Chapter 11 - The Falling House of Cards
By the next morning, the story was on the front page of every national news outlet and trending #1 across social media.
[HIGH SCHOOL TYCOON: 18-YEAR-OLD GENIUS TAKES OVER STERLING ENTERPRISES]
[MARCUS STERLING ARRESTED AT CHARITY GALA]
[THE SECRET HEIR TO AEGIS REVEALED]
Oakridge High was in absolute chaos. News vans lined the streets outside the school. Students crowded around their phones in the hallway, watching viral videos of the gala showdown.
Brad Sterling walked through the front doors of the school, but he was no longer the arrogant king of Oakridge.
He was wearing crumpled clothes. His varsity jacket was gone. His luxury Mustang had been repossessed by federal marshals at 6:00 AM, forcing him to take the public bus to school.
As he walked down the hallway, the same students who used to cheer for him stepped away in disgust.
“Look at him.”
“He’s broke now.”
“I heard his house is being auctioned off.”
“Remember when he poured coffee on Leo? What an idiot.”
Brad squeezed his eyes shut, his fists trembling with rage and humiliation. He walked past his locker and saw Chloe standing near the cafeteria entrance.
Brad ran up to her, desperation in his eyes. “Chloe! Chloe, please, you have to talk to me. My dad’s lawyer says we might lose the house, but if your dad can lend us—”
Chloe stepped back, looking at Brad with profound disappointment.
“Don't touch me, Brad,” Chloe said coldly.
“Chloe, please! We’ve been together for two years!” Brad pleaded.
“And for two years, I watched you act like a cruel monster to anyone you thought was weaker than you,” Chloe said, her voice sharp. “You didn't care about anyone, Brad. You only cared about your money and your ego. And yesterday, you tried to make Leo kneel and clean your shoes.”
“He destroyed my family!” Brad yelled.
“No, your father’s crimes destroyed your family,” Chloe corrected him. “Leo just stopped letting you walk on him. We’re over, Brad. Don't call me again.”
Chloe turned and walked away, leaving Brad standing alone in the middle of the hallway.
Suddenly, the front doors of the high school opened.
A sleek black chauffeur-driven limousine pulled up to the school curb. The driver opened the door, and Leo Vance stepped out.
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He was dressed in a tailored navy jacket over a simple black t-shirt. Gone was the baggy grey hoodie. He carried himself with an aura of quiet, unquestionable authority.
The entire hallway went dead silent as Leo walked inside.
