Chapter 13

One hundred young women, carrying trays draped in shimmering gold silk and satin, created a dazzling display in the sunshine, almost blinding onlookers. The scene was breathtakingly luxurious, even awing Jeremy and Barry, two wealthy heirs. The other students were utterly mesmerized.

Kendrick frowned. His stolen limelight wasn't the only thing bothering him; he hadn't heard any news about the people responsible for this extravagant arrival before reaching Yrinas.

Behind the young women, a line of sports cars gleamed. Compared to these, Kendrick's Ferrari seemed decidedly inferior, not even in the same league. The sports cars' low, ominous engine rumble hinted at immense, barely contained power.

Suddenly, another sound filled the air.

"Oh my gosh! Look! Helicopters!" "Damn! How many are there?" "There are banners under the helicopters!" "Every helicopter has one! It says, 'Congratulations on the completion of your studies and graduation, Mr. Zabinski!'" "Graduation? Someone in our class! Who is this guy? He's not just rich; he's unbelievably wealthy! How can anyone afford this?"

Exclamations erupted from the crowd. Most, even Barry, were envious.

Kendrick inhaled deeply. Even the Zabel family, despite their wealth, wouldn't stage such a display for a university graduate, even a family heir.

"Jeremy," Barry interrupted, "Looks like there's someone in our graduating class we shouldn't mess with. Unfortunately, it's not Robert."

As Barry spoke, ten Rolls-Royces arrived, strategically positioned for maximum visibility. The one hundred women stopped. The sports cars behind them came to an orderly halt. Helicopters hovered, banners suspended beneath them.

Simultaneously, the doors of the ten Rolls-Royces opened—at the same speed and angle. The same happened with the sports cars. Each car held a driver who exited with identical precision, each in a black suit, white gloves, and sunglasses, standing ramrod straight beside their vehicles. It was a perfectly synchronized spectacle.

Stunned silence fell over the crowd.

An elderly man, also in a black suit, emerged from the group and walked slowly to the front, past the Rolls-Royces and toward the job fair. It was Carlos.

Everyone watched, anticipating the revelation of their extravagant classmate's identity. Jealousy burned fiercely in Barry's eyes. His family's wealth, usually a source of pride, now felt paltry.

All eyes were on Carlos as he approached Robert. To everyone's astonishment, Carlos bowed his head.

"Congratulations on your graduation from university, Mr. Zabinski!"