Max Luckey: The Undisputed Student Billionaire

Chapter 8

Andrew emerged from the deputy manager’s office, grinning with pride. The deputy had promised him that the contract was as good as signed. With the change in Apex Imperium’s management, Andrew had seen an opening to squeeze his way in. He believed his charm and the deputy manager’s loyalty had secured his deal.

“The new CEO signs it this morning,” the deputy had said. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure it’s your contract—no one else’s.”

Andrew strutted out of the office like he owned the building. He didn’t notice that, a few floors above, someone else was finalizing more significant documents than a mere contract. Max, still slightly rattled from his earlier encounter with the guards, was seated inside the manager’s office, pen in hand. His signature flowed across the pages: contract after contract, deal after deal. He was now officially the CEO of Apex Imperium, inheriting the Luckey family’s empire in full swing.

Dorothy, the general manager, sat across from him with a professional smile. “Do you want a tour of the company, Mr. Luckey?” she offered, hands folded on the table.

Max shook his head. “Thank you, but I have to run. I have to pick up something before a friend’s birthday party.”

Dorothy stood. “I can walk you to your bike.”

Max waved her off. “I’ll be fine. I’m used to getting around on my own.”

With that, he stepped out of her office, tucking his suit. Down below, Andrew spotted him descending the staircase. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the old, battered clothes and familiar face.

“What the hell?” Andrew muttered. “That pauper again?”

It didn’t make sense. What was Max doing coming from the manager’s office? It had to be something fishy. He didn’t think twice. As Max reached the final few stairs, Andrew lunged forward and grabbed his arm.

“Stop right there, thief!” he shouted.

Heads turned. Visitors and staff looked over, startled. Max, caught off-guard, pulled his arm back. “What are you doing?”

“You don’t belong here!” Andrew barked, pushing Max against the staircase railing. “What were you doing upstairs, huh? What did you steal?! Show me your visitor's tag!”

Max blinked, fumbling through his pocket, Andrew turned to the security nearby. “Guards! Come here! Arrest this man—he’s an intruder! Probably stole something from the manager’s office!”

Two guards rushed forward. Non of them, saw from the earlier scene at the parking lot. They immediately blocked Max’s path.

“What’s going on?” a voice boomed. It was Mr. Edmond, the deputy manager. He looked at Max from head to toe, his face contorting with contempt.

“What’s this man doing inside Apex Imperium?” Edmond demanded. “How did someone dressed like a beggar even get this far? Guards, what’s wrong with you?!”

Max tried explaining why he was their.

Edmond didn’t wait. He stepped up to Max and slapped him, hard.

Max staggered back, shocked.

“You filthy street rat,” Edmond spat. “When I’m speaking, you shut your mouth!”

Max held his face, jaw clenched. “I was here to see the manager. Mrs. Dorothy—”

Another slap, this time, one from Andrew.

“She’s not going to save you, thief,” Andrew said with a sneer. “I told the front gate to stop you. You must have sneaked in. Probably stole a flash drive or some valuable documents—”

Edmond barked at the guards. “Beat him until he confesses!”

The guards closed in, raising their batons—but then, a shrill, commanding voice cut through the air.

“Not another step.”

It was Mrs. Dorothy.

Everyone froze.

She marched down the stairs like a storm, fury carved into every line of her face. “What in God’s name is happening here?”

Edmond stepped forward. “Ma’am, we caught this man—”

She silenced him with a raised hand.

Then she pointed directly at Max. “You mean Mr. Max Luckey? The heir to the Luckey empire and the newly signed CEO of Apex Imperium?”

Dead silence.

Andrew’s face drained of all color.

Edmond blinked. “Ma’am, surely you must be mistaken—this—this man—look at him.”

She walked right up to him and slapped Edmond across the face.

“You dare strike your superior? You dare put your filthy hands on the heir to this company?” she roared. “Max Luckey owns everything here. You were supposed to hand over your reports to him, not assault him like a common criminal!”

She turned to the security. “If any of you had laid one more hand on him, you’d have been arrested and sued for assault. As it stands, you’re on probation.”

Andrew tried to sneak away. Dorothy saw him.

“And you—” she pointed. “You will never, ever step foot near Apex Imperium again. Not within twenty feet. You’re banned. Permanently. If I see you again, I will personally make sure you’re behind bars.”

Andrew opened his mouth to protest, but she cut him off.

“You think this company owes you something? You will not be getting any contracts. In fact, the one you're here for—it's void. Canceled. Ripped to shreds. You’re done. And that sedan you came in with? It belongs to the company. You’re not taking it with you.”

Andrew was speechless, fuming in humiliation.

Mrs. Dorothy looked back at Edmond. “As for you, Mr. Deputy Manager—clear your office. You have five minutes. If you’re still here after that, you’ll be arrested for criminal assault and trespassing on executive space. I’ll personally make sure the prison loses your key.”

The security guards didn’t hesitate. They pulled Andrew away and began escorting Edmond toward the elevator.

In their wake, a heavy silence filled the lobby. Then, slowly, Dorothy turned to Max.

“I’m so sorry, sir. On behalf of the company.”

Max shook his head gently. “No need. I don’t have time for apologies. I’m late already.”

He walked away, expression unreadable, heading for the parking lot. His titanium bicycle was right where he left it, still pristine. With one swift motion, he mounted it and pedaled off, the wind carrying him toward Trisha’s birth

day—and the gift that would change everything.