From Pathetic Loser To A Potent Legend

Chapter 005: Cryptic Envelope

Gilbert's expression was almost unreadable as Adrian walked off to join his elite friends. He was struck with intense regret, a harsh reminder of his wife’s family’s clear opposition to him.

His plan to get support from his father-in-law for his sister’s medical bills had failed, leaving Gilbert more frustrated than ever.

Before he could collect his thoughts, Vivienne appeared with a smug grin. Her eyes fell on the shattered perfume bottle, and she couldn’t resist a cruel laugh.

"Really, Gilbert?" she scoffed. "Look at this. You’ve finally gotten what you wanted, haven’t you? Asking for help from my father on his birthday of all days—how desperate can you be?”

Vivienne glanced at the broken bottle. "And this? No scent left. How long’s it been since he dismissed you? Ten minutes? The cheap perfume you bought couldn’t even last that long.”

Disdainfully, she crossed her arms and said, "Honestly, Gilbert, how could you be so pathetic? A cheap gift for my father, hoping to win him over with your sob story about your sister’s medical bills. And look where it got you. You can’t even afford decent perfume, let alone the lifestyle you’re trying to keep up with.”

Her words stung, each one cutting deeper into Gilbert’s already fragile confidence. "You really thought that little act of charity would work? Please. You’ll never be one of us."

To Gilbert, it felt like his wife had finally revealed her dark side. Despite all the sacrifices he had made to save her life, the Astor family was now looking down on him, and the weight of it all crushed him.

Soon, Vivienne turned away from Gilbert as her sister, Fiona, called out and hurried over to meet her.

After they left, Gilbert, still heartbroken, suddenly spotted a man who looked vaguely familiar—Vivienne's new driver.

The man was tall and sharply dressed, but something felt off. His polished suit and shiny shoes hinted at a high-profile lifestyle, not that of a typical driver. He carried himself with an air of confidence that seemed out of place for someone in his position, making it hard to believe he was just there to drive.

To confirm if the man was who he thought, Gilbert moved closer, pretending to place his gift on the table with the others.

The man, however, noticed him but didn’t react—until Gilbert’s hand brushed against his box. With a sneer, the man snapped, “What do you think you’re doing?”

Gilbert didn’t flinch. “Just placing a gift for Mr. Adrian.”

“A gift?” The man’s tone was dripping with sarcasm. “Then why are your hands on mine? Trying to steal something, huh? These gifts cost more than your whole life.”

Gilbert frowned. “Steal? I’m just putting my gift down.”

The man stepped closer, his breath deepening. “Do you even know who you're talking to? Logan Mitchell.”

Gilbert’s heart raced, but he stood his ground. “I don’t care who you are. I’m here for the same reason as you.”

Logan laughed coldly, surprised by Gilbert’s audacity. “Talk back, will you?” He glanced at the gift Gilbert had placed. “That’s your gift? Let’s see it.”

Before Gilbert could react, Logan snatched the box and gave it a disdainful look. “What is this, a joke?” He tossed it aside with a flick of his wrist. “That,” he said, pulling out a key fob, “is a $493,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. My gift for Adrian.”

He waved the fob in Gilbert’s face. “And you, haha? What’d you bring? A trinket from a discount store?”

Logan smirked, his voice icy. “Know your place, man. You don’t belong here, understand?”

Gilbert stared at the box on the floor, bitterness rising fast. His time at Adrian’s birthday celebration had been nothing short of a disaster. His hopes? Crushed. Ignored by his wife's family, humiliated by Logan. He’s had enough.

Without hesitating, he turned for the exit, frustration pushing him forward.

Just as he reached the door, a voice stopped him. "Mr. Hayes!"

He turned. Ralph Foster approached, wearing a smile that seemed almost too polite. For a moment, Gilbert thought maybe Ralph was different. Eager to salvage at least one interaction, he stepped up, extending his hand.

But Ralph just glanced at it, smirking. He crossed his arms, leaving Gilbert’s hand awkwardly hanging in the air.

Gilbert slowly withdrew it, feeling the sting of Ralph’s insult hit harder than words. What looked like a friendly gesture had just been a way to humiliate him further.

After leaving the penthouse, Gilbert walked along the roadside, his mind weighed down by thoughts of his sister’s medical bills and the way his wife’s family had treated him. The burden felt suffocating.

A few moments later, he stopped, sitting on the edge of the sidewalk, his head hung low. The tears came fast, and all the emotions he’d been holding back crashed down on him at once.

Gilbert soon heard footsteps approaching but didn’t pay much attention, assuming it was just a passing pedestrian. It wasn’t until the sound of heels stopped right in front of him that he realized the person was standing there for him.

Curious, he slowly raised his head and saw a young, gorgeous woman dressed in chic attire, her face framed by stylish sunglasses.

"Hello!" the young lady said softly, noticing his tear-streaked face. She waved her hand gently, more out of sympathy than greeting, as if trying to offer comfort without words.

Gilbert blinked, still a bit dazed. "Do I know you?" he asked, his voice caught between surprise and confusion.

The young lady smiled softly. “No, you don’t. I’m Callie Reed,” she said, lowering her sunglasses slightly. “I saw you sitting here, and... well, you looked like you might need someone to talk to.”

“Well, I’m Gilbert,” he said, watching as the young lady sat down beside him.

“... Gilbert Hayes, right?” Callie added with a hint of recognition in her voice. “You once worked with the Air Force. Your code names were ‘Maverick’ and ‘Ghost.’”

Gilbert felt a surge of surprise and pride. She actually knew him. The mention of his code name revealed that she had done her research, and it impressed him.

With a warm smile, she extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, young master!”

“Young master?” Gilbert frowned, taken aback. He shook her hand but quickly added, “Uh, I think you’ve got the wrong person. I’m not a young master... far from it.”

The title felt strange, almost out of place, leaving Gilbert wondering what exactly she meant.

“Well, you’ll understand what I mean later,” she said gently. “I saw you sobbing earlier, and it made me wonder what you’re going through.”

Gilbert sighed, glancing down. “It’s my sister. Her health bills are over three million dollars, and I’ve struggled to find alternatives but haven’t been able to.”

Callie raised her eyebrows, her curiosity piqued. “Which hospital is she admitted to?”

“Uhh... Mount Sinai,” he replied, his heart racing with hope that she might offer some help.

“Okay, well… I have something for you,” Callie said, quickly searching through her Louis Vuitton handbag.

To his surprise, she handed him a crisp, flat envelope. “Take this. It will change your life forever.”

Gilbert took it, confusion settling in. What could possibly be inside? He felt a mix of anticipation and disappointment, wishing she could do more. As he stared at the envelope, he couldn’t help but wonder if this was just another empty gesture.