The Odd Billionaire

The next morning arrived with a faint warmth bleeding through the tiny curtains of their humble home. Traizle was already awake before the alarm rang, quietly preparing breakfast, tying her hair, and checking Layzen’s tiny backpack for the third time. She slipped into her worn-out work uniform, the same faded brown apron she had washed so many times that the logo had almost vanished.By six-thirty, she was walking down their narrow street with her brothers. Lyndon at her left, Layzen at her right. Each step heavy but familiar. The early city air was cool, filled with the sounds of vehicles warming up, vendors arranging goods, and students dragging their feet through the morning haze.Layzen’s kindergarten school came first. It stood just a few minutes before Lyndon’s school, a small building painted with bright colors that had long been dulled by the sun.“We are here.” Traizle said, crouching down as they reached the school gate.Layzen looked up at her with round eyes, clutching the

Traizle I watched him walk off after our conversation, only to plop himself down beside another man and immediately start eating whatever food the guy handed him. Typical. Meanwhile, I went straight to the counter to check in with the owner.“Do we have any orders to deliver?” I asked.“I was waiting for you to come here.” the owner replied. She reached into her apron and pulled something out. I blinked in confusion as she handed me a thick bundle of cash.“What is that for?” I asked, completely thrown off.“It’s from him,” she said, pointing toward Zarsuelo. “He paid the money you lost. Said he doesn’t like being in debt to someone.”I stared at the money, stunned. “How about the payment for this event?”“He paid for it as well.”We both looked at him. He was too busy stuffing food into his mouth to pay us any mind. He didn’t exactly look like a man with money, but then again something about him—his posture, his clothes, the quiet confidence hinted otherwise.Soon after finishing the

Traizle“Traizle!” Layzen’s voice rang out the moment he spotted me.He was playing alone outside the house, a plastic toy sword in hand, and the second he reached me, he threw his arms around my waist. I hugged him back, breathing in the familiar scent of sunlight and sweat only little boys could carry so innocently.“Where’s your brother?” I asked gently.“His friends fetched him. They wanted to play at the computer shop nearby,” He pulled away and made a face. “I told him he could go. It’s boring to watch them play.”I ruffled his hair. “You really are a big boy now. But stay close to home, okay? And if a stranger talks to you, don’t go with him.”“I won’t,” he said confidently. “I’m a big boy already.”“Have you eaten lunch?”“We did. How about you?”“I only ate dessert,” I winced. “I’m still kind of hungry.”“Why would you eat dessert for lunch?” he asked, almost like a tiny parent scolding me.I didn’t answer. I immediately pictured Zarsuelo eating desserts like a full-course mea

Traizle“Just because I said so?” he shot back, completely unfazed, as if arguing with me was his nightly hobby.I forced myself not to react. With him, patience wasn’t just a virtue because it was a survival skill. I let the comment slide, too exhausted and too sleepy to entertain his nonsense any further. Thankfully, he fell silent as we continued walking and he didn’t push further. I could already see our small house ahead, and outside the gate, little Layzen was sitting on the concrete, swinging his legs as he waited.“Traizle!” he shouted the moment he saw me. “Someone delivered food a while ago!”Zarsuelo casually raised a hand. “That’s my order.”Layzen squinted at him. “I don’t know you. Why are you with a stranger?” he asked me, suspicion written all over his face.“Your sister knows me,” Zarsuelo cut in confidently. “I even brought your favorite food.”“I forgot to tell you about him,” I said, kneeling beside my brother, “But he’s not a stranger, okay?”Zarsuelo waved at him

Traizle"It’s because you’re an oddball," I shot back. "Who knows, maybe you’re tricking me. Maybe when the time comes and I finally accept your offer and give up all my sidelines you will suddenly pretend you never offered me anything."He stared at me for a second, then burst out laughing."You really think that far ahead?" he said, amused. "If you want proof I won’t trick you, I can bring the contract tomorrow. You can even ask a lawyer to witness it."He was actually serious. Did I really deserve an offer like that?"No need," I sighed. "I’ll work for you if you promise to pay me in advance."His eyes widened. "Advance salary? That’s easy! How much do you want?"I blinked. His excitement was almost too much. "Let me think about it first.""Why the sudden change of heart?" he asked, still smiling far too widely for my comfort.I looked down at my hands. "I need money.""Ah," His voice softened. "So that’s why you’re finally taking my offer?""Yes. I want to use you to pay off my deb