Chapter 3
I couldn't help but smirk at the teacher's words.
He didn't even bother to ask why I had hit someone and went straight to handing out punishment. With bias like that, what was the point in saying anything?
As much as I wanted to storm out of the classroom, I needed the credits, so I forced myself to stay.
Thankfully, I had already taught myself most of this material back in senior year, so I didn't even bother listening. Instead, I pulled out my phone and started scrolling.
While checking my social media, I came across a post from Joshua.
What caught my attention was the car in Joshua's post, which was the same model as mine. That particular car wasn't common, so it surprised me that he had one, too.
But then, something else made me pause. One of the photos in his post looked oddly familiar.
Wasn't that a picture of my family's orchard?
Not wanting to jump to conclusions, I immediately sent the photo to Alan, my family lawyer.
Alan replied quickly, "Yes, this is indeed from our orchard. We took these photos in August for promotional purposes, but they haven't been released to the public yet."
How did Joshua get his hands on an unreleased photo of our property? I was stunned.
I quickly messaged Alan again. "Could you do a background check on Joshua, my roommate? I have a feeling that something's not right."
I couldn't shake the suspicion that he might have hired a hacker to breach the computer system of my family's orchard just to mess with me.
After class, I headed toward the library. On my way, I passed a bulletin board and noticed a large poster pinned up.
"The First Starus Creative Entrepreneurship Competition!"
I had been involved in small business ventures since high school, earning some
pocket money along the way, so this event piqued my interest.
read the details carefully. It started with signing up and
the grand prize was five hundred
in reading, a group suddenly shoved
his arm around Lina, flanked
Lina. The clothes, shoes, and bag she was wearing were all gifts from
if she had forgotten or simply didn't care. She sure
latter, strutting
surprisingly, I didn't feel that same sting of jealousy anymore. Instead, I felt like she had played
competition?" Joshua eyed me up and
business? Look closely, this contest is all about creativity and profit. Without
"William can always sell those knockoff products. Five dollars a piece, and he might actually
help but laugh
my phone, and snapped a picture of the poster before
Joshua quickly stepped in front of me and
My temper flared instantly.
"Move!" I snapped.
don't we both sign up for this entrepreneurship
Joshua? Please. He wasn't worth
but he taunted me
William, don't be afraid. Who knows? Maybe miracles do
you what, William. If you win, I promise I'll
speechless as Joshua just
way to shut him up was to give
I'll compete with you. But let's raise the stakes. If I win, you kneel in front of the entire school, apologize to me, and then leave this place. If I lose, I'll do the same," I
went silent, stunned by the challenge. They didn't expect me to
"Isn't that
I'm just worried you'll back
to Lina. "When we were together, did I ever break
and she muttered softly after a moment of hesitation. "No." "Then we're good. Joshua, are you in or not?"
you? Let's do this, and Lina can
The bet was sealed.
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