CHAPTER 178: ACQUIRING THE MANSION.

Lukas woke up at dawn, sunlight pouring gently through the tall windows of his Philadelphia suite. He stretched, his mind still lingering on the awkward moment from last night. His thoughts didn’t dwell too long, though—he had plans. After a quick splash of cold water and a change into sleek gym wear, he headed down to the private gym within the suite complex. The gym was state-of-the-art: marble floors, chrome weights, touchscreen-integrated treadmills, and chilled towels stacked in neat rows. Lukas trained hard, his mind unusually focused, each rep almost mechanical.

After the session, he returned to his suite, showered, and dressed in a crisp navy button-down with tailored chinos. Breakfast was already set in the dining space by the suite’s personal chef. The spread was lavish—golden-brown croissants, fresh strawberries, fluffy scrambled eggs with shaved truffle, smoked salmon laid delicately over brioche, and a tall glass of cold-pressed orange juice beside a silver pot of black coffee.

As he finished his second croissant, his phone buzzed.

It was Henry.

"Luke," Henry’s voice came through the phone, slightly amused but pressing. "Morning. I need you to come into the Hugo Agency."

Lukas leaned back in his chair, sipping coffee. "Why? Something urgent?"

"Yes, the seller’s pushing. Mr. Ghassan wants to close the deal today—the lawyers are ready, and the papers are with George. You’ll need to finalize the payment before he flies back to Dubai."

Lukas sighed softly, a smile twitching at the edge of his lips. "Alright, Coach. I’ll be there in thirty."

As soon as he ended the call, Lukas rang Jay.

"Bring the black Mercedes," he said simply. "We’re going to the Hugo Agency."

Twenty minutes later, Lukas descended the polished steps of the suite complex. Jay opened the door of the black Mercedes-Maybach, Roy already in the passenger seat, reviewing what looked like a logistics file. Lukas slid in, and they took off.

The drive was smooth. The city looked calm in the mid-morning glow, trees lining the sidewalks and coffee-goers passing in waves. The Hugo Agency sat right beside the towering glass Princeton Chase Bank building—a juxtaposition of power and glamour. The agency itself was a spectacle: an ultra-modern steel-and-glass structure with the words "Hugo Agency" etched in brushed gold across the entrance.

Inside, everything gleamed with wealth—minimalist designer furniture, high ceilings, and a scent of vetiver and new leather. Blonde, slim George Hugo, the agency’s owner, was waiting near the reception with a folder in his hand.

He greeted Lukas with a firm handshake. "Mr. Fox, good to see you. Everything’s in place. Just need your final signature and the wire confirmation."

Henry walked in from the adjoining hallway and gave Lukas a nod. "Ghassan’s already told his people to begin the asset transfer once funds are in."

Lukas stepped toward the large glass-walled conference room, the folder in hand, ready to officially become the owner of a $20 million fortress.

He smirked. "Let’s make it official, gentlemen."

Lukas sat comfortably in the lush, leather-backed chair within the private office suite of the Hugo Agency. The room had a sleek, refined feel—oak-paneled walls, large windows showcasing the towering Princeton Chase Bank across the street, and a custom marble desk that Henry leaned over, placing the last batch of documents in front of him. George Hugo, the blonde and sharply dressed owner of the agency, stood by with arms folded, observing quietly.

Henry handed over a pen. "Alright, Luke. These are the final documents for the acquisition. Once you sign here, it’s yours. Twenty million, wired directly to Mr. Ghassan."

Lukas gave a small nod, his expression calm but purposeful. "Coach, are you sure he won’t trick me at the last minute?"

Henry let out a short laugh. "With the price you’re paying and the smile you put on his face? Trust me, he’s already halfway to Dubai."

Without another word, Lukas signed his name in fluid, confident strokes. The room felt still for a moment. George Hugo stepped forward, taking the signed papers and examining them like a museum curator admiring a priceless artifact.

"I’ll have this notarized and filed within the hour," George said, his tone formal. "Congratulations, Mr. Martin."

Lukas leaned back and pulled out his Nokia phone. Even though it was the year 2000 and digital banking was barely scratching the surface, he had prepared for this. He pressed the speed dial and waited. One ring. Two. Then a brisk, clear voice answered.

"Terry here."

"Terry, it’s Lukas. Need the wire for twenty million sent to Ghassan. Details are in the text message I sent you now."

"All set. I just needed your go-ahead," Terry replied. Lukas could hear the tapping of keys on a keyboard. A pause. Then, "Done. It’s processing through our Chase bank account. Ghassan will see it within the hour."

"Good. Thank you."

Terry’s voice softened slightly, just enough to let a touch of pride come through. "Congratulations, Mr. Martin. A twenty-million-dollar mansion at your age? That’s rare air, sir."

Lukas smirked slightly. "Appreciate it. Let’s make sure the taxes don’t eat me alive. I already paid so much for it."

"I don’t think you have to worry about the IRS on your ass."

He hung up and looked up at Henry and George.

"It’s done. I own it."

George extended his hand for a firm shake, his blue eyes glowing with both professional satisfaction and genuine admiration. "The Hugo Agency is honored to have handled this. That house will be a Princeton landmark under your name."

Henry clapped Lukas on the back. "Now you just have to furnish it."

Lukas chuckled. "One step at a time. First, I’m getting a proper meal."

Jay and Roy, waiting downstairs with the two black Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans, received the news within minutes. Roy radioed in with a deep, proud laugh. "So we’re driving to your new fortress now, Boss?"

Lukas leaned against the window frame, watching the street below. "Not yet. Let it breathe."

He wasn’t just another college student anymore. Not that he ever was. But today, it felt stamped in reality: Lukas Martin had his own house now.