A sudden rush of noise snapped Gerald out of his study bubble. It had started out as a buzz, but now it seemed like there might be a commotion. Gerald sighed, he really didn’t care for things like this, he was entirely devoted to his schoolwork. He had his eyes set on the Founder’s Scholarship Award for his next school year, and despite the fact that his grades were good, the scholarship was very competitive— he had to be exceptional. He was already diving back into studying when someone breezed past him. He looked up and saw students in the library rushing out and rushing to the window to see what the commotion was about. This piqued his interest and suddenly he was among them, craning his head from the window to try and get a glimpse of what was happening on the lawn downstairs.People were gathered around something, like spectators in a fight. The object of their attention wasn't visible from his vantage point but Gerald had a fair idea what it might be. He was mildly curious, but

Gerald walked through the school gates that morning with a different air around him. His mind was a raging storm. The conversation with Uncle Sam replayed in his head on loop like a broken record.Each time, it hit harder. It wasn’t just some tale to make him feel better, Uncle Sam didn’t look like someone to joke. The man was serious, calm, and matter-of-fact when he revealed the truth. Gerald Arnold, the poor orphan everyone pitied and mocked, was now the heir to a fortune so vast it could buy the entire city if he wished. Two hundred billion dollars. At least. That number alone could paralyze a man.But with the truth came anger. Boiling, pulsing anger. Why did they let him suffer? Why did no one come to help when he lost everything—when his parents died, and he was tossed around like baggage with no one to care? His so-called family watched him starve while they basked in luxury. They turned their backs on his father and pretended Gerald didn’t exist. And now that he had become th

“Don’t you dare,” he warned.Her eyes widened, she'd not expected resistance.Alex stepped forward. “Let go of her.”Gerald released her hand and stepped back, glaring at both of them.“You both had better apologize now.”Susan narrowed her eyes. “Who do you think you are now?”The noise drew attention faster than flames drew moths. The head of security came striding toward the scene, eyes scanning the tension in the air like a general assessing a battlefield. As soon as he recognized Alex Lambert and Susan, his posture shifted. He softened his approach, gave a quick salute of acknowledgement, and immediately began apologizing for the "unfortunate incident."“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience,” he said, bowing slightly. “Please don’t worry, sir. The store will take full responsibility for the damage done to your car.”Susan looked smug, arms folded like a queen expecting her tribute. Alex gave a curt nod, soaking up the attention like it was his birthright. But before they

Inside the grand Dalton mansion, the party was already in full swing. Golden lights bathed the massive interior in a warm glow, and framed posters of Mr. Dalton lined the walls with each photo capturing a different milestone in the man’s life—obviously Juliet's idea.The DJ filled the space with mellow tunes that gave the entire party a touch of quiet elegance. Waiters floated past with trays of champagne, and laughter mingled with the soft clinking of glasses.The guests, adorned in designer suits and glittering gowns, were all seated at beautifully arranged tables containing their name tags and intricate floral centerpieces. It was clear this wasn't just a birthday celebration—it was an event for the elite. And it made sense. Professor Julian Dalton wasn’t just the Vice Chancellor of one of the most prestigious universities in the country, he was also a prominent businessman and millionaire, with connections that stretched beyond academic circles.Professor Dalton himself moved from

Freddy told the crowd to calm down as he still had a gift to present to Professor Arnold.“I mean, you all didn’t expect me to be like some imposter here who didn’t bring anything tangible right?” Everyone cackled again.He moved to the side of the stage where someone handed him something then strutted back to the centre of the stage with his usual exaggerated flair, a smug smile stretching across his face as he reached into a velvet pouch and pulled out a glistening object. He raised it high like a prize. It was a Rolex—shiny, diamond-studded, and screaming for attention. The crowd gasped in admiration, the light bouncing off its face and creating sparkles that danced across the room.“This right here,” Freddy boasted, “is a 50,000 dollar Rolex handcrafted and engraved with Mr. Dalton’s initials. A small token of appreciation for the best man we all know!”Applause thundered through the room. Even Professor Dalton nodded approvingly as Freddy bowed dramatically.“And that,” Freddy a