World's Richest Man: I Leaped Across Time

I was holding the letter with a slight frown.

"What is it?" Charlotte asked, cocking her head slightly.

Without a word, I handed her the letter. She unfolded it and read through it quickly.

She looked up at me; a playful smirk spread across her face. "Private, intriguing opportunities, hmm?" she teased.

I chuckled. "Yeah, well, I'm not sure if I should call. First of all, it could be a scam or an illegal gathering. I need to research them first. And even if it's a legal gathering, I don't think they'd appreciate me joining them. I have the FBI on my tail."

Charlotte handed the letter back to me. "I don't know, Jack. Sounds like a tempting offer to me... luxury cruises, rubbing shoulders with the elite..."

I folded the letter back up and placed it on the table. "I'll think about it..."

Before we could say anything more, one of the bodyguards knocked lightly on the door. "Sir, the car is ready to take you to the university."

I nodded, went to change quickly and gathered my things.

Charlotte grabbed her bag, and we both made our way to the door, escorted by the bodyguard.

Outside, a black car was waiting, and soon enough, we were driving to the university.

After dropping Charlotte off at her faculty building, I made my way across campus to the economics faculty.

I noticed right away that something was different. There was a line of students at the main door while security checked their IDs.

Not sure if that was just for the University of Florida or if that was a country-wide change.

I walked through the hallway to the lecture hall, and I noticed two bodyguards standing by the doors.

Once inside the hall, I saw another two, stationed at the back.

I spotted Sam sitting in his usual seat, his white cane resting by his side. He wore sunglasses, and his fingers tapped lightly on his PAC Mate notetaker, which had a Braille keyboard and a refreshable Braille display.

"Sam," I said as I walked up to him.

"Jack," Sam greeted and stood up from his seat so that I could pass.

I slipped into the seat next to him and turned to him. "How is Mia?"

"She's stable, but... the doctors aren't sure what the long-term effects will be. They said she had a stroke, caused by severe injuries to her legs. It's hard to say what'll happen when she wakes up."

"She's still in a coma?" I asked, my voice low.

"Yeah..."

"I hope she will be able to function normally..."

"I hope so too."

"By the way. We need to talk about something, Sam," I said.

He tilted his head slightly. "Let me guess... about the FBI investigation?"

"They talked to you too, I'm assuming?"

"They did," Sam confirmed, his tone calm but serious. "We'll talk after class."

The lecture began shortly after, and I did my best to focus, though my thoughts kept drifting.

I glanced over at Sam a couple of times during the lecture, but he seemed focused; typing notes on his Braille display.

Maybe he's trying to take his mind off things for a while...

It wasn't long before the lecture ended, and the students started leaving. I waited until most had left before turning to Sam.

"Let's find somewhere quiet to talk," I suggested, standing up.

Sam nodded, grabbing his cane and unfolding it before following me out of the lecture hall.

We found a secluded spot near some benches outside the building.

I sat down, and Sam joined me. "Alright," he said calmly. "What did the FBI say to you?"

"Just like I told you, they also think I'm the target, not you. You probably already know that someone was trying to shoot down Charlotte... they think that person is connected to a Russian Mafia."

"That's what they told me too." Sam's expression was neutral. "Somehow you have figured it out sooner than them."

"What do you feel about all this?"

Sam was quiet for a moment before speaking. "Well, we're in everything together. I'm not sure if you really don't know why they're targeting you or if you just don't want to tell me, but I've known you long enough to trust that you don't mean any harm."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Sam, I'm going to be honest... I don't know if the FBI can find out who is behind it fast enough. I've been thinking about... other ways to handle this. You know, outside of the legal channels."

Sam tilted his head slightly. "What do you have on your mind?"

"I thought about your father," I said carefully.

Sam's brow furrowed, but he didn't say anything right away.

I continued. "I'm sure he has connections even in Russia. Do you think he could help?"

'I never had the chance to learn about all the shady things Arnold Johnson was up to, but I did meet Mr. Sidorov from Miami through the Johnson family in my past life. He was from a Russian family, so I would guess that they had connections there...'

"You know, my father asked me about all this." Sam said, "He's... concerned... Last time you talked to him, didn't he say something about killing you if you ever tried any shady business with me?"

Fuck...

I chuckled, though it was a bit forced. "Yeah, I remember. He was pretty clear about that."

Sam's tone softened. "He can be harsh, but it's true that he might be able to help. In ways that aren't exactly... legal."

"He can you say... but do you think he would?"

Sam sighed, his fingers tracing the edge of his cane. "Jack... that road is dangerous. You saw what he's like."

"I did. But we pretty much don't have any other options. If anyone can get to the bottom of this faster than the FBI, it's him."

"If you bring him into this, he's not just going to help out of the kindness of his heart. I'm sure he'll want something in return."

"I know."

Sam turned his head toward me, his face unreadable behind his sunglasses. "If you want to talk to him, I'll set it up. Just... be prepared. Once he's in, we're playing by his rules. If you hide something from him and he finds out...

I don't want to know what he will do."

He grabbed his cane and stood up, looking back at me. "But whatever happens, Jack," he said finally, his voice steady, "I've got your back. You know that, right?"

I nodded. "Thanks, Sam. I appreciate it."

As Sam grabbed his cane and turned to leave, something nagged at the back of my mind.

"Sam!" I called out to him before he could walk away. "Do you know anything about Freewinds Club?"

He paused and turned his head slightly in my direction. "No," he said, shaking his head. "What's that?"

I leaned back against the bench. "I don't know. I just got an invitation from them this morning."

"That sounds shady. Probably a scam," he said.

I chuckled. "Yeah, that's what I thought too. Just wanted to check if you'd heard of it."

"Well, be careful with that."

"Alright. See you later, Sam."

"Take care, Jack," he said over his shoulder as he walked away.

I stayed seated for a moment longer, looking up at the sky.

I need to continue growing.

I can't just get down on my knees in front of that person.

What an irony that I was about to ask for help from the family that threw me out like trash...