Riches in Disguise

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

the grand prize was five hundred

I was absorbed in reading, a group

Lina,

clothes, shoes, and bag she

had forgotten or simply

was the latter, strutting around in her ex-boyfriend's

same sting of jealousy anymore. Instead, I felt like she had played her part well. She'd fooled me

eyed me up and down like he

over that five hundred thousand dollar prize! Do you even have the capital to start a business? Look closely, this contest is all about creativity and profit.

can always sell those knockoff products.

couldn't help but laugh

and snapped a picture of the poster

walk away, Joshua quickly stepped in

My temper flared instantly.

"Move!" I snapped.

If you want to act though, I'll give you the chance. Why don't we both sign up for this entrepreneurship competition and see who ranks higher?" Joshua

with Joshua? Please. He wasn't worth my

walking, but he taunted me again. "What's the matter, are you

joked in a self-righteous way, "Go on, William, don't be afraid. Who knows? Maybe miracles do

you what, William. If you win, I promise I'll

speechless as

like the only way to shut him up was to give a lesson. I stopped in my tracks, turned around,

I'll compete with you. But let's raise the stakes. If I win, you kneel in front of the entire school, apologize

around us went silent, stunned by the challenge. They didn't expect me

"Isn't

just scoffed. "I don't mind. I'm just worried you'll back

"When we were together, did

face turned red, and she muttered softly after a moment of hesitation. "No." "Then we're good. Joshua,

of you? Let's do this,

The bet was sealed.