The bronze bells of St. Jude University tolled, echoing across the manicured, emerald-green lawns.

The auction was a grotesque display of ego. Students bid hundreds of thousands of their parents' money on weekend trips to Monaco and private yacht rentals, just to hear the crowd applaud.

Tristan was the star of the show. He bought a vintage Ferrari test-drive for $200,000 and a private concert by a pop star for $500,000. Every time he won, he glared at Julian, who stood quietly at the back of the room with Maya.

Finally, the auctioneer wheeled out the premier item of the night.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our final piece," the auctioneer announced. "The deed to the historic Kingston Observatory, a piece of prime real estate on the edge of campus. Bidding starts at one million dollars!"

Tristan immediately raised his paddle. "One point five million!" he shouted. The crowd cheered. This was the ultimate flex.

"One point five to Mr. Sterling!" the auctioneer called. "Do I hear two?"

The room was silent. No one dared bid against Tristan.

Tristan turned around, sneering directly at Julian. He grabbed a microphone. "Come on, Julian! You’ve been enjoying the free food all night. Why don't you pitch in? Let's see the scholarship boy make a bid. Or are you just a pathetic freeloader?"

The spotlight suddenly swung, blindingly bright, pinning Julian and Maya at the back of the room. The entire ballroom laughed. Maya shrank back, mortified, whispering for Julian to just leave.

But Julian didn't leave. He didn't look down. He stepped right into the center of the spotlight.