2025-04-21 07:33:51“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 could bask in the spotlight for too long, Gerald stepped forward, his voice slicing through the false sense of justice.
“That won't happen at all,” Gerald stated, his tone sharp but calm. “They hit me. And they damaged my bike. They owe me an apology.”
The head of security blinked, taken off guard by the audacity. His gaze landed on Gerald for the first time, scanning him from head to toe. Tattered jeans, worn sneakers, a faded T-shirt clinging to his sweat-dampened torso. The man didn’t look like he belonged anywhere near Crimson & Crown. He looked like the kind of guy who should be outside sweeping the parking lot, not standing inside it demanding apologies from the elite.
“And who might you be?” The man demanded, lifting a skeptical brow, disdain covering his face. “Delivery?”
“I came to get a few things,” Gerald replied.
The man scoffed. “Here? To get things from here?”
He laughed under his breath and waved a dismissive hand, already turning away. “When you're done deluding yourself, move your bike and whatever else you’re delivering out of here, this is private property.”
Gerald stood tall. “I’m not a delivery man. And I’m not leaving.”
Everyone was awed by his audacity. It was chilling. Could he possibly be high on something? Susan thought to herself.
“Look here, young man, you’re not fooling anyone. I’m trying to be nice now, but don’t push it. Move the bike. Leave the compound. Or we’ll move you.”
Alex and Susan chuckled from the side, like children watching a classmate get scolded. “Let him go in,” Alex said, smirking. “He’ll only embarrass himself further. But not until he apologizes to us.”
“Exactly,” Susan added, stepping forward. “You want to act like a big man, but you don’t even have manners.”
Gerald’s eyes narrowed. “You ran into me. You disrespected me. And now you want an apology?”
“You’ll either apologize,” the head of security snapped, “or you’ll be escorted out.”
The air was thick with tension. Susan leaned toward Gerald and said in a lower voice, “Just say sorry. Let them think it’s your fault. I’ll handle the rest.”
But Gerald didn’t move. Didn’t budge. He stilled himself because what he really wanted was to slap this Susan girl halfway across the parking lot. What had he seen in her before?
“I did nothing wrong. You both should be the ones apologizing.”
More arguments followed, voices rising, threats exchanged. But no matter what they said, Gerald didn’t back down. That’s when Alex, with a fed-up sigh, pulled out his phone and made a call.
“We’ll see who’s laughing in five minutes,” he muttered.
He contacted the deputy manager of the store, Mike Sorenson— Uncle Mike. Alex's family had been the reason he got the job as the deputy manager here, and he was greatly indebted to them. Alex knew that it would all be over the minute he arrived
A few minutes later, a tall man in a sleek black suit, polished loafers, and a face full of fake courtesy stepped out of the building. He was in his mid-thirties, his hair gelled back, his ego walking two steps ahead of him. The second he saw Alex, he broke into a wide grin.
“Alex,” Uncle Mike greeted. “Susan. I’m so sorry. I heard there was an incident.”
He threw a brief, disgusted glance at Gerald. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle this. This riffraff will regret disrespecting you. I’ll make sure he pays for the scratch on your car and then some.”
He turned toward Gerald, smirked, and took a threatening step forward.
Gerald smiled.
Alex, now satisfied, nodded. “You hear that, Gerald? Enjoy your last few minutes here. Susan, let’s go. We’re already late for the party.”
They drove off, smug as ever, but just as they reached the gate, a sleek black Range Rover rolled into the compound like royalty arriving at the palace.
“That’s Miss Steph,” Alex said, pointing to the car. “Store manager. She’s a real piece of work. Gerald’s day is about to get a whole lot worse.”
Susan’s grin returned. “Good. He deserves it.”
Meanwhile, back near the entrance, Uncle Mike barked orders to the security guards. “Arrest him. He needs to be taught a serious lesson, lock him up in the guard room!”
The guards approached Gerald like a pack ready to pounce— until the Range Rover screeched to a halt beside them.
Uncle Mike raised a hand. “Hold on. Let me report this to the manager. I'm sure she'll have a more fitting punishment.”
The door opened. Out stepped a woman in her late twenties, elegant and commanding, dressed in a crisp business suit and heels that clicked like a countdown to judgment. She carried herself like royalty— cool, confident, in complete control.
Miss Stephanine Vacker.
Uncle Mike practically jogged to her, already rehearsing his speech. “Miss Steph, thank goodness. We’ve got a situation. Some lowlife—”
But she brushed past him like he was invisible.
Her eyes locked onto Gerald.
“Mr. Gerald Arnold?” she asked.
“Yes, please.”
And then—to everyone’s shock—she bowed. A full, respectful, ninety-degree bow.
“I was instructed by Uncle Sam to receive you personally, sir; I apologize for my late arrival,” she said. “Welcome to Crimson & Crown. As the new owner, your presence is our honor.”
Gasps filled the air. Eyes widened. The guards froze.
Miss Steph turned toward the gathering, her face hardening. “What exactly is going on here?”
Gerald didn’t hold back. “Well, in simple terms, your deputy manager was just about to make me beg for mercy.”
Steph’s jaw clenched. She turned to Mike, whose complexion drained instantly. “You were about to do what?”
Mike stuttered, eyes wild. “N-No, that’s not true, I can explain!!”
Miss Steph was no small woman, she worked directly with the Arnolds, and her family, the Vackers, were subordinates to the Arnolds, as most families in the country were, including the Lamberts, who owe their empire and fortune to the Arnolds. The Vackers also controlled the underground mafia operations of the Arnold, and they were dreaded in the country. If the Arnolds wanted to do dirty work, the Vackers were their emissaries.
It was only natural for Uncle Mike to be consumed with fear, having realized he had just offended the Arnolds and, as a consequence, would have to face the retribution of the Vackers, all because of Alex and Susan. Same Alex and Susan were already gone and enjoying their lives with no knowledge of what fate he was about to meet right now.
Miss Steph’s stare darkened. Mike’s denial only made her more furious. “Are you calling Mr. Arnold a liar? A young master of the only first-class family in the country?”
Mike collapsed to his knees. “Please… Miss Steph, please. I didn’t mean it. I didn’t know!”
She kicked his hand off her leg. “You didn’t care to know.”
Desperate, he crawled to Gerald instead, groveling. “I’m sorry, sir. I had no idea! Please! Please! Forgive me.”
The head of security, seeing that the deputy manager himself was on his knees, blanched. He was finished. He quickly followed suit, begging just as pitifully. “Sir… please… we didn’t know who you were…”
Miss Steph looked down at them, her voice like thunder in silk. “This is what happens when you judge by appearances.”
She pulled out her phone and walked a few steps away. “Rico, send a team to Crimson & Crown immediately. There’s a problem that needs resolving.”
When she returned, she looked at the men groveling on the ground. “You’ll both learn respect—one way or another.”
She turned to Gerald and smiled. “Shall we go to the office, Mr. Arnold?”
Gerald nodded, glancing one last time at the trembling men on the ground.
Then, turning to the guards, she gave her final instruction. “Alex Lambert and his girlfriend are hereby banned from Crimson & Crown. Permanently. If I ever hear about or see them within this establishment, you'll regret you ever crossed paths with me.”
And with that, she led Gerald inside, Gerald almost couldn't believe it. He definitely could get used to this kind of treatment.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Super-rich Gerald Arnold Chapter 6
After everything that went down at Crimson & Crown, Gerald didn’t have the time, or luxury to revel in his win. He spent the rest of the day being advised, measured, and prodded for a perfect wardrobe fitting.Steph was exceptional at her job, and while shopping was not something he had interest in, he enjoyed the attention and respect he got during the entire process.After that, he'd signed the documents making him the new owner of the most prestigious luxury clothing brand in the country.Uncle Sam called not long after to offer his congratulations, although it came wrapped in a reminder that the family was still in desperate need of his help. But right now, none of that mattered. He was planning to have the most relaxing night he'd had in a very long time. The VC's birthday party was the perfect occasion.Gerald barely had enough time to dash home, take a quick shower, and throw on something clean. He wasn't one given to flashy appearances, so most of the clothes he'd gotten today
The Super-rich Gerald Arnold Chapter 7
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
The Super-rich Gerald Arnold Chapter 8
Freddy Blanks.The name alone was enough to make Gerald clench his jaw. If Alex was the betrayal that cut the deepest, Freddy was the one who sharpened the blade. Gerald’s hatred for the guy had risen to new levels ever since finding out from Freddy that he was the reason Susan had been poached from him by Alex, and everything had been part of a grand scheme to humiliate Gerald for refusing to fall in line and become one of his loyal, mindless followers. Freddy couldn’t stand people he couldn’t control. And seeing as Gerald had made it clear he was one of those people, it was obvious Freddy had made it his life’s mission to ruin him every chance he got.And that made him public enemy number one.It didn’t surprise Gerald that Freddy had been made MC of the party. The guy was energetic, funny, charismatic, and undeniably entertaining. He had the crowd wrapped around his finger like some hyped-up ringmaster, orchestrating laughter at anyone’s expense— but especially Gerald’s.“Ladies a
The Super-rich Gerald Arnold Chapter 9
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
The Super-rich Gerald Arnold Chapter 10
Gerald’s feet hit the pedals hard as he sped down the quiet streets, the cold night wind whipping against his face. His jaw was clenched, eyes sharp with a rage that was simmering just beneath the surface. The party was over. At least for him. He had no interest in watching people toast Steven like some kind of savior while mocking him behind his back. Let them laugh, he thought. It wouldn’t last long.He could still hear Steven’s words echoing in his head—"You, an Arnold? What a joke." Gerald chuckled darkly. ‘If only you knew how right you were, Steven.’Then came the memory of Amara’s smug grin, Freddy’s cowardice, the way they had mocked Juliet and pushed her into humiliation. They had gone too far. They had crossed a line they could never uncross.Gerald parked his bike outside and stepped off, brushing dust from his pants, he immediately pulled out his phone as he headed up to his apartment. He had only one person to call—Uncle Sam.The phone barely rang once before the old man
The Super-rich Gerald Arnold Chapter 1
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
The Super-rich Gerald Arnold Chapter 2
Gerald was left there lying in the grass. The crowd dispersed, people crossed over him, no one offered a hand. The laughter echoed in his ears like his own personal humiliation playlist.It wasn’t just the betrayal or the beating—it was the shame, the mockery, the way Susan had looked him in the eye and denied knowing him like he was some worthless stray.His friends—Terry and Juliet— soon came, harried and frantic. They pushed through the crowd, panicked and breathless, only to find their friend on the ground, bloodied and silent.“Gerald! Oh my God! Gerald, can you hear me?” Juliet cried out as she cradled his head.Gerald couldn't respond. His head was spinning, his vision blurry, his hearing distorted.Terry didn't waste time, he flagged down a cab and together, he and Juliet got him to the hospital. His wounds were cleaned and stitched, but still Gerald said nothing. He lay there staring blankly at the ceiling, his mind spiraling into a thousand places at once— but always returni
The Super-rich Gerald Arnold Chapter 3
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
Latest Chapter
Chapter 10
Gerald’s feet hit the pedals hard as he sped down the quiet streets, the cold night wind whipping against his face. His jaw was clenched, eyes sharp with a rage that was simmering just beneath the surface. The party was over. At least for him. He had no interest in watching people toast Steven like some kind of savior while mocking him behind his back. Let them laugh, he thought. It wouldn’t last long.He could still hear Steven’s words echoing in his head—"You, an Arnold? What a joke." Gerald chuckled darkly. ‘If only you knew how right you were, Steven.’Then came the memory of Amara’s smug grin, Freddy’s cowardice, the way they had mocked Juliet and pushed her into humiliation. They had gone too far. They had crossed a line they could never uncross.Gerald parked his bike outside and stepped off, brushing dust from his pants, he immediately pulled out his phone as he headed up to his apartment. He had only one person to call—Uncle Sam.The phone barely rang once before the old man
Chapter 9
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
Chapter 8
Freddy Blanks.The name alone was enough to make Gerald clench his jaw. If Alex was the betrayal that cut the deepest, Freddy was the one who sharpened the blade. Gerald’s hatred for the guy had risen to new levels ever since finding out from Freddy that he was the reason Susan had been poached from him by Alex, and everything had been part of a grand scheme to humiliate Gerald for refusing to fall in line and become one of his loyal, mindless followers. Freddy couldn’t stand people he couldn’t control. And seeing as Gerald had made it clear he was one of those people, it was obvious Freddy had made it his life’s mission to ruin him every chance he got.And that made him public enemy number one.It didn’t surprise Gerald that Freddy had been made MC of the party. The guy was energetic, funny, charismatic, and undeniably entertaining. He had the crowd wrapped around his finger like some hyped-up ringmaster, orchestrating laughter at anyone’s expense— but especially Gerald’s.“Ladies a
Chapter 7
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
Chapter 6
After everything that went down at Crimson & Crown, Gerald didn’t have the time, or luxury to revel in his win. He spent the rest of the day being advised, measured, and prodded for a perfect wardrobe fitting.Steph was exceptional at her job, and while shopping was not something he had interest in, he enjoyed the attention and respect he got during the entire process.After that, he'd signed the documents making him the new owner of the most prestigious luxury clothing brand in the country.Uncle Sam called not long after to offer his congratulations, although it came wrapped in a reminder that the family was still in desperate need of his help. But right now, none of that mattered. He was planning to have the most relaxing night he'd had in a very long time. The VC's birthday party was the perfect occasion.Gerald barely had enough time to dash home, take a quick shower, and throw on something clean. He wasn't one given to flashy appearances, so most of the clothes he'd gotten today
Chapter 5
“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
Chapter 4
The moment she heard the name “Gerald Arnold,” the tone of the bank receptionist changed completely.“I– I’m so sorry, sir,” she stuttered, her voice suddenly soft with deference. “Please hold on just a moment, I’ll transfer you to the President immediately.”She didn’t even wait for the answer to her second question before forwarding the call. Gerald blinked, then slowly broke into a grin. It was his first time being treated like someone important. The respect was almost… intoxicating.Seconds later, a man’s deep, composed voice came through the line.“Good day, Mr. Arnold. This is Marcus DeLorean, President of Aventos. It is an honor to finally speak with you.”Gerald was stunned for a moment. This man's tone didn't just sound like respect, there was something else… reverence, in the way he addressed Gerald. He could practically hear the man bowing on the other end of the line.“I’m calling to confirm something,” Gerald said slowly. “I was told my father, the late Henry Arnold, had
Chapter 3
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
Chapter 2
Gerald was left there lying in the grass. The crowd dispersed, people crossed over him, no one offered a hand. The laughter echoed in his ears like his own personal humiliation playlist.It wasn’t just the betrayal or the beating—it was the shame, the mockery, the way Susan had looked him in the eye and denied knowing him like he was some worthless stray.His friends—Terry and Juliet— soon came, harried and frantic. They pushed through the crowd, panicked and breathless, only to find their friend on the ground, bloodied and silent.“Gerald! Oh my God! Gerald, can you hear me?” Juliet cried out as she cradled his head.Gerald couldn't respond. His head was spinning, his vision blurry, his hearing distorted.Terry didn't waste time, he flagged down a cab and together, he and Juliet got him to the hospital. His wounds were cleaned and stitched, but still Gerald said nothing. He lay there staring blankly at the ceiling, his mind spiraling into a thousand places at once— but always returni
