Later that evening, the much-anticipated Suzi Q’s concert started with a buzz that was nothing short of electric. Students began pouring into the Allianz Auditorium, the grandest structure on school grounds, now transformed into a red-carpet wonderland. Hosting a celebrity like Suzie Q was nothing ordinary. It was like having a date with the president’s daughter. Not only was Suzie Q the most followed celebrity on Instagram who was an alumnus of the school, but she was also a rare talent.Over five thousand tickets had been sold out from the moment everyone heard about the concert—and all of that had happened within 48 hours.There's been a lot of speculation flying around about the concert. Some said even the most prominent men and women in the city would be attending. And so, it was more than just a student thing. It was a concert that is believed will rewrite the narrative of the entire school, and a lot of upcoming celebrities were looking forward to it as much as the students of

Neil could already see that he was losing in his bragging game, and he needed to do something to impress the ladies, especially Nancy, who had caught his attention the moment he set his eyes on her.So, he spread his suit jacket, faking a smile. “Limited edition,” he said casually, brushing invisible lint from the shoulder. “This baby’s worth over twenty-five grand.”The group offered a few polite nods. Nancy, Bella, and the others were clearly unfazed, and so were James and Andrew."You already said that earlier," James reminded him, referring to moments earlier when he pushed Jackson away when he tried to hug him.Aside from that, they’d seen plenty of guys like Neil—those who led with wealth instead of substance. Nancy in particular had grown adept at spotting such characters and remained poised, almost bored. To her, value wasn’t found in price tags or inheritance.Still, Neil pressed on. He widened his stance slightly and leaned against a nearby support beam as if posing for a ma

Backstage, the atmosphere outside Suzie Q’s dressing room was all glitz and noise—technicians packing up, stylists rushing around, fans screaming from the barricades. But inside the dressing room, the air was still tense.Suzie Q sat in front of a massive vanity mirror, lights illuminating her furrowed brow. Her hands trembled slightly as she touched up her lipstick, the red shade dragging unevenly across her lower lip.A knock came at the door, and Blessing peeked in. “The Diamond Table guests are here.”“Let them in,” she snapped, her breath coming out rasped and rugged. She was really furious, and couldn’t wait for Jackson and his friends to come in.The door swung open, and in bounced Nancy, James, Andrew, Bella, and Jackson—still riding the high of the night. Nancy was practically glowing, her voice melodic as she said, “Suzie Q, that was amazing! Thank you for—”“Shut up,” Suzie barked. “Shut the fuck up! All of you!”The group stopped in their tracks. The room went cold. Everyo

“Hey guys,” Jackson said casually after dropping the call with Mr. Copper. “I’ve got to check on something real quick. I’ll meet back up with you later.”Before anyone could ask questions, he was already walking briskly away, his thoughts fixed. The rest of the group couldn’t help but wonder who Jackson had spoken with on the phone and why he suddenly appeared to be in a hurry.What they didn’t know was that Jackson and Jerry Haas had arranged for a meeting with several key power players from his father’s old circle after the concert, and Jackson had left to meet up with the meeting, knowing full well that Jerry would be waiting for him already.On the way, Jackson quickly pulled out his phone and composed a text—not as himself, but as the Mystery Billionaire.“Hey, Bella. Hope you had fun tonight. I’ve arranged a car that will pick you up from Suzie Q’s concert in thirty minutes. See you at Evergreen Lounge, Sky Tower. I’ll be there waiting for you.”He hit send and smiled to himself

Mr. Copper motioned for Jackson to sit beside him on the plush velvet seating that surrounded the lounge. The lighting above was soft and golden, casting a regal glow across the room. The weight of the moment wasn’t lost on Jackson—it was the first time in his young life that he felt the full measure of the legacy his father had left behind.“We met when we were both in our twenties,” Copper continued. “Back when your father had just struck gold with his first investment. I was drowning in lawsuits and bad debt. No one would touch me. Your dad? He didn’t hesitate. Pulled me out of the fire, and in return, I vowed never to leave his side.”There was a flicker of emotion in Mr. Copper’s eyes as he recounted old times, “I was there when your father met your mother. I watched you take your first steps. And when tragedy struck, he made me swear I’d watch over you if anything ever happened to him.”Jackson let out a deep sigh. “Thank you. I didn’t know… he kept so much hidden.”“That was in