At the Rising Diner near the campus, two elegant and youthful women sat across from each other at a table. Their appearance and behavior exuded wealth and sophistication.Gia, one of the women, had sleek, long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders. She was regarded as the most beautiful of her three roommates and came from the most privileged background. Unsurprisingly, much of their conversation revolved around her.Gia rolled her shoulder, wincing as she tried to ease the discomfort.Her friend leaned forward, curious. “You’ve been doing that for a while, Gia. Did something happen to your arm?”Gia huffed, her irritation evident as the memory resurfaced. “Ugh, I had the misfortune of bumping into some poor guy earlier today. I was at CentraBank with my dad for some business, and out of nowhere, this guy slammed into my shoulder.”Her friend’s eyes widened in surprise. “Whoa! What on earth was his shoulder made of? Stone? Did he even apologize? I mean, you’d think CentraBank would
When Vincent saw the girls, he immediately straightened his posture and adjusted his suit, trying to project a well-off vibe.‘If Jason can do it, I definitely can,’ he thought to himself, gathering his courage.Melanie walked up to the table with a curious smile. “Gia, Colette, what were you two talking about? It looked like it was something funny—you were both laughing.”When the girls’ eyes fell on Vincent, and his awkward appearance, Gia and Colette managed tight, forced smiles.Although, he was wearing a suit, Vincent’s overall appearance seemed cheap, and his behavior came across as overly contrived and cringeworthy.Colette winced slightly when Vincent gave her a playful wink. “Hey, ladies!” he said, trying to sound charming.Gia and Colette quickly averted their eyes, their expressions tinged with disappointment. Melanie noticed their reaction and felt a pang of embarrassment. She had expected this outcome but couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable now that it was happening.She
Melanie was confused when she heard what Gia said, and even more so when she noticed Colette seemed to understand the context. She felt left out.Curious, she asked, “Uh, what are you guys talking about?”Colette frowned as she looked at Finn. “Gia went to CentraBank with her dad this morning, and this guy bumped into her shoulder. He was dressed poorly—just like now—and had the audacity to try entering without a card. Luckily, the lobby manager stopped him,” she explained.Melanie, Jason, and Vincent all turned to Finn, their expressions filled with disbelief, staring at him like he was crazy. They could easily picture how awkward that situation must have been for him.Melanie couldn’t shake her concern. There was something about Finn that intrigued her earlier, but now she wondered if he was just another letdown and she was just wrong about him.“Why were you at CentraBank?” Jason asked, his surprise evident.“It’s none of anyone’s business,” Finn replied dismissively. “Besides, I a
The boys returned to the dormitory and Jason turned to look at Finn who was behind him. Who would have thought Finn was such a pushover with the kind of attitude he had?Jason gave him a grateful look, patting his arm and keeping his hand there for emphasis. “I don’t know how you managed to get such an expensive wine, but thanks for keeping quiet. You’re a good friend, Finn. You didn’t let me down, and now Melanie thinks the world of me.”Finn’s face remained stoic as he brushed Jason’s hand off. “Whatever,” he replied curtly.Jason chuckled, loving how he could get away with anything. “You know, for what it’s worth, Finn, that girl, Gia, I think she likes you. I mean, the way she was looking at you? Man, I’d say you’ve hit the jackpot.”Finn frowned as he made his way to sit on his bed. “Hmm. I don't think so. She was probably just being friendly.”Jason laughed, shaking his head in amusement as he found Finn funny. “You really know nothing, Finn. Were you blind not to notice that sh
“Was that the case or were you actually trying to hit me?” Finn asked, his tone calm and his expression blank. “Because last I checked, I was on the pedestrian path, and you were the one out of your lane.”Jerome raised an eyebrow and smirked mockingly. “Don’t say something stupid! I can drive in whatever lane I please and people like you are the ones to scram when you see an Audi driving your way! But no—you just fucking stood there like some statue! What’s wrong with you?! Do you have a death wish?!”Finn let out a dry scoff, shaking his head. “People like me, huh? It’s enough to know that this was on purpose. You wanted to run me over. I should be the one asking you what the fucking hell is wrong with you?!”Jerome let out a cold, mocking laugh, looking at him with a condescending gaze. In a low, menacing tone, he said, “And what if I did try to run you over? There's nothing fucking wrong with me and I'm as sane as ever, you worthless idiot! What could you possibly do if I really d
Finn couldn't help but sigh when Angela came after him. He leaned back in his chair, and lowered his gaze, having nothing to say to her. “I’m talking to you, you bastard!” she snapped, slamming her hands on his desk. The sudden noise grabbed everyone’s attention, including Dana and also Lara, whose tear-streaked face turned toward the commotion.“Hey, aren’t you Nick’s cousin? What could Finn have done to make you barge into our lecture room like this?” a guy in the class asked, his tone curious but skeptical.Angela scoffed, her finger pointing at Finn with unrestrained contempt. “Because of this bastard—” she began, but her voice faltered as a sudden realization struck. If she revealed too much, everyone would find out about her embarrassing failure to pay for the lavish meal she’d treated her friends to at Palate Haven.Her eyes darted around nervously, and a flurry of thoughts ran through her mind. ‘I can’t humiliate myself further than I already have.’Nick raised a mocking ey
Intrigued, Finn and Vincent headed back to their dorm, eager to hear what Jason had to say.“So, what’s the deal with that rich girl?” Vincent asked as he settled on his bed.Jason chuckled, shaking his head in a mocking way. “You know I really find this funny. This is to show you that nobody knows tomorrow. A reminder that no one’s untouchable. Sure, someone might be rich, but there’s always someone above them. Even the Nexus Group has to answer to a higher power. God.”Vincent raised an eyebrow. “God? Not even the president?”Jason burst into laughter. “Oh, Vincent, you’re so clueless. Politicians rely on the wealthy. Think about it—without rich backers, where would they get funding for their campaigns or projects? There are so many corrupt politicians, and the president’s no exception! Haha! It’s all about who holds the purse strings,” he scoffed.Finn frowned, his curiosity deepening. “Are you implying the president of Nexus Group is corrupt?”Jason shrugged casually. “I’m not try
“The police?!” Melanie exclaimed, her voice rising enough to draw Gia and Colette’s attention.Vincent nodded, already pulling out his phone. “Yes, let’s call them or go to the station. This is exactly what the police are for.”“Are you guys dumb?” Finn asked them with a frown. “The police won’t do anything about this.”“And why wouldn't they, Mr. Know-it-all? Isn’t this the perfect situation for law enforcement to intervene?” Vincent asked him.Gia sniffled quietly and spoke up, her voice hoarse from crying. “Finn’s right. Calling them is pointless.” She slowly sat up, her tear-streaked face pale and her red, puffy eyes revealing her exhaustion.Colette handed her a tissue, and Gia wiped her face as she continued with a trembling voice. “If we involve the police… it’ll only make things even more troublesome.”Colette shot the boys a furious glare. “You guys are just so stupid! I don't even know what you're doing here! How could you possibly think involving the police is a good idea,
Colette’s high school classmate, Richard Washer, whom she had sought help from was a guy interested in Gia—love at first sight. Upon learning about Gia’s situation, he pleaded with his father, Philip Washer, to intervene.Philip, who had been college classmates with Julius Granger, the president of the Merchant Union in Green Hills City, decided to honor his son’s request. Recognizing Julius’s influence and capability, Philip quickly headed to the Merchant Union headquarters for assistance.At the Merchant Union Building, Julius was deeply engaged in high-stakes negotiations with an investment company. Each side of the table had ten representatives, and the deal under discussion involved a staggering sum of $800 million.The negotiation was approaching a critical juncture, with an agreement expected within fifteen minutes. Julius wore a confident expression, certain his team was on the verge of securing the project.Suddenly, the door to the meeting room swung open, disrupting the pr
Finn and Jeffer met at a small coffee shop. As soon as Jeffer spotted Finn, he pulled him into a tight hug. “It’s been ages, you silly bastard! Look at you, all grown up!” When he pulled back, his expression turned to a frown as he took in Finn’s appearance. “But seriously, what’s with this look? Are you testing out how pauper clothes look on you?”Finn scoffed, heading straight to the nearest seat. “I never told any of you, but my father punished me for that whole gambling mess.”Jeffer’s eyes widened in surprise as he took the seat opposite Finn. “Really? I remember being shocked, thinking your dad was letting you off too easy as his only son, especially after you lost that insane amount of money the first time. So, he actually punished you, huh? I told you that you were taking it too far.”Finn shook his head, his tone colder now. “I still hold him responsible for my mother’s death, but I have no intention of getting punished again now that the restrictions are gone.”Jeffer nodde
“Who?” Nathan asked as he sat across from Finn at the Neon Bar, where Finn had arranged to meet and discuss something urgent.“A bastard named Galvin Smith,” Finn replied curtly. “I’m sure you’ve heard of him.”Nathan nodded, leaning back. “Yeah, I know that piece of work. That guy’s bad news—definitely not someone to cross,” he said, glancing briefly at the waiter who poured their beers with visibly trembling hands before bowing and walking away quickly.Nathan blinked, noting how cautious everyone seemed around Finn. It still amazed him that Finn was the real deal—a Lancaster hiding in plain sight.“Finn, can I ask something?” Nathan leaned in, curiosity sparking. “Why do you keep such a low profile? No one would guess you’re a Lancaster dressed like this. And your name—Lachlan—that’s not even your last name, right?”Finn scoffed, a faint smirk forming. “That’s my middle name.”“Oh,” Nathan said, realization dawning. “So, you’ve been using your middle name as your last name to keep
Groans and the sound of punches echoed through the room, accompanied by frightened yells.In a campus playroom where the school’s privileged elites gathered to drink, play poker, and indulge in games like darts and billiards, chaos had broken out. A young man lay on the ground near the wall, battered and bleeding as he endured a relentless barrage of punches.“Stop, Galvin! You’re going to kill him!” one of the guys shouted desperately, but Galvin ignored the plea.He just kept punching, and punching mercilessly.Most of the room’s occupants froze, abandoning their games to watch the brutal scene unfold. Those who had been playing darts and other games flinched with every punch that connected, their faces twisted in discomfort and fear—except for one person, who remained disturbingly unaffected.“Lukas! Lukas! Can’t you get him to stop?!” Another guy begged desperately. Lukas, lounging casually on a sofa, barely spared a glance at the scene. His expression remained bored as he saw G
“The police?!” Melanie exclaimed, her voice rising enough to draw Gia and Colette’s attention.Vincent nodded, already pulling out his phone. “Yes, let’s call them or go to the station. This is exactly what the police are for.”“Are you guys dumb?” Finn asked them with a frown. “The police won’t do anything about this.”“And why wouldn't they, Mr. Know-it-all? Isn’t this the perfect situation for law enforcement to intervene?” Vincent asked him.Gia sniffled quietly and spoke up, her voice hoarse from crying. “Finn’s right. Calling them is pointless.” She slowly sat up, her tear-streaked face pale and her red, puffy eyes revealing her exhaustion.Colette handed her a tissue, and Gia wiped her face as she continued with a trembling voice. “If we involve the police… it’ll only make things even more troublesome.”Colette shot the boys a furious glare. “You guys are just so stupid! I don't even know what you're doing here! How could you possibly think involving the police is a good idea,
Intrigued, Finn and Vincent headed back to their dorm, eager to hear what Jason had to say.“So, what’s the deal with that rich girl?” Vincent asked as he settled on his bed.Jason chuckled, shaking his head in a mocking way. “You know I really find this funny. This is to show you that nobody knows tomorrow. A reminder that no one’s untouchable. Sure, someone might be rich, but there’s always someone above them. Even the Nexus Group has to answer to a higher power. God.”Vincent raised an eyebrow. “God? Not even the president?”Jason burst into laughter. “Oh, Vincent, you’re so clueless. Politicians rely on the wealthy. Think about it—without rich backers, where would they get funding for their campaigns or projects? There are so many corrupt politicians, and the president’s no exception! Haha! It’s all about who holds the purse strings,” he scoffed.Finn frowned, his curiosity deepening. “Are you implying the president of Nexus Group is corrupt?”Jason shrugged casually. “I’m not try
Finn couldn't help but sigh when Angela came after him. He leaned back in his chair, and lowered his gaze, having nothing to say to her. “I’m talking to you, you bastard!” she snapped, slamming her hands on his desk. The sudden noise grabbed everyone’s attention, including Dana and also Lara, whose tear-streaked face turned toward the commotion.“Hey, aren’t you Nick’s cousin? What could Finn have done to make you barge into our lecture room like this?” a guy in the class asked, his tone curious but skeptical.Angela scoffed, her finger pointing at Finn with unrestrained contempt. “Because of this bastard—” she began, but her voice faltered as a sudden realization struck. If she revealed too much, everyone would find out about her embarrassing failure to pay for the lavish meal she’d treated her friends to at Palate Haven.Her eyes darted around nervously, and a flurry of thoughts ran through her mind. ‘I can’t humiliate myself further than I already have.’Nick raised a mocking ey
“Was that the case or were you actually trying to hit me?” Finn asked, his tone calm and his expression blank. “Because last I checked, I was on the pedestrian path, and you were the one out of your lane.”Jerome raised an eyebrow and smirked mockingly. “Don’t say something stupid! I can drive in whatever lane I please and people like you are the ones to scram when you see an Audi driving your way! But no—you just fucking stood there like some statue! What’s wrong with you?! Do you have a death wish?!”Finn let out a dry scoff, shaking his head. “People like me, huh? It’s enough to know that this was on purpose. You wanted to run me over. I should be the one asking you what the fucking hell is wrong with you?!”Jerome let out a cold, mocking laugh, looking at him with a condescending gaze. In a low, menacing tone, he said, “And what if I did try to run you over? There's nothing fucking wrong with me and I'm as sane as ever, you worthless idiot! What could you possibly do if I really d
The boys returned to the dormitory and Jason turned to look at Finn who was behind him. Who would have thought Finn was such a pushover with the kind of attitude he had?Jason gave him a grateful look, patting his arm and keeping his hand there for emphasis. “I don’t know how you managed to get such an expensive wine, but thanks for keeping quiet. You’re a good friend, Finn. You didn’t let me down, and now Melanie thinks the world of me.”Finn’s face remained stoic as he brushed Jason’s hand off. “Whatever,” he replied curtly.Jason chuckled, loving how he could get away with anything. “You know, for what it’s worth, Finn, that girl, Gia, I think she likes you. I mean, the way she was looking at you? Man, I’d say you’ve hit the jackpot.”Finn frowned as he made his way to sit on his bed. “Hmm. I don't think so. She was probably just being friendly.”Jason laughed, shaking his head in amusement as he found Finn funny. “You really know nothing, Finn. Were you blind not to notice that sh