As the final lecture concluded, the air grew thick with an unspoken excitement and tension. Papers rustled, and friends exchanged glances, eager for the evening's promised celebration, while others, like Francis, looked on with disdain, plotting their own amusement at Jack's expense.
Rueben leaned over and tossed a crumpled piece of paper toward Jack with a playful grin. Jack caught it and unfolded it to read Rueben's messy scrawl:
"Jack, we still have to celebrate your birthday. Where's the party at?"
Rueben, ever observant, noticed the subtle change in Jack—his clothing, his presence—a sense of newfound confidence that hadn't been there before. He had heard rumors, and his curiosity had only grown. This celebration was a convenient excuse to spend more time with his friend and perhaps uncover the mystery.
Rueben leaned in closer, voice low and reassuring. "Bro, don't stress about the cost. We can handle it." He gave Jack a pat on the shoulder, interpreting his friend's hesitation as concern for finances.
Jack's eyes softened, touched by Rueben's genuine offer. His friends didn't know his full story, yet they accepted him without question. "Thanks, Rueben," he murmured, smiling. "I guess we should do something. It's been a strange enough day already."
Rueben chuckled, giving him a nudge. "So, got any plans, or do I have to handle the whole thing myself? Like I said, the bill's on us—no worries!"
Jack shrugged, the weight on his shoulders feeling lighter. "Guess you're taking charge then. You've always been better at this than me anyway."
Sam leaned in, joining the conversation with an amused smirk. "What, no grand celebration, Jack? C'mon, it's not every day our mysterious friend gets a year older."
Thomas drummed his fingers on the desk thoughtfully. "What about a night at the lakeside? Just us, food, and no Francis in sight. Perfect, right?"
Jack laughed, the idea sounding almost perfect. "Sounds like a dream already."
Selena, who had been quietly observing their conversation, finally spoke up, her voice gentle but direct. "You're celebrating?" She looked at Jack with an expression both curious and composed, as though she was weighing the meaning behind his answer.
Jack met her gaze, slightly hesitant. "Yeah… just a small thing. Nothing grand."
Selena's expression softened, though her gaze held a certain depth, something that made Jack wonder. "I see," she said quietly. "I'll leave you all to your plans, then."
Rueben gave Jack a playful nudge, his voice a whisper but loud enough for Selena to hear. "Why not invite her?" he teased.
Jack cleared his throat, feeling a sudden self-consciousness he couldn't explain. "Uh, Selena… if you'd like, you're welcome to come. It's not much, but…"
Selena smiled faintly. "Thank you, Jack. I might join."
Around them, whispers floated like ripples in a still pond, the classmates buzzing with curiosity and excitement.
"Did you hear that? Jack invited her!"
"Who is she, anyway? There's something… strange about her."
Francis, who had been watching closely, sneered. Unable to let Jack have a moment of peace, he rolled his eyes and pointed sharply in Jack's direction.
"So, a pauper like you is throwing a birthday party now? Who did you steal from this time, Jack?" His voice dripped with mockery. "Or maybe you defrauded someone else, using the Mason name?"
Jack's brow furrowed, but he held his composure, feeling his friends' support beside him. "Is that what you think, Francis?" he replied, his voice steady but firm. "Do you want to compete? Are you even capable?"
The classroom fell silent, shocked by Jack's bold response. Most of them dared not challenge Francis, whose reputation as the heir to the Mason family made him notorious. But Jack's calm defiance had stunned them into silence.
Francis laughed, though there was a trace of irritation in his eyes. "Oh, so you've managed to gather a few bucks, have you? Fine. I'll compete with you," he said, voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "Let's make it public. Let the class prefect choose a venue. All bills on you and me—split fifty-fifty. Think you can handle that?"
Rueben and Sam exchanged worried glances, recognizing the trouble this could bring. Before Rueben could interject, Jack replied with unexpected resolve. "Sure."
The classroom erupted into cheers and exclamations of excitement, the students thrilled by the unexpected turn of events.
Eager to prove his loyalty to Francis and humiliate Jack, the class prefect, Kelly, quickly stood up. "How about the Grand Hotel and Resort?" he announced, practically shouting with excitement. He glanced at Francis, who grinned in satisfaction, pleased with the choice.
"Jack, are you up for it?" Francis taunted, voice dripping with contempt.
Rueben immediately turned to Kelly, eyes flashing. "Are you serious? That's going too far! Jack doesn't need to prove anything to you."
Kelly scoffed, glaring back. "Stay out of it, Rueben. He agreed already. So, unless you're paying his half, let him be. He wants to treat us all, right?"
"Let's meet there by 5:00 p.m.," Kelly called out to the class, rallying them in excitement for the extravagant evening.
Rueben clenched his fists, anger simmering beneath his calm exterior. But Jack placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, Rueben. I can handle it."
Rueben turned to him, concern in his eyes. "Jack, you don't need to do this."
Jack offered a reassuring smile, his gaze calm. "I know, but I've already agreed. Don't worry."
As the students began to filter out, each one thrilled by the promise of a night at the Grand Hotel and Resort, Selena caught Jack's eye once more. Her expression was serene, yet her gaze seemed to hold a silent understanding.
The room slowly emptied, leaving Jack and Selena standing in the quiet. The whispers and laughter faded into silence, and for a brief moment, he felt as though the world had stilled, waiting for whatever change her presence had brought.
The day's events lingered in Jack's mind, yet more twists seemed to await him as he returned home. Just as he began to settle in, a cough interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see Victoria entering the classroom, her presence bringing with it a wave of confidence and familiarity. Her gaze landed on Selena, who stood by Jack's side, and her competitive nature flared. She appraised Selena quickly, wondering who this beautiful girl was. For Victoria, there was no time to waste; she had to make her feelings clear to Jack before anyone else did, and soon.
Casually placing a hand on Jack's arm, she gave Selena a polite smile and extended her hand. "Who's the new girl, Jack?" she asked, maintaining her pleasant demeanor despite her hidden curiosity.
Jack introduced them with an easy smile. "Victoria, this is Selena Roberts, the newest student in our class. And Selena," he said, gesturing toward Victoria, "meet Victoria, a close friend of mine."
The girls shook hands, exchanging a brief but courteous greeting.
Victoria turned back to Jack, a sly smile on her lips. "So, I hear there's an after-birthday party happening at the Grand Hotel and Resort around five?"
Jack grinned. "Your intel is strong, Vic. Francis challenged me to host the class, as usual, and… well, this time, I took him up on it. Thought it might be fun."
Victoria checked her watch. "Well, it's nearly four. Your driver's already waiting—how about we go home, get some rest, and then head over together?"
Meanwhile, Rueben, Sam, and Thomas waited by the door, watching the exchange. Thomas, in particular, had his eyes on Selena, noting her quiet demeanor with suspicion. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was far more than just an ordinary student and that her presence here had something to do with Jack.
As they all left the classroom, Rueben and Sam headed toward the hostel, promising to meet up with Jack later at the hotel. Jack, Victoria, Thomas, and Selena made their way to the parking lot. Just as they arrived, Francis leaned against his green Ferrari, eyes narrowing as he spotted Jack and his friends.
"Well, well," he sneered, his voice laced with mockery, "look who we have here—the pauper and his little entourage. Following me again, Jack? Can't you exist without tailing my shadow?"
Francis was just about to continue his taunts when something unexpected happened. The driver of Jack's car, waiting with a sleek black Rolls Royce limited edition, stepped out and opened the door with respectful precision. Jack climbed in, cool and composed, while Victoria slipped in from the other side, pointedly ignoring Francis. Selena lingered a few steps behind, watching the scene with calm detachment, her expression unreadable. She and Thomas exchanged a brief, knowing expressionless look before she watched Jack's car pull away, followed by Thomas in another car.
For a moment, Francis was speechless. His sneer faltered as he dialed a number on his phone, his face hardening as he muttered angrily to himself. He jumped into his Ferrari and sped off, his mind racing with questions. Who is Jack? A driver? A sleek car? And Victoria by his side? His mind whirled with thoughts, quickly concluding that Jack must be using his newfound connection to Victoria, Richard's younger sister, to elevate himself. Francis clenched the wheel. "So that's how it is," he murmured. "Lucky bastard."
Selena, watching from afar, smiled, her gaze icy as she watched Francis speed away. She mounted her Harley Davidson bike and followed Jack's convoy from a distance. Hidden beneath her calm exterior was her true purpose—she was here to keep him safe from the lurking threats, even if he remained unaware.
A message flashed on Thomas's phone from a contact: "Subject S is on the convoy. What next?"
Thomas's lips curved in a knowing smile as he quickly replied, "Do not approach. Just observe."
In the green Ferrari, Francis brooded as he sped down the road, his hands gripping the wheel. He murmured bitterly, "So Jack's got himself a rich girlfriend now, huh? Guess he found his meal ticket out." With a frustrated slam of his hand on the steering wheel, he attempted to call his mother, though the call went unanswered. "Figures," he muttered, feeling a rising sense of agitation.
When Jack reached home, just as he stepped inside, Thomas approached him, his face serious.
"Jack, we spotted Selena trailing the convoy. Any instructions?"
Jack's eyes narrowed slightly. "For now, do nothing. Just keep an eye on her," he replied, his tone thoughtful. There was more to Selena than met the eye, and he intended to find out what.
"Jack, welcome back!" came the cheerful voice of Grandma Grace from the kitchen, her presence immediately brightening the house. Jack walked toward her, his face lighting up as he hugged her.
"Grandma, are you making my favorite? I can tell from the aroma" he asked with a grin, peeking into the simmering pot on the stove.
"Yes, JM," she replied warmly, "just the way you love it."
Jack smiled, trying to sneak a taste, but Grace swatted him away playfully. "Go freshen up! It'll be ready when you come back," she said, laughing as he mouthed her words along with her, feigning exasperation.
"I see you doing that!" she called after him, amused by the antics they had shared for years.
As he left, Victoria observed the exchange silently, a soft smile on her face. The bond between Jack and his grandmother was undeniable, a warmth and love that couldn't be broken.
A short while later, Jack returned, dressed in a handmade outfit Victoria had picked out for him, looking polished and confident. Grandma Grace's face lit up with pride.
"You look so smart and handsome and I love your perfume. Going somewhere special?" she asked.
Jack nodded, savoring the first bite of his meal. "Grandma, this is delicious as always," he said, smiling. "I'm going out for a small celebration with my friends—an after-birthday party."
"Where and why?" Grace asked.
"At the Grand Hotel and Resort, by five. It's a long story Grandma, will let you know when I return"
"Victoria's going with you, right?" Grace confirmed, her gaze thoughtful.
"Yes, Grandma," he assured her. "I'll be back on time, and I love you too Grandma, he chimed in."
Just then, Richard entered, his face weary from a long day. Jack greeted him eagerly. "Hey, Uncle Richard! You came right on time, join us!"
Richard sat down, listening as Jack recounted his day, including the challenge from Francis. Richard shook his head knowingly. "Jack, you realize that hotel belongs to your mother? She founded it. You don't need to pay a thing to celebrate there, but since you've kept your identity quiet, I'll arrange for a platinum card for you. It cost only two billion dollars"
Jack's eyes widened in shock. "My mother, two billion?… she owns the Grand Hotel and Resort?" The news hit him with a weight he hadn't anticipated as he stared at Richard and then turned to face Grace, who shrugged her shoulders in response to his gaze
Richard wasted no time, pulling out his phone and making a call. It connected quickly.
"Yes, Boss Richard. How can I assist you?" came the voice on the other end.
"I need a platinum card. Name it under 'Jack Mason.' Delivered to my residence within thirty minutes."
The voice hesitated briefly. "Is he… related to the founder?"
"Take action first; questions later. He'll be there at five. Move quickly."
"Understood, Boss," came the prompt response before the call ended.
Richard looked at Jack, noting the shock that hadn't quite left his face. "Yes, Jack, your mother owns the entire hotel chain. Many branches are run by the external Mason families, but she's the true founder. I will send someone to get all the details you need on that, then you can begin a take back"
Jack felt a strange mix of pride and disbelief. The Grand Hotel and Resort was one of the most renowned seven-star hotels in the country, and his mother had built it. "Thank you for telling me, Uncle Richard," he said quietly. "I'll be ready."
As they finished their conversation, Jack remembered the mysterious new girl in his class. "By the way, Uncle Richard, a new student joined us today. Her name is Selena Roberts. Thomas said she was trailing us earlier. Could we look into her?"
Richard's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Selena Roberts…" he repeated, the name unfamiliar. "I'll talk to Thomas. We'll find out what we can."
Just then, a maid appeared at the door, holding a sleek black envelope. She bowed, presenting it to Richard. "Young Master Richard, someone delivered this for you."
Richard took the envelope, and a glint of curiosity lingered on Jack, he felt the currents shifting around him, hinting at secrets still to be uncovered. Watching as Richard opened the sleek black envelope, his fingers brushing against a thick, luxurious cardstock that protected the item within.
He pulled out the platinum card—a symbol of wealth, status, and access, yet understated in its elegance. The card gleamed softly in the light. On one side, "Jack Mason" was engraved in small, meticulous letters, a detail that made the card feel personal yet distinguished.
The logo of the Grand Hotel and Resort was embossed in the corner, an intricate pattern of gold and silver, giving the card an aura of prestige and exclusivity. Richard handed it to Jack, who held it with a mixture of awe and disbelief. A reminder of his heritage, as well as the status he'd yet to fully embrace.
"This card," Richard said, his voice calm but firm, "is a direct link to your mother's legacy. With this, you're recognized as her son, even if they don't know who you are, In all the branches of this hotel only your platinum card has a name printed on it. It shows your supremacy and identity"
Jack nodded, slipping the card into his wallet with newfound confidence. He could sense his uncle's steadying presence, reminding him that he didn't need to prove himself to anyone. But tonight, he had a feeling that the card would be a subtle yet powerful advantage.
At precisely five o'clock, Jack, Victoria, and Thomas arrived at the Grand Hotel and Resort. Jack had seen many grand buildings ever since he arrived in the city, but this hotel commanded a level of elegance he hadn't seen or experienced before. As their car pulled up to the main entrance, Jack's gaze swept over the magnificent structure rising before him.
The Grand Hotel and Resort was a towering edifice of glass and marble, designed to blend luxury with warmth. Its façade was lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that reflected the fading sunset, casting a warm, golden glow across the grounds. A grand fountain stood in the center of the driveway, its waters cascading over smooth stones and catching the light in a mesmerizing dance of color. The landscaping around it was lush and manicured, with delicate flowerbeds and towering palm trees that framed the entrance.
The main entrance was flanked by two towering marble columns, and as they stepped out of the car, they were greeted by uniformed staff, who held the doors open with respectful nods.
"Welcome to the Grand Hotel and Resort," one of the attendants said, bowing slightly. "We hope your evening will be memorable."
Inside, the lobby was equally breathtaking, with polished marble floors that reflected the grand chandeliers hanging overhead. The walls were adorned with delicate tapestries, and a plush seating area was arranged near a grand piano.
Francis arrived just as Jack and his friends were taking it all in. He strolled through the lobby with his usual air of entitlement, barely glancing at others, as he spotted Jack across the room.
The opulent lobby of the Grand Hotel and Resort was buzzing as Jack, Victoria, and the others stood, with their classmates already mingling around, watching the unfolding scene between Jack and Francis with intense curiosity. Francis wasted no time stepping forward, his sneer as sharp as ever.
"So, you made it, Jack," he sneered, his voice loud enough for all to hear. "But this place doesn't seem… quite your style."
Jack's gaze was calm as he met Francis's stare, feeling the weight of the platinum card in his pocket. It was a powerful reminder of the unspoken connection he had to this very hotel—a link Francis had no idea about. Jack smirked, keeping his composure. He wanted to see just how far Francis would go to humiliate him.
"Actually, Francis," Jack replied, his tone steady, "I think it suits me just fine—maybe even more than you."
A flicker of uncertainty flashed across Francis's face, but he quickly forced a smile, though his voice grew more strained. "Well then, I hope you're ready to cover the costs. I'd hate to see you trying to slip out of the bill when it's time to pay." Inwardly, he smirked, knowing he had conspired with Kelly to inflate the costs by ordering the most extravagant items available. His plan was simple: humiliate Jack, then call the police when he inevitably failed to pay.
As the tense exchange continued, a concierge approached Jack, his demeanor respectful and professional.
"Mr. Mason," he said with a courteous bow, "we're honored to host you this evening. Please let us know if there's anything you require for your party."
Francis, feeling his pride swell, assumed he was the one being addressed. He turned toward Jack with a smug smile, barely containing his arrogance. "You see, Jack, this is the kind of respect I'm used to everywhere I go. Unlike you—a nobody and a fraud."
He strutted over to the receptionist's desk, his two loyal bodyguards flanking him, while he assumed everyone's eyes were on him.
Jack simply nodded at the concierge, remaining silent, though inwardly he was curious. How did they know who I was? He had never set foot here before. As he considered taking out the platinum card, Victoria leaned in and gently nudged his hand, tucking the card back into his pocket with a graceful smile. Her silent message was clear: Hold your ground; you don't need to prove anything to him.
Turning to his friends, Jack motioned toward the expansive lobby, inviting them to explore the opulent surroundings. Rueben and Sam exchanged a wide-eyed glance, clearly astonished by the unexpected display of wealth surrounding their friend. They were speechless, unsure of what to say.
After a moment, Jack addressed the concierge with quiet authority, "We'll need the Diamond Penthouse for tonight's celebration."
The room fell silent as Jack's words registered. Francis froze in his tracks, disbelief written across his face. He turned, eyes blazing, barely able to contain his irritation.
"What did you just say?" Francis demanded, his voice laced with incredulity. "The Diamond Penthouse? Are you out of your mind? That suite hasn't been given out for years—not even to presidents who tried to book it. And here you are, asking for it? You, Francis pointed his chubby fingers at Jack, a fraud, asking for the most exclusive suite in the hotel? Do you even have a bronze membership card? Let alone a platinum card!"
Around them, classmates began whispering, some loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Did Jack just request the Diamond Penthouse?"
"No way! That place is legendary!"
Jack, unfazed, looked at the concierge and nodded, signaling him to proceed. "Please, have it prepared. I'll let you know if we need anything further."
The concierge bowed and left to make the arrangements, his expression calm and composed. Meanwhile, Francis stood rooted to the spot, shocked and speechless.
"Fine!" Francis sneered, his voice shaky with suppressed anger. "Since you want to keep pretending to be a Mason, I'll play along. Your audacity gives me the creeps. Let's see how you'll manage to pay these bills." Inwardly, though, a wave of unease crept in. He had tried calling his mother to ensure extra funds, but she hadn't answered. With only a million dollars in his account, he had intended to request more, knowing that his father wouldn't support his extravagant lifestyle. Now, he was beginning to worry.
Francis turned and whispered sharply to one of his bodyguards. "Find Kelly. Tell him to get started with the plan. We'll make sure Jack regrets this."