The Winning Numbers

School was a monotonous cycle of frustration. James found it painful to sit through lessons, knowing the answers before the questions were even asked. He had lived a full life before this, and now he was stuck pretending to be a child again. The slow pace of education was unbearable.

To keep himself entertained, he began subtly displaying his intelligence. In math class, he solved equations before the teacher finished writing them. In history, he casually predicted events as if he were just making insightful guesses. His teachers took notice, and whispers of his brilliance spread.

Outside of school, he had been waiting for a specific moment—his mother's monthly lottery ticket purchase. She always bought one, never expecting to win, just enjoying the small thrill.

One afternoon, as they went grocery shopping, she stopped at the counter. "Might as well try my luck again," she said with a chuckle.

James, feigning nonchalance, leaned in. "Can I pick the numbers this time?"

She smiled, amused. "Feeling lucky, huh? Go ahead."

He carefully selected numbers. His mother handed the slip to the cashier, tucking the ticket into her purse without a second thought.

As they walked back to the car, James kept his emotions in check. The moment was small, but it was the first major step toward his empire. He wasn't just planning for wealth—he was laying the groundwork for a future where he would control industries, dictate trends, and shape the entertainment world.

Later that night, he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Winning the lottery was just the first step. With the money, he could start investing—stocks, intellectual properties, even real estate. He already knew which companies would become giants. He wouldn't just be rich; he would be untouchable.

He had made his move.

With the lottery ticket now secured, James had nothing to do but wait. He knew the results would be announced in a few days, but patience had never been his strong suit. The next few days passed slowly, each moment stretching unbearably as he went through the motions of school, home, and routine life.

At school, the dullness of everyday lessons continued to wear on him. He had mastered everything they taught decades ago, and sitting through mind-numbing lectures felt like an eternity. To keep himself sharp, he began formulating future plans.

In the meantime, he decided to build relationships. He sought out students who showed promise—future tech enthusiasts, business-minded individuals, and even those who seemed naturally charismatic. These were the kinds of people he could cultivate into valuable allies in the future. He couldn't do everything alone, after all.

At home, his mother remained oblivious to the significance of the ticket she had tucked away in her purse. James watched her carefully, subtly encouraging her to think about bigger things—education, business, and independence. She had always been strong, but she lacked direction. He could provide that.

Finally, the night of the lottery draw arrived. As the numbers were read on TV, James kept his expression neutral. The moment of truth had come.