Chapter 5 - The Gala Invitation
The next morning at Oakridge High, the hallway was buzzing with excitement. Bright shiny flyers were posted on every locker advertising the Annual Sterling Charity Gala at the Crestview Country Club.
Brad Sterling was surrounded by his football teammates, boasting loudly about his father’s guest list.
“Governors, CEOs, NFL scouts... everyone’s gonna be there,” Brad announced, leaning against the lockers. “My dad even reserved the entire rooftop ballroom.”
As Brad spoke, Leo walked down the hallway, carrying a fresh set of textbooks. His grey hoodie was clean, his demeanor as unbothered as ever.
Brad’s eyes lit up with malicious amusement when he spotted Leo. He stepped directly into Leo’s path, blocking the walkway. His cronies snickered.
“Well, well, if it isn't the fortune teller,” Brad sneered, arms crossed. “I checked my dad’s bank account this morning, Vance. Strangely enough, we’re still billionaires. In fact, my dad bought a new yacht an hour ago.”
Leo stopped, looking up at Brad with those unreadable, icy brown eyes. “Congratulations.”
“Hey, I was thinking about your warning,” Brad laughed, stepping closer. “I felt bad about your little laptop. So, I talked to the event manager for the Gala tonight. They need extra bussing staff to clean up dropped food and empty glasses. I got you a job, Vance! Twenty bucks an hour. You can use the money to buy a secondhand computer.”
The surrounding students laughed. Brad pulled a golden VIP Waiter Pass from his pocket and slapped it against Leo’s chest.
Chloe, standing a few feet away, stepped forward, her face flushed with annoyance. “Brad, stop it! Leave him alone!”
“Relax, Chloe, I’m helping the poor guy out,” Brad grinned.
Leo caught the golden pass before it hit the floor. He looked at the pass, then looked up at Brad. A subtle, dangerous flicker of amusement danced in Leo’s eyes.
“A waiter pass for the Crestview rooftop ballroom?” Leo asked softly.
“Yeah. Best seat in the house for a scrub like you,” Brad taunted. “Are you gonna accept it, or are you too proud?”
Leo tucked the pass into his pocket. “I’ll be there, Brad. I wouldn't miss tonight for the world.”
Brad blinked, slightly stunned that Leo hadn't thrown the pass back in his face. “Uh... cool. Dress in a tuxedo, busboy. Don't embarrass me.”
As Brad walked away with his group, Chloe stayed behind. She looked at Leo with a mixture of pity and confusion.
“You shouldn't go, Leo,” Chloe said quietly. “He’s just trying to humiliate you in front of the whole town.”
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Leo looked at Chloe, noticing the genuine concern in her eyes for the first time.
“He thinks he’s inviting me to his party, Chloe,” Leo said, his voice smooth and steady. “He doesn't realize he’s inviting me to his execution.”
