From Pathetic Loser To A Potent Legend

Chapter 004: Disapproval Gesture

“Sir, are you still there?” The voice on the other end jolted Gilbert back to reality. He hurriedly picked up the phone from the floor, his hands shaking. He was overwhelmed by a mix of shock and disbelief.

“Uh, excuse me... sorry, are you... Gilbert Hayes?” The voice hesitated, sounding uncertain. “I believe there’s been a mistake.”

“A mistake?” Gilbert struggled to keep his anger in check as he held the cracked phone to his ear, the screen flashing erratically. “You think this is a joke?”

“Sorry, but Megan Hayes isn’t dead,” the voice clarified. “There’s been a misunderstanding. We have two patients named Megan in our care, and you didn’t provide a surname.”

Gilbert’s face tightened, clearly pissed off. “Two Megans? Are you serious?” His chest tightened. “I... I didn’t think of mentioning her last name. Why would I? I thought you’d know!”

“It’s protocol, sir. You didn’t introduce yourself or specify her full name.”

Gilbert's displeasure was evident as he lashed out, “So, you’re saying this is my fault? Because I didn’t tell you her surname?”

He insisted, “You should’ve asked me! What kind of hospital screws up like this?”

The voice responded calmly, “Mr. Hayes, we understand your frustration, but, you know, we handle hundreds of patients. It’s important to confirm the full names.”

Relief that his sister was alive quickly turned to concern. “Alright, fine. But I need to know,” he paused, his voice softer but urgent, “Is she going to be okay?”

“She’s stable for now. However,” there was a brief pause, “you should be aware that the hospital bills are piling up. Her care has been quite extensive.”

“Of course….. I know,” Gilbert muttered before ending the call.

A wave of relief washed over him, but it quickly dissipated as he looked at the cracked phone in his hand. He cursed under his breath, "I should’ve made that idiot pay for this." He sighed, frustration etched on his face as he stared at the spider-webbed screen.

Glancing at the time, Gilbert realized it was time to head home. He had planned to take a taxi but decided against it, choosing instead to walk and save every bit of cash he could. He needed the extra money for a gift for his father-in-law’s birthday.

****

ASTOR FAMILY’S PENTHOUSE

Vivienne and her sisters, Fiona and Brandy, arrive at the newly acquired luxury penthouse. They took in the lavish splendor as they made their way to the expansive balcony to enjoy a drink and relax. From their vantage point, they could see high-profile guests arriving and the lively scene developing below, adding to the excitement of their father's birthday celebration.

Among the arriving guests, Ralph, Brandy’s soon-to-be husband, made a grand entrance in a sleek Aston Martin DB12 Volante. Jeffrey, Fiona's husband, followed shortly in the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Fiona and Brandy exchanged amused glances and smirks.

Without missing a beat, Fiona joined her husband, while Brandy hurried to greet Ralph, leaving Vivienne behind.

Gilbert’s arrival, on the other hand, was quite a spectacle. As he pedaled his old bicycle toward the penthouse, the disparity was glaring. The worn-out bike creaked with each turn of the wheel, highlighting the event’s opulence.

Fiona and Brandy couldn’t hold back their laughter as they watched Gilbert arrive, sweating profusely. Fiona’s voice was tinged with derision. “Seriously? He’s coming on that?”

Brandy’s laughter was louder. “I can’t believe he thought this would be okay.”

Inside the penthouse, Jocelyn, Vivienne’s mother, waited with a scowl. Dressed in an emerald gown adorned with pearls, she stood rigidly, her posture and the way she clutched her dress underscoring her disapproval as she spotted Gilbert.

“What the hell are you doing here on a bicycle?” Jocelyn's voice sliced through the air.

Her gaze swept over Gilbert’s worn trousers and the stylish blue shirt with stripes that Vivienne had bought for him. “This is unacceptable,” she said sharply. “You’re a disgrace to the family.”

Her voice grew louder with indignation. “Ralph and Jeffrey arrived in style, and here you are, looking like a charity case. How dare you?”

Frustrated, Gilbert stood there, his face flushed. He clenched his jaw, struggling to keep his composure. “I…. I’m sorry ma.”

Jocelyn shook her head, her expression fierce. “Let me make this clear,” she said harshly, her words muffled in one breath. “I don’t recognize you as my son-in-law. You aren’t worthy of my daughter, and there’s nothing about you that I’m proud of. You’re nothing but trash.”

She slowly gestured toward Ralph and Jeffrey, who were already inside the penthouse. “These are the kind of sons-in-law I’m proud of. They’re wealthy and successful, unlike you.”

Gilbert couldn't help but feel a wave of humiliation as Jocelyn stormed off, her words echoing in his mind. The sting of her scorn followed him as he stepped into the penthouse, where high-profile guests and close family members of Adrian Astor gathered. Despite the stinging embarrassment, he moved forward, trying to blend in with the elite crowd.

Gilbert couldn’t help but feel a wave of humiliation as Jocelyn stormed off, her words echoing in his mind. The sting of her scorn followed him as he stepped into the penthouse, where high-profile guests and close family members of Adrian Astor had gathered. Despite the stinging embarrassment, he moved forward, trying to blend in with the elite crowd.

After the celebration, as guests lined up to present their gifts to Adrian, Gilbert stepped forward with his own—a $2,000 wristwatch. Though feeling out of place among the extravagant offerings, he handed over the gift, hoping it would be appreciated.

He approached Adrian, who had his back turned.

"Happy birthday, sir," Gilbert greeted him warmly, forcing a smile. "Wishing you many more years of good health.”

Adrian turned slowly, his expression barely concealing a trace of disinterest. "Mr. Hayes," he said, his voice dripping with polite insincerity, "thank you. I truly appreciate it."

Gilbert, still forcing a smile, nodded respectfully.

“Uh… actually, I wanted to discuss something with you,” Gilbert began, shifting his weight as he tried to gauge Adrian’s mood.

“Come over here!” Adrian quickly ushered Gilbert to a quieter corner, away from the background music.

Once they were alone, Adrian’s expression darkened into a scowl. He smirked coldly. “If this is about my daughter, let me make something clear—you’re not in a position to discuss her.”

His voice dropped, laced with sharp disapproval. “You know, I’ve always told you to treat her better. But here you are, hardly making an effort, embarrassing yourself—and my family.”

Gilbert swallowed hard, the weight of Adrian’s words pressing down on him, but he stayed silent, knowing any response would be futile.

Adrian leaned in closer, pinching his thumb and fingers close together, "You’re lucky I tolerate you at all. But that patience? It’s running out, Mr. Hayes. Very thin.”

He paused for effect before adding, “The next time she complains, your actions will have greater consequences. Consider yourself warned.”

Gilbert didn’t argue, recognizing he needed to be cautious with Vivienne to avoid escalating the situation. However, his main reason for speaking with Adrian was more urgent: his sister’s health crisis.

“Ah, no problem, sir. I’ll take care of it,” Gilbert said, keeping his voice steady.

He then explained Megan’s critical condition and his struggle with the $3 million medical bill.

Adrian’s eyes widened in shock at the astronomical amount. He leaned against a nearby surface, processing the gravity of the situation. After a moment, he glanced at the gift in Gilbert’s hand.

With a dismissive gesture, Adrian snatched the perfume from Gilbert. A self-satisfied smirk spread across his face as he turned away, saying confidently, “Thanks for the gift, Mr. Hayes.”

In a final, spiteful move, Adrian hurled the perfume bottle to the floor. The bottle shattered, and the liquid spread around the floor.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Hayes!” Adrian’s voice carried a hint of mockery as he chuckled and walked away.