LUCKY BILLIONAIRE

8

“Hey Alejandro, check it out, the Casino is all set!” Miguel exclaimed, handing over the completed business papers.

Alejandro's relief was palpable as he checked the documents. He Was Impressed by Miguel's meticulous work. His friend had truly outdone himself, and Alejandro couldn't help but feel a surge of pride.

Across from him, Miguel wore a proud smirk.

“Thanks, Miguel. You did an amazing job,” Alejandro praised, marveling at the detailed plans and business model laid out before him.

They finalized the deal with Mr. Lopez, and shook hands with him. “It was a pleasure doing business with you Mr Lopez, anytime you come to the Casino, you would not need to pay for a thing.” Miguel said.

“When do you plan to open it?” Mr. Lopez inquired.

“Well, we were thinking of opening it as soon as possible as we don't want to keep people waiting.” Alejandro suggested.

Mr. Lopez nodded in agreement, "I think that's a good idea considering the fact people would rush it since you guys have made names for yourself as the youngest and newest billionaires in town.” Mr. Lopez said and laughed out loud.

“Thank you, Mr. Lopez.” Alejandro said.

“And one last thing," Mr. Lopez interjected, “Not everyone is your friend, I wanted to talk to you boys about that. I understand that you are still very young and I have a few pieces of advice for you. A lot of people will appear nice in your face and would do a lot to convince you but they only plot your downfall. Remember that, boys” he warned, his gaze piercing as he delivered the sobering truth.”

They nodded and got ready to leave.

“And remember,” Mr. Lopez added gravely, “keep the source of your wealth anonymous. That's one way to be ahead of your enemies.”

After their meeting with Mr. Lopez, Alejandro and Miguel returned to their mansion deep in thought. 

The next day, they would open the casino and didn't know how to react concerning Mr. Lopez's advice.

Finally, the day arrived for the grand opening of their Casino.

As they got ready for the grand opening of their Casino, Alejandro broke the silence, expressing his concern to Miguel.

"Do you think he knew?" Alejandro stood in the doorway of Miguel's room, observing his friend getting dressed.

"About what?" Miguel asked casually as he put on his pants.

"About where we got all this money. Some part of me feels this is illegal," Alejandro voiced his worries.

"That you won a lottery and you're using the money to make more money? I don't think so, Ale," Miguel reassured him with a smile. He finished dressing and grabbed his jacket. "But Mr. Lopez is correct. Letting anyone know the source of our money exposes us to danger."

"The press will eventually know. They will find out," Alejandro countered.

"Then let them, but we will not say anything about it. Okay?" Miguel said.

Evening fell, and the lights of "The Great Pyramid" Casino illuminated the sky. Hundreds of people gathered outside, eager for the grand opening, while reporters clamored for interviews as Alejandro and Miguel arrived.

"Let's go open this business," Alejandro said, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

Their arrival caused a commotion, with questions flying at them from all directions.

“Mr García, please over here, what inspired you to build this Casino?”

“Was it true that you partnered with Mr Lopez to build The Great Pyramid?”

“How much is this business worth to you?” The questions came flooding in and they didn't answer.

Alejandro and Miguel made their way to the entrance, where Alejandro decided to address the crowd. He felt like the most accomplished man in the world and let out a small breath of air before turning to the public.

"The Great Pyramid is very special to me, but this idea was mostly conceived by my friend Miguel, so it is his business as much as it is mine," Alejandro began his speech. Miguel was pleasantly surprised by the acknowledgment. "And this building is worth $100 million, but it is more than just the money, it is a dream that has been brought to life."

“Mr García what would you say to people aiming to be as successful as you are?” One reporter asked and Alejandro grinned gently.

“They should work hard, and smart, they will get there one day.” Miguel rubbed his nose after his friend's answer.

“And what would you say is the source of your wealth? You just came out of nowhere, where have you been?”

Alejandro froze for a while and he remembered Mr Lopez’s advice, so he smiled again, “the source comes from years of hardwork and multiple failures. What you see is the result.” He answered gracefully.

“Mr García, would you say that money changes people?” 

“I don't —” he began, contemplating his response but was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Yes, money changes people a lot," Sophia's voice cut through the crowd as she squeezed her way towards Alejandro.

Alejandro's expression soured at the sound of her voice. Sophia always seemed to be everywhere he turned. He watched her approach, her stunning white attire drawing everyone's attention. But what truly caught their eyes was her protruding belly—she was pregnant.

Alejandro's hand clenched into a fist, as she got closer to him.

Miguel stepped closer and placed a reassuring hand on his back, silently urging him to stay calm. All eyes were on them.

"Yes, money does change people. And Alejandro, you have changed a lot," Sophia addressed him directly.

"How has he changed, ma'am? What is different about him?" a reporter inquired, thrusting a microphone towards Sophia.

"Alejandro and I have been together for a very long time. And I did everything I could to love him. But what did he do? He hid things from me and left me the moment he made it," Sophia lied.

"And the pregnancy?" the same reporter pressed for more details.

"Alejandro García is the father," Sophia declared, dropping the bombshell amidst the crowd's murmurs and gasps.