Chapter 3: New Life(2)
For the last three days, James—no, Lorenzo—had been immersing himself in his new life, piecing together the details of his existence as if reconstructing a puzzle. Memories surfaced in fragments, blending seamlessly with his own thoughts until he could no longer distinguish between what belonged to James and what was inherently Lorenzo's.
He quickly realized that Lorenzo wasn't just an ingenious young man with a love for technology; he was also deeply passionate about comics. The vibrant stories of heroes and villains, of struggle and triumph, had always captivated him. He had an extensive collection, ranging from classic Marvel and DC issues to rare indie comics, each one a testament to his admiration for storytelling and creativity.
Music, too, played a significant role in his life. His playlists were an eclectic mix—smooth jazz for relaxation, rock anthems for energy, and classical symphonies for deep thinking. Whether it was old-school blues or the latest electronic beats, Lorenzo had an appreciation for every genre, finding solace and inspiration in melodies and lyrics.
As he explored his surroundings, rifling through his belongings, revisiting places of familiarity, and interacting with people from Lorenzo's world, he began to truly settle into this new identity. He wasn't just taking over a life; he was becoming Lorenzo Devereau, and with each passing day, that reality felt more natural.
Right now, he was diving into the wonders of coding, his fingers dancing across the keyboard as lines of code filled the screen. The rhythmic tapping of the keys blended seamlessly with the smooth, soulful melody of Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye playing in the background. The sultry tones and rich instrumentals wrapped around him like a warm embrace, making him sway slightly to the beat as he worked.
He found himself drawn to the music of the '80s and '90s—there was something timeless about the way the songs carried emotion, passion, and depth. Whether it was the heartfelt ballads, the electrifying rock anthems, or the infectious R&B grooves, each track felt like a story, a piece of history woven into melody and lyrics.
As he immersed himself in coding, experimenting with different algorithms and structures, he realized how much he enjoyed the process. It was like solving a puzzle, each line of code fitting together to create something larger than itself. It reminded him of his dream—building something revolutionary, something that would change the world.
And as Marvin Gaye's voice filled the room, Lorenzo couldn't help but chuckle. It was ironic, really—here he was, a genius with the ambition to leave his mark on history, yet in this moment, he was just a young man enjoying good music and the thrill of creation.
Lorenzo took a moment to assess his assets, realizing just how vast his family's wealth truly was. The mansion he currently lived in was only a fraction of his holdings—an extravagant, modern estate in the heart of Los Angeles, equipped with everything from a state-of-the-art home theater to an infinity pool overlooking the city. But that wasn't all.
Across the Atlantic, he owned a sprawling estate in France, nestled in the countryside. A place of elegance and history, it had been in his family for generations, boasting vineyards, marble halls, and an air of old-money sophistication.
Then there were his vehicles—a collection that spoke of luxury and performance.
A red Ferrari 812, a roaring beast of speed and precision.
A dark blue McLaren 720S, sleek, aggressive, and built to dominate the roads.
A matte black Porsche 911 GT3, a perfect blend of refinement and raw power.
A black Harley Davidson Sportster, a classic machine, perfect for moments when he craved the freedom of the open road.
And, of course, a private jet, an emblem of convenience and status, allowing him to travel anywhere in the world at a moment's notice.
Yet, all of this—his cars, his estates, his extravagant lifestyle—only accounted for 20% of his total assets. The true wealth lay in his family's empire: Devereau, a prestigious fashion house that had built its reputation on luxury, exclusivity, and innovation.
The company was no small business; it was a titan in the fashion industry, commanding influence in high-end couture, accessories, and even fragrances. While Lorenzo legally owned the company, the operations were handled by a board of directors, a group of seasoned executives who managed everything from production to global expansion.
Despite having the power to step in and take control, Lorenzo had never been interested in fashion. He respected the legacy his parents had built, but his ambitions lay elsewhere—in technology, in innovation, in leaving a mark that wasn't tied to his family name.
As Lorenzo reflected on his newfound knowledge, he couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. His engineering and computer skills were impressive, slightly above a first-year university student's level, which he found commendable for someone who had barely scratched the surface of those fields in his previous life. But when he compared that to his vast understanding of biology and chemistry—knowledge that extended well beyond even the PhD level—he realized just how lopsided his expertise truly was.
With a solid grasp of the intricacies of molecular biology, organic chemistry, and advanced engineering principles, Lorenzo felt ready to tackle any academic challenge that might come his way at Caltech. He could even sarcastically claim that he was overly prepared for his first day, which was just a week away. In fact, with his depth of understanding, he could probably teach most subjects related to biology and chemistry, outperforming many of the professors.
His thoughts drifted to the upcoming lectures and labs. Imagine sitting in a class, casually correcting the professor on a point of biology or chemistry, he mused. The idea made him smile, both thrilling and amusing. He had no intention of being arrogant about his abilities, but it did give him a sense of confidence as he prepared to enter a new academic environment.
Lorenzo's passion for innovation and technology thrived on this foundation of knowledge. The prospect of combining his expertise in biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science excited him. With his ambition to revolutionize multiple fields, he was determined to make his mark, leveraging both his past knowledge and the new life he was building.
As the days passed, he grew more eager for the first day at Caltech, ready to immerse himself in a world of learning and exploration. This is my chance, he thought. To innovate and create the future.