Bet on Me

So, you think you know everything?

6:58 a.m. in New York City, NY. May 2023

SAGE

Just one more page to go. Weary-eyed as the urge for sleep continues to fight me. Lately, the main focus on my studies has worsened because of the habits it creates. I have had no time for much self-care or socialization. My friends and roommate have tried to get me out of the dorm, but I have fought it because of my stubbornness. I wish I was like them and had time for romance, dancing, and other things, but I don't. I hope someone can finish this damned paper for me so I can get some decent sleep without having to down a coffee every morning to balance out.

7 a.m. approaches, and I have my final words in. I get ready into professional apparel with my coffee ready to go like a presentable human being getting prepared for a boring repeat of their everyday life instead of a 9 to 5; mine is class after class with lectures and assignments. 

Before I head out, my roommate and one of my best friends, Kennedy, burst in excitedly. "Kennedy, calm down; why are you so wound up? It's 7 in the morning," I questioned her.

She responds with a smile and a buzzing tone, "I heard through the grapevine that Jasper Steele is going to be visiting the university today," she shrieks joyfully. "Any woman would be so lucky to even be in his presence. Maybe I will get lucky and "accidentally" bump into him, or" she gives me a look of deviance. "You could finally let yourself go, and he could get your nose out of the books and get you on his...." I shush her and speak,

"Kennedy, you know I love you, and you care about my love life, but I have other priorities, and romance does not fit the bill." I have never understood her personality, but I love her for it. Nothing surprises me at this point in life.

"I'll see you later, Kennedy."

I reach my business class in good time and take my seat. Minutes pass by, and Professor Koh has yet to arrive. The student shrugs off my question. I shake my head at the ignorance that others display in today's world. I am left wondering what is going on.....

                                                                                       JASPER

I cannot believe that I was suckered into doing this lecture at Munacra University, but lesson number 5 in business is a deal, is a deal. I doubt they'll take anything from this, even though they are shoveling hefty tuition to the school. I only have to do this because I lost a bet to Lucas Koh at a sporting event, costing me money and a bit of pride.

As I go to the destination, I am in a deep thought process rehearsing what I will say. Being a CEO who has a net worth of over 1 billion, they should be impressed and motivated, but that would mean competition that I would need to destroy.

My driver, Oliver, pulls me out of my thoughts. "We have arrived, sir," he says. 

I leave the car, waving him off. I spot Lucas coming to greet me, "Personal space, Koh, respect that." I glare at him, and he backs off. 

"Got it, Jasper. I am sure you will find my students intrigued by you because of who you are, especially Ms. Bachman; she's a very-" I cut him off. 

"Listen here, Koh, I do not care about who the teacher's pet is or who turns in the best paper. I am only here because of a lost bet, and that is IT! Do you understand?" He nods, and we arrive at the classroom.

Koh introduces me, "Students, this is Jasper Steele, the CEO/owner of Steele Industries; to keep it short of the variety of companies he holds, be respectful because you are in the presence of greatness." "I do not want to see any distractions during his visit today. Jasper, you may start."

Here we go.

I start to speak, hoping that these ingrates will listen.

"Students, as you already know, I am Jasper Steele. My being here is to give you an insider on business and how to be successful. It is a long path, but you'll get there with some luck." As well as connections and money, but they don't need to know that.

"There are keys to becoming successful. Number 1 is-"

Unexpectedly, I am cut off by some girl. Who the f*ck does she think she is?

"That is the most underhanded statement I have ever heard. Why don't you go to an elementary school to speak? Surely, the snot-nosed children and their cotton candy-for-brains teachers would love to hear your speech on how you can be anything you want. Oh, please! The only way to get anywhere, especially in this field, is to have connections and money." A smirk appears on my face, and I approach her.

"You think you know everything, don't you?" I say, smirking.

She smirks back. "Oh yeah, I know I do, Steele. Are you going to leave now since I proved you wrong?"

I will wipe that smirk off her face.

"Then why are you here?"

She seems taken aback. "What do you mean, why am I here?"

"Ladies and Gentlemen, she asks a stupid question!" I almost have her backed into the cage. "Let me put this into terms your mind can comprehend, darling. I mean that you act like you know everything and play it out with your smart-ass comments, yet you are here paying $40 to $50k a year for college when you know every answer." I get close to her, knowing that I intimidate her.

Now, she is trapped.