Chapter One: The autumn sun blazed mercilessly over Winston College's practice field as Alexander Morello dragged the heavy equipment bag across the grass. Sweat beaded on his forehead, not from the heat, but from the familiar dread that twisted his stomach every afternoon."Well, well, well. Look what crawled out from under a rock."Alexander's shoulders tensed. Paxton Jennings' voice carried across the field like a death sentence. The star quarterback's cleats thundered against the turf as he approached, his entourage of teammates trailing behind like hungry wolves."Hey, poverty boy!" Paxton called out, his voice dripping with mock enthusiasm. "How's mommy dearest doing? Still serving coffee to truckers at that greasy diner?"The football team erupted in laughter. Alexander kept his head down, focusing on organizing the equipment with trembling hands."Oh, come on, don't be shy," Paxton taunted, stepping closer. "I heard she's been working extra shifts lately. What's she saving up

Chapter Three: Alexander sat on his narrow bed in the cramped apartment he shared with his mother, staring at his cracked phone screen through swollen eyes. The events at school replayed in his mind like a broken record—fitting, considering the actual broken record that now lay in pieces in his trash can. His thumb throbbed where the vinyl had cut him, a physical reminder of his latest humiliation.The notification sound made him jump. With trembling fingers, he unlocked his phone, expecting another cruel message or video from Paxton's friends. Instead, he found something that made his blood freeze.FIRST EQUITAS PRIVATE BANK - ACCOUNT ACTIVITY ALERT Account Balance Update: $50,000,000.00Alexander blinked hard, certain he was hallucinating. He refreshed the screen, but the message remained. Fifty million dollars. In his name."This has to be a mistake," he whispered to himself, his heart hammering against his ribs.Twenty minutes later, Alexander stood before the imposing glass door

Chapter Five: The elevator climbed silently to the penthouse floor, its gold-plated buttons gleaming under soft lighting. Alexander stood in stunned silence, his mind reeling from the events below. When the doors opened, Langston led him down a corridor lined with original artwork that probably cost more than most people's houses."This way, Mr. Morello," Langston said, guiding him to a heavy oak door marked "Private Conference Suite."The room beyond was breathtaking—floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city, a conference table that could seat twenty, and walls lined with leather-bound legal volumes. But what caught Alexander's attention was the advanced biometric scanner sitting on the table, its blue light pulsing steadily."Please, sit down," Langston said, settling into the chair across from him. "I imagine you have questions.""Questions?" Alexander's voice cracked. "I don't even know where to start. Who was my father? Why didn't my mother tell me about any

Chapter Seven: The Vega mansion blazed with light against the evening sky, its sprawling grounds filled with the sounds of laughter and music. Luxury cars lined the circular driveway as Winston College's elite celebrated Selena's birthday in style. Alexander approached the front entrance, clutching a carefully wrapped package that had cost him more than most people's monthly rent.Inside the elegant gift box lay a pristine first-edition vinyl of Donny Hathaway's "Live," the same album Selena had mentioned her father playing during her childhood. The Elite Athletic manager had personally sourced it from a private collector, calling it "impossible to find" and "priceless for someone who truly appreciates music.""Alexander!" Selena's voice carried across the marble foyer as she spotted him near the entrance. She glided toward him in a stunning silver dress, her face lighting up with genuine joy. "I can't believe you made it!""I wouldn't miss it," Alexander said, offering her the wrapp

Chapter 9“Fine,” Alexander muttered, his voice clipped as he pushed open the car door. Aria quickly followed, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. The driver slid into his seat, shutting the door behind him before starting the engine. The car rolled smoothly through the quiet streets, neither Alexander nor Aria speaking much during the ride. He sat with his arms folded, his mind racing, while she kept stealing glances at him, wondering what was going through his head.By the time they reached the house, the sky was already deepening into shades of orange and purple. As soon as they stepped inside, Alexander’s eyes immediately caught sight of his mother, Chloe. She was in the sitting room, carefully folding and arranging clothes on a wide couch, her delicate hands moving with practiced ease.“Mother!” Alexander’s voice broke as he hurried forward. He wrapped his arms around her, clinging tightly like the boy he used to be, not the composed man he had become. “Why didn’t yo