2026-02-08 19:44:47
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Chapter 12
Chapter TwelveDean Halloway sat behind his massive dark oak desk, flanked by the Board of Directors. Opposite them sat Erica, her eyes red, and Robert Leonardo, looking disheveled but desperate.When Adrian walked in, still wearing his worn sweater, the Dean didn’t bother to look up."Sit down, Vale," Halloway barked. "We’ve reviewed the report. Stolen cards, fraud, and what happened at the Vista Hotel. Mr. Leonardo here has provided all the evidence we need. You’re nothing but a parasite, Adrian."Adrian sat down and leaned back calmly. His calmness clearly annoyed the Dean.“Where is the evidence?” Adrian said. “I’d like to see it.”Robert Leonardo slammed his fist on the desk. "You destroyed my family’s credit! You’re lucky we don’t call the police right now.""My father says people like you are a disease," Erica added with pure hatred. "Effective immediately, you are expelled."The Dean sighed, sliding the expulsion papers forward. "Sign these and vacate the campus by 1:00 PM."
Chapter 11
Chapter ElevenThe university cafeteria was buzzing. The news of the Leonardo family’s overnight bankruptcy had hit the campus like a nuclear strike. Lukas Leonardo hadn't shown up for classes, and the rumor was spreading everywhere.Adrian sat at his usual corner table, a plastic bowl of three-dollar instant noodles in front of him. To the students looking, he was still the scholarship bum they had mocked for years.“Look at him,” a sharp, familiar voice rang out.Jason walked through the cafeteria, his chest puffed out. With Lukas gone, Jason was now the undisputed king of the school. Mira followed a few steps behind him, her face pale and her eyes red-rimmed. She kept staring at Adrian, her mind replaying the silhouette in the Vista elevator.Jason slammed his hand onto Adrian’s table, rattling the plastic bowl.“I heard about last night, Adrian,” Jason sneered, leaning in so close Adrian could smell his expensive cologne. “Lukas got sloppy. He offended some mysterious tycoon and l
Chapter 10
Chapter TenThe Skyline Lounge was the crown jewel of the Vista Hotel. It sat on the fiftieth floor, and it featured floor-to-ceiling glass walls that made the city lights look like fallen stars. Soft jazz played, and the air smelled of expensive perfume and aged bourbon.Lukas sat at the biggest table. He had pushed three tables together. Mira and many students sat around him. Everyone was happy because they were drinking for free."Another round of 1996 Dom Pérignon!" Lukas shouted, waving a hand at a passing waiter. "And bring out the Beluga caviar. Tonight, we celebrate like kings!"Mira sat beside him, but she looked distracted. Her eyes kept drifting toward the private elevator bank. Every time the gold doors chimed, she flinched, hoping—and fearing—she would see Adrian Vale."Lukas, maybe we should slow down," Mira whispered, leaning in. "That's the fourth bottle. Each one is five thousand dollars."Lukas laughed, his face flushed red from the alcohol. "Don't be a buzzkill, Mir
Chapter 9
Chapter NineThe taxi stopped in front of the Vista Hotel. Luxury supercars lined the entrance, their engines humming softly under the brilliant golden light.Adrian stepped out, his worn sneakers hitting the pristine pavement. He gripped his phone tightly as the $50 million notification was still burning in his mind like a hot coal.He hadn't walked five feet before a hand blocked his path.“Where do you think you're going? Deliveries are at the back, kid," the doorman said. His white-gloved hand remained held out like a wall. He didn't even look Adrian in the eye, he was too busy opening a door for a man in a tuxedo."I'm not a delivery driver," Adrian said, his voice calmer than he expected. "I’m here to see Chase Goodman."The doorman finally looked at him and sneered. "The General Manager? You think a man who manages the portfolios of oil tycoons has time to meet a student in a thrift-store jacket? Get moving before I call security."“I have a meeting with him. At least let him k
Chapter 8
Chapter Eight “You don’t need to prove anything,” Lina said quickly, her voice sharp. “This is my birthday. I didn’t invite you here to start trouble.” Lucas smiled lazily. “Relax. I’m just asking. If it’s real, there’s nothing to hide. Adrian should be ashamed to buy fake things, you're from a prestigious family and stuff like this ruins your reputation. Shouldn't you be thanking me for opening your eyes.” Adrian looked at the necklace again. He had spent 2.5 million and all it earned him was ridicule, he had always prayed to be rich but now he's rich he didn't feel much different rather he was ridiculed and considered a moron. Thinking about it alone made him feel drowsy, he could prove it. Easily. But that wasn’t the point. The point was that Lucas wanted a show. Wanted him to perform. Wanted him to scramble, to overexplain, to beg credibility. Adrian pushed his chair back without saying much. Erica’s sneer was practically permanent. "Show us the evidence, Adrian. Or are
Chapter 7
Chapter Seven The Irritation on Lina's features was immediate as she gave a one clear look at Lukas. She shot Lukas a sharp look, her jaw tightening as his smirk widened, as if he had struck exactly where he intended. “What is the meaning of this, Lukas.” the dorm head finally spoke, his tone warning. “Do you have something against Adrian?” Lukas laughed, lifting his glass lazily. He was the kind of bully who found pleasure in the discomfort of others, who thrived on provoking reactions and pretending innocence afterward. “I’m just having fun,” he said, taking a slow sip of the wine. Wines were prohibited in high school since they were students that needed to study hard but exceptions were quietly made for events like birthdays for influential families and for people like Lukas rules bent around him easily since he was a bully and a disobedient student at that. After the heat dies down, Lina places the glass beside Adrian. And tapped him on the shoulder apologetically, Adrian c
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