are you through feeling me up, Valmont? There are people here to see me. I'll tell mother to have your father call you off of my heels."
"Oh, you haven't heard the best part. Since you don't have an escort we are going en faille. I'm to be your escort, Kathryn; you know the united front and all. Ciao."
"Ooh, just you wait Valmont; you'll get yours. Just see if you don't," Kathryn cursed under her breath. "Mother, so sorry to keep you waiting. Sebastian needed some information, or I'd have gotten here sooner."
"That's all right darling come meet Bunny Caldwell and her daughter, Cecile. This is my daughter, Kathryn. She can answer all your questions about Manchester. She is the Student Body President, after all."
Riding in the car, Kathryn was still furious. She couldn't quit thinking about Court preferring that vapid virgin to her. Looking across from her, she had to admit Sebastian looked delicious in his tuxedo. Kathryn had never forgiven him for forgetting their night together. It was several years ago, before she had become so jaded. They got drunk and fell into bed together. The next morning she had left him sleeping, but that didn't count. She was an unforgettable fuck and damn proud of it. For him to pretend anything else was an insult of the highest degree.
Not until she gained her current, untouchable power, did he come sniffing at her snatch. Well it would be a cold day in hell before his dick ever sank into any part of her again. Thinking of the past only increased her anger; she needed a hit badly. When were they going to get to the damn house? This champagne isn't doing anything for me.
Finally the house was in sight, Kathryn sighed. She always felt a rush of power when she pulled into the great mansion. Someday she would control all of this, and she couldn't wait. If only the old bat would hurry up and die. There was no one else to take on the family holdings. Her father would have done brilliantly of course, if only he hadn't died.
His brother was a waste of space. In fact, that whole family was just an embarrassment. Thank goodness, they don't come around anymore. Especially, that simpering goody two shoes, Buffy. What a name. An unexpected shiver went down her spine. Come on, Come on. Pull up and open the fucking door already.
Buffy looked at herself in the mirror not really believing it was her. They had put her hair up in a tight bun with short spikes fanning out. Her dress for the Spring Fling was pretty, white and innocent. The dress she wore tonight was anything but that; it was daring, elegant and sophisticated.
It plunged in the front and back held on her shoulders by thin straps. Fitting down her body like a second skin of black jersey with black and white Swarvorski sequins scattered throughout in an intricate pattern. Flowing straight down her body to pool into a small rounded train, diamond cutouts scattered on the side that seemed to show a hint of skin. Buffy wore no jewelry except for diamond earrings. Tonight when she accepted her grandmother's ring, it signified that she was her heir - the Merteuil heir. The ring was a family heirloom. Rumor had it that the center demand had once belonged to Marie Antoinette. The ring was a beautiful blue diamond surrounded by smaller white diamonds. It would be on her hand by the end of the evening. Buffy had picked the dress to show off the ring the ring and the new Buffy. She prayed that she kept her cool tonight, and didn't embarrass her grandmother.
"Ah ma petite you look tre magnifique." Anne said from the door as she entered the yellow and white bedroom. She had braided her hair then wrapped it around her head like a crown; diamonds and pearls seemed to float in the silvered golden hair. She wore an empire waist dress with a long-sleeved bolero jacket, and at her throat, a choker of diamonds and pearls wrapped around its elegant length. Anne Mertuil always dressed impeccably, but tonight she looked like a queen.
"Nana, you look beautiful," Buffy said, smiling at the woman who had quickly become the most important person in her life.
"Merci, are you ready chère? Everyone is here, I will go announce you."
"If you're sure Nana, then I am too. Let's go give them hell. Do you think Tiff will scream, faint or both?"
"Evil child," she laughed "With that woman probably all three. Now listen at the top of the stairs. You can see, but not be seen until it is time."
Kathryn was happily buzzing. Damn it where is that old cow? She had to be greeting guests somewhere.
"Ladies and gentlemen your attention please; Madam Mertuil has an announcement," Jean-Pierre announced.
Kathryn pushed to the front of the crowd. Straightening her simple black Dior sheath, she looked to see what held everyone's attention. There stood her grandmother the perfect picture of health - damnit.
"Bon jour, thank you for coming. Tonight is a momentous occasion," she paused for effect, "I will formally announce my heir."
Kathryn gasped for air. She was already moving across the foyer. Trying not to appear surprised, her pace quickened to reach the bottom stair. Kathryn had already tuned out her Grandmother's words as her thoughts filled with what she planned to do with her newly acquired power.
"She has been away, but please everyone welcome back…"
Some of the words trickled through as Kathryn continued forward, she was almost there. I've only been to Europe. She must really be slipping. Thankfully, I'll take care of everything. Kathryn smiled taking several more steps, her feet on bottom step.
"My granddaughter"
Her foot was about to take the next step. Wait a minute, you old bat, I'm not there yet.
"Elisabeth Anne Mertuil."
Kathryn stopped dead in her tracks as her cousin glided down the upper stairs to stand by her grandmother. NO! This is some nightmare. I took too much coke; I'm dreaming; I'll wake up any minute. She heard someone scream and recognized her mother's voice. What is that bitch screaming about? She hasn't lost anything. It's not as if she would have gotten anything from me. No matter what she might think.
Kathryn saw Buffy accept the Mertuil ring; a Buffy she didn't even know existed. This wasn't the silly girl, she had bullied. This was a confident sophisticated equal who looked down at Kathryn. There was something behind her eyes Kathryn didn't recognize.
Everyone clapped, so Kathryn followed suit as the two descended the stairs, headed directly toward her. "Hello Kitty-Cat it's good to see that some things are perfectly predictable," Buffy said, with an edge in her.
Kathryn had never been Buffy's favorite person. Whenever she had visited during the summers, the brunette did everything she could to turn her life into a living hell. Buffy decided it was better to start as she meant to continue, especially when it came to dealing with Kathryn. Buffy had the advantage this time, and thanks to her grandmother and her former life, she knew the rules of the game. She also knew all of Kathryn's secrets, Nana saw to that.
There was no way this dumb blonde was going to steal what was hers. "It's good to see you again, Buffy. If you need any help just let me know. I know simply everyone who's anybody," Kathryn offered, sending her an insincere smile. Her good girl routine was safely in place.
"I'll just bet you do, Kitty-Cat. I'll keep that in mind. Shall we, Nana?"
Buffy turned to her grandmother. They moved off arm in arm leaving Kathryn standing on the steps.
She stalked off to the bathroom in a blinding rage. "How dare that bitch! She didn't even know that she should have invited me to join them. Buffy will turn us into a laughing stock by the end of the evening. Grandmother will beg me to help her clean up the mess."
"Talking to yourself again Kathryn; people are already talking. You don't want anymore nasty rumors do you?" There stood Sebastian. "Man, your cousin is gorgeous; who knew what you could look like with blond hair, golden skin and, oh yeah, a personality."
"Go fuck yourself, Valmont. It won't do you any good sniffing around Miss Perfect. She's a virgin she won't have anything to do with you."
"But just think what fun I would have teaching her. Mmm, the thought of it gets me hard, want to feel? I'm off to introduce myself to the new heir."
Kathryn threw a dish breaking an antique mirror in the powder room. She heard a knock at the door. "Hello is everything okay in there?" a voice called out. She pulled open the door, to find a young good-looking waiter standing there. "It is now," Kathryn pulled him into the room.
After working her way around the room, Buffy excused herself, walking down a hall tapping on a door. Walking in, she stopped at the door, and then started clapping.
Her hand went up to continue stroking him as she looked up a smirk on her face. Expecting to see Sebastian, Kathryn stopped cold seeing her cousin standing there. Looking at herself, she wore only a bra; and the waiter's pants were around his feet. Well, at least he took care of me first.
"Bravo, Kitty-Cat. You even removed your dress, smart girl. Or not, since you didn't lock the door. Not too bright using powder room off the main ballroom either. Looks like Kitty got a little crème on her nose, bad Cat."
The waiter scrambled to pull up his pants. He ran from the room, as Kathryn stormed over to Buffy. Reaching out she grabbed at the blond; she quickly found her face pressed against the now closed door.
"I will only give you one free warning. Don't mistake me for the same girl you used to pick on. I bite back now. So wipe your nose, wash out your mouth, put your clothes on, go back out and if you are a good girl, I won't spank."
"Let me go, bitch. You'll pay for this. Grandmother will hear about this. Just you wait."
"Be my guest. I'll happily tell her what I saw when I walked in here."
"She would never believe you. I have an impeccable reputation, ask her, ask everyone."
"You just keep believing that, Kitty Cat. Your mother's always had delusions of grandeur too. Well, I had better get back to my party before I'm missed. Funny, no one even noticed you were gone."
"I'll make you pay, Mary Sunshine; just you wait." Kathryn vowed as she slipped back into the room.
Buffy stood in a circle of young people. Beside her was Sebastian, whispering in her ear. She laughed up at him. On her other side was Blaine Tuttle, Sebastian's best friend. Kathryn forgot he already knew Buffy; they were old friends. This night was getting worse as she saw Cecile and Court join the group.
"Turtle," Buffy said, calling him by his childhood name, looking at Blaine, "Can I talk to you on the verandah? I need some air and we can catch up. Excuse us everyone, we will be right back." The two old friends moved away just as Kathryn was about to join the group.
"I've missed you, Turtle. How have you been?" Buffy smiled at him, noticing how handsome he looked in his tuxedo.
"Not as good as you obviously," he laughed. She was his oldest friend. The one that had always accepted him, not ever caring about his sexual preferences.
"I wanted to get in touch with you. But you know Nana; she didn't want it leaking out before she could shock the most people."
"Your Nana's a hoot. I never thought she was stupid enough to leave everything to Kathryn. But when you stayed away so long, I started to wonder. What happened, Buffy?"
"I still remember when you named me that. Everyone thinks my mom came up with it. She was so mad that summer when I refused to answer to anything else. They divorced a few years ago; neither one would let me come back. Seemed to be the only thing they didn't fight about. Nana didn't push it so it was left alone. I was left alone. So tell me about you. Who's your new honey?"
"Which one, dahling? You know how it is so many men so little time." Blaine threw his hands out dramatically.
"Oh Turtle, thankfully you never change. I'm sure I'll constantly have to watch my back around Kitty-Cat. And all of the rest of me around your friend Sebastian. At least I don't have to around you."
"You're different Buffy, tougher somehow. I used to think if it ever came to a showdown between you and Kathryn she'd eat you alive. Now I'm not so sure there'd be enough body left to bury. Tell Turtle all about it." He looked at her seriously even though his words were joking.
Buffy laughed, "Just life, Turtle; took some hard knocks but I learned a good lesson."
"What?" He looked at her curiously. She was always so happy when they were kids. He could still see pieces of the girl he remembered but the woman standing in front of him was a puzzle.
"Never let them hit you first. Let's go back. Stay the night and we will talk more tomorrow," she pleaded.
"Okay but I'm going to want more than this cryptic shit." Blain threw an arm around her shoulder, complaining good-naturedly.
"Wow, I'm really good if can make with the cryptic, Turtle." Buffy kissed his cheek as they walked back inside laughing.
Kathryn's audience turned away to watch them walk back into the room.
"She's so beautiful," Cecile sighed. "Like a fairy princess or something."
The ride home was pure hell for everyone. Tiffany bemoaned the situation the entire time. "She has the nerve to choose that low class nothing over my daughter; then to not even invite us to spend the night. We are Mertuils. That house is just as much ours as it is hers and certainly more than that insipid child's. Where was she all the years we've cared for Madam. Ungrateful! That's what they are - ungrateful."
Everyone else breathed a sigh of relief to leave the limo. They didn't even wait for the driver to open the door. Kathryn rushed into her room, ripping off her dress. She had already snorted everything she took to the party and was tearing the room apart looking for more.
"Looking for something, sister dear?" Sebastian stood in the door with his shirt open and the top of his pants unbuttoned.
Kathryn smiled as she walked over to him. Exactly what she needed. He wanted her cousin. She could use that. "Come in, Sebastian and close the door. I have a proposition for you," she purred.
Her hands were already roaming down his body; his eyebrows went up but he did as she asked. "What are you up to Kathryn?"
"I want back what's mine, what has always been mine. No little California teenybopper is going to sweep in and take my place. I've worked to hard for it, taken too much shit."
"What do you expect me to do about it? And why should I care?" Sebastian acted bored but was curious to find out what her evil little mind had thought up.
"You're attracted to her, if for no other reason she looks like me. Seduce her, compromise her and get proof, then I'll offer to help her if she disappears. I would prefer to destroy her but it is my name as well. So what do you say? I'll give you whatever you want..." She rubbed him through his pants.
"Anything? But still why should I? I like her; she's nice. You're not that special Kathryn."
Moving back to loll back on the bed she rolled her hips seductively. Her hand ran over her hip to caress her firm behind. "You can put it anywhere."
"I'm going to need more than just your word, to convince me." The innuendo hung in the air between them.
"How do I know you'll go through with it if I give you anything now?"
"How do I know you will really follow through, once I do what you want, if you won't even do this?"
Kathryn fell to her knees in front of him. She had already planned to seal the deal this way. Men am so easy. She glanced over to her closet where the video camera was recording everything.
He smiled down, seeing the quick glance at the closet. He knew about the video; he had spliced into it not long after he moved into the townhouse. He had hours of video of Kathryn.
She was so stupid sometimes; he wondered if the drugs had damaged her brain. His father taught him long ago; you don't shit where you eat. There was a small apartment, on the Upper East Side, they used for rendezvous. If one of them were using it, there was a small discreet hotel whose clientele included very important men past and present.
He thinks he's so smart, but he writes down everything he does in that stupid journal. All I have to do is screw him then screw him over for good. I'll teach him no one forgets Kathryn Mertuil; just as soon as he does what I want, like a good puppy.
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