I've Become Rich And I Want Revenge

04. I've become rich and I want revenge

Leon's heart raced as he heard his father's words. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. A whirlwind of emotions invaded his thoughts, mingling with the recent pain and the sense of hopelessness.

"But... how did it happen, Dad?" asked Leon, trying to understand the unexpected turn of events.

"I took part in a lottery that I never imagined I'd win. And lo and behold, luck knocked on our door. We're going to have a completely new life, my son. We won't have to worry about anything anymore. We can leave this city behind."

Leon was silent for a moment, processing the news. The idea of a new life, away from the humiliation and aggression, began to shine like a light at the end of the tunnel.

"Dad, this is incredible!" exclaimed Leon, a spark of hope returning to his countenance. "I'm going home now."

As soon as he arrived home, the boy found a hastily scribbled note. Apparently his father hadn't been able to wait for him to get home before rushing off to the bank.

Rich people.

Better still, millionaires.

Deep down in his heart, however, Leon didn't quite know what to think. Yes, it would be great to be able to leave there and enjoy the rest of his life away from that wretched town, which had treated him so badly. 

But wouldn't that turn him into an asshole just like those who had humiliated him so much?

After a quick shower, Leon just lay in his room, lost in his own thoughts.

No, he wasn't like those assholes, who mistreated others for no reason.

Leon would be different. He wouldn't oppress the poor, the miserable and those with fewer resources just because they weren't born in a golden cradle or, like him, were blessed with a financial miracle.

He would just be... Fair.

A smile appeared on the boy's lips.

After all, the strong outweighed the weak, as that wretched principal said. And he wouldn't just be strong.

He would be the strongest.

It was just the natural law of things. Something perfectly normal.

They would pay.

Those damned bastards would pay, and dearly.

.......................................................................................

Leon didn't go to school for a month.

The principal had called an emergency meeting with Mr. Alvarez, Leon's father, and the boy. She was probably ready to expel him, perhaps make a long elitist speech and send him back to the gutter where he came from.

The way to school was now quite different, since the boy no longer walked.

The black limousine passed other cars, not as beautiful or expensive as his, and the teenager allowed himself to laugh openly at such an enlightening sight.

His father promised to arrive at the school a little after him, as he was busy with the business that would now be their main source of income.

As soon as the private driver parked near the school entrance, all the students immediately stopped doing what they were doing.

Leon got out of the car.

Some of his classmates gasped. Others remained motionless and utterly incredulous.

Leon walked with confidence, the expression on his face a mixture of superiority and triumph. He knew he was about to make an impact, and it felt delicious.

No, more than that. It was spectacular.

Principal Parker, who was waiting anxiously at the school entrance, was visibly surprised to see Leon arrive in a limousine. She tried to disguise it, but a slight frown of bewilderment escaped her.

When the boy was close enough to her, the woman crossed her arms and raised her chin imperceptibly as she said:

"Leon, what a surprise to see you here again. I hope you've reflected on your actions," she said, trying to maintain her authoritative tone.

The boy didn't reply immediately. He looked around, observing the curious and surprised looks on the other students' faces. The feeling of being in control of the situation was intoxicating.

Finally, with a smile of superiority, Leon replied: 

"I've reflected, principal. And I've learned a lot in the meantime. I hope you've also reflected on your actions." He raised his eyebrows as he continued: "I also hope that you are prepared for some changes in the dynamics of this school."

He didn't wait for another word from the principal and headed towards the principal's office, feeling the incredulously curious stares that accompanied him.

The woman, pale as chalk, took one more look at the distant limousine and, perplexed, followed the boy.

Feeling extremely at ease, Leon sat down in the chair where, a month ago, he had witnessed one of the most terrible humiliations.

Now he would be the one to make the principal sweat with tension.

Unusually quiet, the woman closed the door to the room and gave a polite but nervous smile as she made her way to her chair. Then she took on a serious air, even though her hands were trembling slightly.

"Hello, Leon."

"Mrs. Parker."

"You already know why you've been called here. But where is your father?"

Irreverently, Leon glanced lazily at the door and looked at the extremely expensive watch on his wrist.

"He'll be here soon."

The principal flinched subtly at his tone.

"Young man, it is extremely necessary that your father is here to hear what I am about to say."

The boy's eyes were cold as steel when he replied:

"He'll be here soon. There are two choices for you now, do you understand? You can wait for him to arrive, or you can tell me what you want while he's here."

"But-"

"Just those two choices, Mrs. Parker."

The principal seemed to turn even paler. Then she said:

"I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation here."

Leon brazenly cracked a cheeky smile and gestured with his hand for the woman to speak, as if he were a king listening to the crowd's complaints.

"So you've opted for the second choice. Let's go. Tell me what you have in mind."

Taking a deep breath to keep his composure, Parker leaned back in his chair.

"Well, you haven't been in class for a month. You've refused to answer any calls we've made, as has your father. I'm going to have to take action on this big mistake you've made."

"Really?"

"Your insolence will not be tolerated during this meeting, young man," the principal finally raises her voice. "You are formally out of my school. I want your father to sign these formal documents. And you can be sure, no other school in town will accept you after reading what I've written in your records."

The principal gave him a spidery smile as soon as she finished her sentence.

Only for Leon to return the same smile, genuinely startling her.

"Is that so? Well, I don't think that's what's going to happen."

"What are you talking about, brat?"

"I'm saying that perhaps, Mrs. Parker, you've made a mistake. A terrible mistake."

"I've already said that I won't tolerate-"

"My insolence? Don't worry. From today on, you'll never have to look at my face again."

Before the woman could say anything, Leon caught sight of a silhouette near the door. 

"And do you know why, Miss Parker?" he continued, just as his father entered the room.

There was a briefcase in the hands of the man, who was wearing a very expensive suit.

Without saying a word, Juan Alvarez placed the suitcase on the principal's desk and opened it, revealing several papers. Formal documents signed by several people.

The boy lifted his chin, savoring every second of it as he said:

"Because this school is now officially mine and my father's. You no longer have any power here."

The principal looked like she was about to throw up.

"And I can assure you, Mrs. Parker, that no school will want you after reading your records. I've made it very clear to all our partners how unfit you are to hold such a position."

Leon stepped forward. The principal cringed:

"Get out of my school, you miserable loser. Right now."