Lex stepped through the heavy doors of Preston Academy, the faint hum of early morning chatter drifting down the halls. The private school's marble floors gleamed under the fluorescent lights, polished to perfection for a crowd of kids who couldn't care less.
It was strange being here again—knowing exactly how little this day mattered.
One last day. Then I'm done.
Lex adjusted the strap of his bag, moving through the familiar crowd with an ease that came from years of navigating these hallways. He didn't stand out, not today. He wasn't here to make waves.
He was here to build connections.
Every person was a potential asset.
At the lockers near the west wing, Lex spotted Daniel Hargrove, the son of a real estate developer. His family would hit rock bottom by the end of 2008, but with the right push, Daniel could be valuable before the crash.
Lex approached casually, leaning against the locker beside him.
"Daniel," Lex said smoothly.
Daniel glanced up, smirking faintly. "Latham. Surprised you're even here. Thought you'd already vanished to whatever fancy college your uncle bribed."
Lex smiled faintly. "No need to bribe. But speaking of college, I heard your dad's expanding downtown. New developments?"
Daniel's eyes flicked sideways, cautious. His family didn't talk about their business with just anyone.
"Yeah," Daniel replied slowly. "It's small right now. Why?"
Lex shrugged. "Just thinking long-term. Real estate's about to take a hit. Your dad might want to hedge with smaller properties—less exposure."
Daniel narrowed his eyes. "Why do you care?"
Lex met his gaze evenly. "Because when things start cracking, people with the right connections survive. I'll be making a few moves soon. If you ever want in, let me know."
Daniel frowned, uncertain. But Lex saw it—that flicker of doubt.
He'll remember this conversation.
Lex patted Daniel's shoulder lightly and stepped away without another word, leaving him to mull it over.
The next target sat in the library, nose deep in a finance textbook.
Ethan Mallory. Son of Robert Mallory, a minor player in the banking world who would skyrocket in power post-crash by absorbing several collapsing firms. Ethan idolized his father but lacked his instinct.
Lex slid into the chair across from him without asking.
Ethan glanced up, blinking in surprise. "Lex?"
Lex leaned back in the chair, smirking faintly. "You're still studying? It's the last day."
Ethan sighed. "College starts next month. Gotta be prepared."
Lex tapped the cover of Ethan's book. Corporate Finance.
"You know that stuff's gonna be outdated in two years, right?" Lex said, eyes sharp with amusement.
Ethan frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Lex grinned. "Just a hunch."
Ethan wouldn't understand yet, but he would.
"I might have something for you later," Lex said as he stood. "Keep your line open."
"Wait, what?" Ethan asked, clearly confused.
Lex didn't bother explaining. Let him stay curious.
By lunchtime, Lex had spoken to six people. None of them knew what he was planning. Most thought he was just saying his goodbyes.
But he wasn't here to leave quietly.
Connections now. Leverage later.
As he crossed the courtyard toward the east wing, Lex caught sight of Trent leaning against the chain-link fence just outside the grounds, smoking lazily.
Trent wasn't a student—he had never been. Barnie pulled him out of the gutter, not a prep school. But there he was, watching the school like a predator studying prey.
Lex's smirk faded slightly.
Trent's not here for me. Not today.
Lex walked past without acknowledging him.
Plenty of time for Trent later.
Today was about laying down the roots—quietly, without catching Barnie's attention.