The Pauper Who Ruled the Campus

Chapter 4: Silent Power

Marcus stared at the screen as Rejoice’s name flashed. For a moment, he considered answering, letting her hear the calm in his voice now that everything had changed. But no. He pressed the red button and ended the call before it could ring twice. He slipped the phone into his pocket, the black card still heavy against his palm, and turned toward the hostel.

The walk back felt different. The campus that had crushed him all day now seemed smaller, almost insignificant. When he reached the building, the door to his room stood open. Everything the security had thrown out—his clothes, his books, the few personal items he owned—had been neatly returned to their places. Emmanuel and Victoria stood waiting inside, faces full of concern.

As soon as he stepped in, Victoria rushed forward. “Marcus, we heard about the expulsion. The whole school is talking. Are you okay? We tried calling—”

Emmanuel cut in, voice soft. “Man, you look… fine. Like nothing happened.”

Marcus gave them a small smile. “I’m good.”

They exchanged glances. The Marcus they knew would have collapsed on the bed in tears, broken by the weight of another loss. He would have cried until his eyes were red and swollen, begging the universe for mercy. But this Marcus stood tall, shoulders relaxed, eyes clear. He walked past them without another word and headed straight for the bathroom.

The hot water washed away the last traces of milkshake, the humiliation, the dirt of the day. He scrubbed slowly, letting the steam fill the small space. When he emerged, towel around his waist, Victoria was sitting on the edge of his bed.

“Freya invited us to dinner,” she said. “Just the four of us. No one else. She wanted to make sure you’re alright after everything. You don’t have to worry about running into anyone. It’s safe.”

Marcus pulled on a clean shirt. A real smile tugged at his lips. “I’m going. And even if the whole campus showed up, I would still go.”

Victoria blinked, surprised by the confidence in his tone. Emmanuel raised an eyebrow but said nothing. They piled into Victoria’s car and drove to the school cafeteria.

Freya had already reserved a quiet corner table. Plates of food waited—grilled chicken, rice, fresh salad, desserts. Everything looked perfect. They sat down, and for the first few minutes, the conversation stayed light. Then the door opened.

Jackson, Baron, and Thalia walked in with their usual group of friends trailing behind. Heads turned. Whispers followed. Marcus kept his eyes on his plate, fork moving steadily. He did not look up.

They came straight to the table.

Jackson reached across and snatched Marcus’s plate away, sliding it out of reach. “Oops. Didn’t see you there, scholarship boy. Or should I say ex-scholarship boy?”

Laughter erupted from the group. Phones came out again, ready to capture another round of humiliation.

Freya stood immediately. “Jackson, that’s enough. Give it back.”

Jackson smirked. “Or what?”

Freya’s voice hardened. “Or I will make sure your names are removed from the car show list. And from the King and Queen of Campus event. I can do that, you know.”

Baron laughed, loud and mocking. He stepped forward. “Go ahead and try, Freya. After tonight’s student fundraiser, you won’t be social president anymore. My family already spoke to the board. Your little position is finished.”

Freya’s face paled. She tried to hide it, squaring her shoulders, but the fear was there. Everyone knew Baron’s family could make it happen. They had the money. They had the influence.

She turned to the security guards standing near the entrance. “Remove them. Now.”

The guards glanced at Baron, then at each other. They did not move.

Baron and Jackson burst into laughter. “See? Even security knows who really runs this place.”

They turned and walked out, still chuckling, leaving the table in stunned silence.

Freya sank back into her chair. The food in front of her remained untouched. She stared at her plate, hands trembling slightly.

Victoria reached over. “Freya, he’s bluffing. He can’t do that. You’re too important here.”

Emmanuel nodded. “Yeah. They’re just trying to scare you.”

But they all knew the truth. Baron’s family had done worse. They could remove anyone they wanted.

Marcus, meanwhile, had not stopped eating. He finished his chicken, his rice, his vegetables. He drank his soda slowly. Only when his plate was clean did he finally speak.

“I will help you stay in your position, Freya. And I will help you gain even more influence on campus.”

The table went quiet.

Victoria let out a small laugh. “That’s sweet, Marcus. Really.”

Freya managed a weak smile. “Thank you. But… it’s okay. I appreciate it.”

They did not believe him. Not even a little. To them, he was still the same Marcus—the poor, powerless boy who had spent the day on his knees.

Freya looked around the table. “Are you all coming to the student fundraiser tonight?”

Emmanuel and Victoria nodded immediately. “We wouldn’t miss it.”

Marcus set his fork down. “I’m not just coming. I’m participating.”

They stared at him.

Victoria giggled. “Participating? Like… donating or something?”

Marcus met her eyes. “You will see.”

They laughed again, light and disbelieving. They had no idea who he had become in the last few hours.

After dinner, they returned to the hostel to get ready. Marcus changed into a simple but neat outfit—nothing flashy, but clean and pressed. When Victoria came back to pick them up, the night air already carried the sound of music and excited voices from the main hall.

They parked and walked toward the entrance. The fundraiser was the biggest event of the semester—auctions, performances, donations—all to raise money for campus projects. Everyone who was anyone would be there.

As they reached the doors, Emmanuel clapped Marcus on the shoulder. “Hey, remember what you said earlier? About participating? You still sticking to that?”

Marcus smiled. “Every word.”

Emmanuel and Victoria stepped inside, disappearing into the crowd. Marcus stayed back for a moment. He pulled out his phone and dialed Mr. Leo.

The butler answered on the first ring.

“Young Master.”

“Mr. Leo,” Marcus said quietly. “I need the black card activated. Set the minimum limit at $50,000. And make sure there is no upper limit.”

There was a brief pause. Then Mr. Leo’s voice came through, calm and professional.

“It will be done immediately, Young Master. The card is now fully active. Use it as you wish.”

Marcus ended the call. He slipped the phone back into his pocket and stepped through the doors into the brightly lit hall.