"Oops! The Chicken Boy Is The Billionaire's Son"

“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, the students of Braxton College are about to change the world!”

The thunderous, unanimous applause from the nine hundred and fifty-plus audience members was clear evidence that this would not only be a significant night for Braxton University, but it would be the biggest event any university would ever host in the entire history of America.

Students were ready, professors were ready, investors were ready, everyone was eager to see what the brilliant minds of Braxton had to offer.

It was the biggest, long-awaited Demo Day for Braxton. For the students, this meant a secured future, dream come true, and lots of cash. For the professors, this meant joy and pride in their achievements. And for the investors, this was like buying a rare plant for pennies before it grew into a money tree.

But for Nathan? This was more than a mere dream coming true. This was his life’s work. He would finally be respected and loved by everyone who had ever mocked him because he was poor.

“Everyone would you look at this?? Walter is here too!” a voice whispered through the silence from the backseat. “What did you create, dipshit? Oooh.. let me guess, an AI brush that washes toilets better than you do, huh?”

The students around who heard the jab all laughed heartily, trying not to be too loud. Nathan didn't have to look up to know who it was. Mark, the son of the university’s proprietor, along with  three of his friends, all Nathan’s bullies. Mark was draped in a tailored Italian blazer that probably cost more than Nathan’s tuition.

“Cut it out, Mark. Be nice and stay quiet!”

That wasn’t Nathan, that was Amanda, Nathan’s girlfriend. She squeezed Nathan’s hand, her palm surprisingly clammy.

Nathan didn't turn around. He just stared at the stage, his chest felt tight, like his heart was trying to punch its way out.. He was used to Mark. He was used to the insults about his worn out hoodies and the fact that he walked everywhere because he couldn’t afford an Uber, let alone a car. None of that mattered tonight.

Tonight was his night. Tonight felt like a wall between the life Nathan had lived and the one he was about to start. The night he would show the world his life’s project and the night he would finally propose to his girlfriend to be his fiancee’ in front of the world. He was so excited. 

In his hand, he gripped the ring box so hard that the corners dug into his palm. It was a cheap blue velvet box he’d found at a thrift shop, but the ring inside was real silver, bought with the very last of the money he hadn't poured into the machine.

“You’re shaking,” a voice whispered.

Nathan turned. Amanda was looking at him, her eyes bright under the gloomy backstage lights. She looked incredible in the black dress he’d saved up for weeks to buy her. He’d told her it was an investment in their future. She had even kissed him then, a long, soft kiss that made him feel like his life’s savings he had spent on the project didn't matter.

“It’s the biggest night of our lives,” Nathan said, his voice a bit raspy. “six months, Amanda. Every night in that cramped basement. It’s finally ready.”

“It’s more than ready,” she replied, reaching out to straighten his collar. He was wearing his only suit, a charcoal one that was a little loose in the shoulders. “You are literally about to change the world. And soon, everyone will respect you! The world isn't ready for what you built, Nate.”

“What ‘we’ built,” he corrected her.

She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes this time. “Right. We. Um.. listen, I... I need to go to the restroom. My nerves are shot. I’ll be back before the MC calls our names, okay?”

“Hurry,” he said, giving her hand a quick squeeze. “We’re after the next two people.”

She nodded and slipped away into the shadows of the hallway. Nathan leaned against an equipment crate, taking a deep breath. He checked the flash drive in his pocket, the one containing the final source code for the Quantum Machine. Check! He also confirmed that the box was sitting right next to him. Check!! In it was the prototype of the Quantum Machine!

Meanwhile, the main physical machine, a sleek, beautiful cube of obsidian and glass, was already positioned behind the center stage riser, hidden by a black tarp.

He looked at his watch. 7:45 PM.

Just then, Mark and his three friends stood up to leave.

“Leaving so soon, Mark?” Nathan asked, trying to keep his voice steady. “I thought you were up next.”

“I am. I’m just making sure the help hasn't tripped over the power cords,” Mark sneered, stepping into Nathan’s personal space. “I can’t wait to see what’s in your fucking box, Walters. Who knows, maybe a live chicken with no feathers!”

Mark’s friends erupted into laughter. One of them pushed Nathan’s shoulder, making him stumble back against the box.

“It’s a Quantum Machine,” Nathan said, his jaw tight. “Something your father’s money couldn't buy.”

Mark’s face darkened. He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a low, vicious hiss. “You think a few equations make you one of us? Look at you. You’re a fucking charity case, Nathan. You’re the kid who washes the floors while we decide the future of the world. Even if you built a time machine, nobody would buy it from a guy who looks like he buys his fucking clothes at a fucking garage sale.”

“We’ll see about that when the bidding starts,” Nathan replied.

Mark smirked, a satisfied look crossing his face. “Yeah. I guess we will, blockhead!”

He turned and walked toward the stage entrance, his entourage following him like a pack of hyenas. Nathan checked his watch again. 7:52 PM. Amanda should have been back by now.

The MC’s voice boomed through the speakers. “And now, a project that promises to redefine technology as we know it. Please welcome the son of our own illustrious Proprietor, Mark Epstein!"

The applause was thunderous. Nathan frowned. Mark wasn't a programmer. He wasn't an engineer. He was even horribly bad at math. He spent his nights at clubs and his days hungover in the back of lecture halls, yapping like a frog. What could he possibly be presenting? His father had probably paid some professional to cook something up for him. As expected. 

The anxiety started as a small spark in Nathan’s chest. He checked his phone. No texts from Amanda. He called her. ‘The person you are trying to reach is unavailable. Please leave a…’

“Amanda, come on,” he muttered.

He slipped out of the backstage area and headed toward the restrooms in the east wing. He had to find her. They were next. The plan was for them to walk out together, hands held high. And of course, he kneels down and proposes to her after the bidding is complete.

As he ran down the polished marble hallway, he saw a group of girls.. Amanda’s friends… standing near the water fountain. They were all dressed in high-end fashion, clutching champagne flutes. When they saw Nathan running toward them, they didn't hide their smirks.

“Oh look, it’s the boy genius,” one of them said, blocking his path. “Are you looking for your better half, Nathan Walter?”