The Hidden King Of Northwood University

5: The Stolen Fortune

The Northwood University quad was a sea of expensive silk and designer watches. The annual campus fundraiser was the one day of the year the elite felt truly untouchable.

Leo stood near a buffet table, wearing a waiter’s vest that felt like a straightjacket. He held a tray of empty champagne flutes, his eyes scanning the crowd. He watched as Brad’s father stood on the main stage next to the Dean, soaking in the silent praise of the room.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the Dean announced, his voice booming over the speakers. “I have incredible news. An anonymous donor has just wired ten million dollars to Northwood. The university is officially debt-free!”

The crowd erupted in a standing ovation. Every head turned toward Brad’s father. The man didn't say a word, but he adjusted his gold watch and offered a smug, practiced nod. He was happy to let the world believe the lie.

Enjoy the spotlight while it lasts, Leo thought, his grip tightening on the tray. I bought that stage. You’re just standing on it.

“See that, Leo?” Brad sneered, brushing past him with Sarah on his arm. “That’s what a real man looks like. My dad just bought this school. You? You’re just part of the furniture we’re keeping around for laughs.”

Sarah giggled, her eyes cold as she looked at Leo’s damp sneakers. “Don’t be mean, Brad. Someone has to pick up the trash. It’s a calling.”

Leo didn't flinch. He moved to clear a nearby table, and as he did, he "accidentally" let a small slip of paper flutter from his pocket. It landed right on the toe of Sarah’s designer heel.

“Ugh, look,” Sarah snapped, reaching down to pick it up with two fingers like it was a used tissue. “The janitor is littering. What is this, a...”

She stopped. Her eyes locked on the paper. It was a bank receipt from an ATM across the street. It showed a cash deposit of $100,000 made only thirty minutes ago.

“One hundred thousand dollars?” Sarah whispered, her voice cracking.

Brad snatched it from her hand. His face went from smug to confused, then to pure rage. “A hundred grand? In cash? This morning?”

Leo turned around, his face reddening with a look of fake panic. He reached for the paper, his voice sounding small. “I... I had a lucky night at the casino. Please, just give it back. I don't want any trouble.”

Sarah’s eyes suddenly narrowed. A dark, ugly smile spread across her face. She didn't look impressed; she looked predatory.

“A lucky night?” Sarah shouted, her voice drawing the attention of the nearby donors and students. “Don’t lie to us, Leo! We all saw you scrubbing floors last night. You didn't go to any casino!”

“Sarah, please...” Leo started, taking a step back.

“No!” she screamed, holding the receipt high for everyone to see. “Dean! Security! I think I found where the missing student union funds went! Leo didn't win this money. He stole it! Look at him...he’s a scholarship kid who can’t afford bread. How else would he have a hundred thousand dollars in cash?”

The crowd gasped. The Dean looked over, his brow furrowing. Brad stepped forward, grabbing Leo by the collar of his vest.

“You little thief,” Brad hissed, his face inches from Leo’s. “You thought you could rob the school and play it off as a 'lucky break'? I’m going to make sure you spend the next ten years in a cell.”

“I didn't steal anything,” Leo said, his voice dropping an octave. The fake panic was gone, replaced by a cold, dangerous stillness. “Check the cameras. Check the accounts. That money is mine.”

“Shut up!” Sarah spat, stepping closer. “You’re trash, Leo. Trash doesn't have a hundred thousand dollars. You probably found a rich student's card and drained it. You’re pathetic!”

She raised her hand, ready to slap him in front of everyone.

The roar of a high-performance engine cut through her scream. A bright red Ferrari Roma tore across the grass, sending a spray of dirt and expensive sod directly onto Sarah’s silk dress.

The door swung open with a sharp click.

Maya Sterling stepped out. She didn't look at the crowd. She walked straight through the circle of students, her boots clicking on the pavement. She stopped right in front of Sarah, her sunglasses perched on her head.

“Is there a problem here?” Maya asked, her voice sounding like a velvet-covered blade.

“Maya!” Sarah gasped, her hand dropping. “This... this janitor stole a hundred thousand dollars! We were just about to call the police!”

Maya looked at the receipt in Brad’s hand. Then she looked at Leo. A small, knowing smirk played on her lips.

“He didn't steal it,” Maya said, her voice echoing across the quad. “I gave it to him. It was a tip for some... private work he did for me last night. Is that a crime now, Sarah? Or are you just jealous because your 'real man' can't even afford to tip his valet?”

The silence that followed was deafening. Sarah’s face went from red to a ghostly white. Brad let go of Leo’s collar, his hands shaking.

A tip? Leo thought, his heart hammering against his ribs. She’s lying through her teeth just to bail me out. Why? We’ve never even spoken. Leo realized Maya was playing a dangerous game. By claiming she gave him the money, she was shielding him from the police, but she was also marking him as "hers" in front of the entire school.

“A... a tip?” Brad stammered. “A hundred thousand dollars for a tip?”

“Leo is a very efficient worker,” Maya said, her eyes locked on Leo’s. “Now, Leo, get in the car. The auction in the city is starting, and I need someone who knows how to handle real money to hold my bidding paddle.”

Leo didn't look back. He walked past a frozen Sarah and an humiliated Brad. He slid into the Ferrari’s passenger seat, the smell of expensive leather surrounding him.