Chapter 5 - The Winter Gala Announcement
The Sterling Conservatory’s Winter Gala was the most important event of the decade.
Arthur Sterling called a mandatory assembly in the main concert hall to make the announcement. Hundreds of students sat in the velvet chairs, buzzing with anticipation.
Sterling stood at the podium. "This year, the Sterling Foundation is hosting the first-ever Winter Concerto Competition. We are inviting the top ten music academies in the world to send their best student. The prize is a guaranteed recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon, a debut performance at Carnegie Hall, and a cash scholarship of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars."
A collective gasp swept through the room.
Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
For the wealthy students, it was prestige. It was a fast track to fame.
For Leo, it was salvation. It was a house for his mother. It was the end of worrying about medical bills. It was absolute freedom.
"The Sterling Conservatory will only put forward one student to represent us," Sterling continued. "Maestro Kael and the board will select our champion by the end of the month."
Julian Vance’s eyes immediately locked onto Leo across the aisle. The hatred radiating from the wealthy boy was palpable.
That afternoon, Richard Vance marched into Arthur Sterling’s office, bypassing the secretary entirely.
"My son will represent this school, Arthur," Richard demanded, slamming his hands on the mahogany desk. "I have funneled millions into this institution. Julian is the face of the Conservatory. If you put that street rat on the stage at the Gala, I will pull my funding. I will call the board, and I will have you ousted."
Arthur Sterling didn't flinch. He slowly took off his reading glasses and looked up at the angry billionaire.
"Richard," Sterling said softly. "Do you know how I made my money?"
"Real estate," Richard snapped.
May you like
"No," Sterling corrected. "I made my money by recognizing value where others only saw dirt. I bought condemned buildings and turned them into gold. Your son is a shiny, new building with a weak foundation. Leo Torres is solid iron. I do not care about your money, Richard. Kael makes the choice. If you threaten me again, I will personally buy your company and fire you."
Richard Vance turned purple. He stormed out of the office, but the threat lingered in the air. Richard was a man who didn't take no for an answer. If he couldn't bully Sterling, he would destroy Leo.
