RISE OF THE EX-CONVICT

CHAPTER 3

    Bowing gracefully, she softly called out, "Boss!" Her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with sincere admiration. But Niçholas , lost in his own thoughts, remained almost oblivious to her presence. His mind was still reeling from the weight of the divorce papers he had just signed, his heart heavy with the burdens of a shattered love.

   Raising his head, he waved his hand dismissively, and the girl, understanding his command, left with a hint of disappointment in her eyes, leaving Niçholas to his thoughts. Niçholas had thought he would be able to tell Candence about what happened with him during his stay in the jail after meeting with her in the cafeteria, not knowing that he would be welcomed with divorce papers. He wanted to tell her about his newfound wealth and knowledge, thinking everything would change today and he would introduce his group to her, but everything was just messed up and Niçholas didn't know where to pick up from.

   During his time in the prison, Niçholas met a mysterious old man and as time went by they grew really close and spend most of their time together. The man taught Niçholas medical knowledge and martial arts. Things Niçholas would never imagined he would knew throughout his lifetime. He also made Niçholas his only heir, to inherit the Royal Group, the most influential, wealthiest group in the world, because he saw the good man in Niçholas and his only son was dead.

    Niçholas asked the Royal Group to cooperate with his wife’s company; he planned to tell her the truth as soon as he was released. But when he got out of the prison, he only saw his wife’s secretary. She was here to tell Niçholas , his wife wanted a divorce. He needed some time alone to process the whole thing that just happened, hence, the dismissal of the lady and the men in suits.

     His gaze shifted to the table before him, where Candace had left a sizeable check. His lips curled into a bitter smile as his mind processed the exorbitant sum written upon it –three million dollars. To many, it would be a fortune, but to him, it meant little, considering the wealth he now has. Money had never held a place of importance in his heart, especially now that he was so rich. He was just hurt my Candace mentality.

    With a heavy sigh, Niçholas picked up the check, contemplating its significance. It was at that moment, a voice interrupted his brooding self-reflection. It was a disdainful voice filled with mockery and contempt, cutting through the air like a knife.

   "Oh my God, who do we have here? The ex convict?" The words floated towards Niçholas , causing him to look up, his eyes clouded with irritation. And there before him stood a man, smug and mocking, relishing in Niçholas 's state of utter vulnerability. It was none other than Candace's little brother, Archie.

    Archie, with his unruly appearance and a sense of thuggish defiance etched onto his features, sauntered towards the opposite chair. His eyes flitting between Niçholas and the untouched parfait on the table, he couldn't resist taking a sip, savouring the parfait's sweetness laced with a tinge of secrecy, never breaking eye contact.

     A smirk played on his lips, a silent challenge in his eyes, but Niçholas remained silent, wondering why Archie had ventured into his realm of emotional chaos.

    With a blend of arrogance and derision, it didn't take long for Archie to express his disdain, "Niçholas , I can see the way you are staring at that check in your hand, there's no way you can acquire that in your entire lifetime, you know that, don't you? However, I believe you know you do not deserve the check," Archie said, sipping the parfait once again, "This money belongs to the Everdeen family, so just return in it to me, and get the hell out of my sight. My sister divorced you, you are a shameless man if you take that money from her,"

    Niçholas sneered at Archie's demand, although the money meant nothing to him, but giving it to Archie? No way!

    As memories flooded Niçholas 's mind, he was transported back to a time three years ago when Archie had been a constant source of trouble. A troubled soul lost in the dark abyss of alcohol, Archie's presence in their shared home had created havoc and disarray. Niçholas had been left to clean up the mess that Archie, in his inebriated stupor, had carelessly left behind.

     Even after three years, it was evident that nothing had changed. And now, Archie seemed to believe that he still had a hold over Niçholas , a belief that Niçholas was determined to shatter.

   A cynical smile formed on Niçholas 's lips as he held the check aloft, a silent challenge to Archie. He questioned Archie's true intentions, Niçholas knew it was Archie's intention all along to take the check for himself and squander it recklessly.. And so, Niçholas posed a seemingly innocent question, "Do you really want this check, Archie?"

   Archie's face transformed abruptly, his usually carefree expression replaced by a newfound seriousness. Eager anticipation danced in his eyes as he nodded his head vigorously, his excitement barely contained, "Yes, yes, Niçholas . Just give it to me and we will be friends forever,"

    He believed that Niçholas had finally succumbed to his manipulations, his mind already fabricating a future of indulgence and luxury, "Archie, if you give me this check, I promise you. I will speak good of you to my sister and I will make sure she gives you a second chance. Just believe me,"

    Niçholas 's nod was gentle, his voice carrying an air of genuine sincerity as he probed further. 

    "If I give you this check now, what do you wanna do with it? Tell me. I can't give you such exorbitant amount of money without knowing what your plan for it, is..." Niçholas shrugged, straightening the edges of the paper in his hand.

     Archie's brows knitted in irritation, his voice dripping with disdain. "What kind of question is that? What I want to use the money for is really none of your concern. All that matters now is the check, the bargaining chip that will secure your second chance with Candace,"

    Niçholas 's sneer did not falter, his true intentions hidden behind a facade of acquiescence. 

    "Alright, if you say so... You can have the check, just make sure you spend the money wisely," Niçholas said, stretching his arm forth.

   Just as Archie reached out, eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of his desires, Niçholas pulled his hand back, "Not today, baby boy. You gotta learn manners first," he said, ripping the check into shreds with a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. 

    Archie's fury erupted, his face turning crimson as he slammed his hand on the table, veins pulsating with rage. With a trembling finger, he pointed at Niçholas , his voice cracking with menace.

    "How dare you tear my check? Are you nuts, you fucking twat? How dare you?! I will beat you to death for this,"

    Just as tension gripped the air, causing an uncomfortable stillness to settle over the cafeteria, the entrance swung open, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful girl. Her mere presence commanded attention, her eyes flashing with a protective fire as they surveyed the scene.

    "Who dares to talk like that to my fiance?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a fierce protectiveness that radiated from her very being.

    Her gaze shifted between the enraged Archie and the smirking Niçholas , unyielding in her unwavering defense of her man.