2025-04-21 07:37:32Freddy 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 added with a devilish glance toward Gerald, “is how you gift a man of class. Not with something you find in a flea market.”
The crowd erupted with laughter. Amara cackled, tossing her curls over her shoulder and throwing a mocking wink Gerald’s way. Juliet stiffened but said nothing. She couldn’t believe what this party had turned into. She felt horrible for inviting Gerald now.
Gerald didn’t flinch. He reached calmly into his pocket and brought out a small, palm-sized box. It was sleek, black, and elegant. But of course its size instantly drew skeptical murmurs.
“That’s his gift?” Someone whispered loud enough for a few heads to turn.
“Probably a candy ring,” another voice chimed.
He walked forward, unbothered. “Professor Dalton,” he began, “I may not be as flashy as some of the others here tonight, but I tried to choose a gift from a place of thought and meaning. I learned you’re an antiquarian, sir, and I figured something in line with a passion of yours would resonate more with you.”
He opened the box.
Inside was a ring
“Now, this is not just any ring, but the Ring of the First Scribe.” The crowd leaned forward, squinting and puzzled.
“This is an original honorary ring issued by the Association of Antiquarians to Hall of Fame inductees. It’s called the Ring of the First Scribe, a one-only edition. Reserved for those who’ve uncovered keystone artifacts and made exceptional contributions to historical preservation.”
Silence blanketed the room. Most people didn’t understand what the ring meant, but the look on Professor Dalton’s face said enough. His eyes had widened, and he leaned forward in his chair, lips parted slightly. Juliet looked at her father in surprise, she’d never seen that expression from him.
“Where… did you get this?” Professor Dalton asked slowly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Gerald smiled. “A family friend. I asked for their advice on something that would mean a lot to you, and they sent this. I hope it’s acceptable.”
Before Gerald could take another step forward, a figure stepped out from the crowd, tall and broad-shouldered. It was Steven Wes. He was the son of James Wes, a very close friend of Professor Dalton. His father was supposed to attend the party but wasn't in the country, so he made sure Steven represented him and the family.
Mr. Dalton liked Steven and held him in high regard in his family. At six-foot-four and polished to perfection, he cut an intimidating figure as he extended his hand with a practiced grin.
“I’ll take that, Gerald,” he said coolly, retrieving the ring from the box.
Juliet’s face darkened. “Steven, what are you doing?”
Juliet knew the stuff that Steven was made of. At twenty-five, he was older than a good number of the young people here tonight and already had much bigger responsibilities—he was already running his father’s company—but Juliet knew it was all a facade; just because he was accomplished didn’t change the fact that he was a shallow, small-minded man.
Juliet had never liked him. Despite the fact that their families were so close to the point that their parents had been talking about marriage between them since they were teenagers. Steven was just an older version of Alex and Freddy, and whatever he was up to now couldn’t be good for Gerald.
“I think we all need some clarification,” Steven spoke up. “My father, as many of you know, is a distinguished member of the Institute of Antiquarians and Archaeologists, just as Professor Dalton is. I’ve grown up around artifacts; I know these things.”
The audience leaned in. Finally there was someone who could decode Gerald’s mysterious gift.
Steven held the ring up. “Let me be clear. The Ring of the First Scribe is not fictional. It’s an actual honor bestowed by the Antiquarian Association. But only one exists. And it was awarded to the Arnold family for their immense contributions to the field.”
He turned to the audience, smirking. “So unless Gerald here is secretly an Arnold, which would be the biggest twist in the history of fictional twists—” he paused dramatically as people chuckled, “—this ring is obviously a fake.”
The crowd broke into full-blown laughter now. Juliet's face flushed with anger.
“Fake,” Amara repeated, scoffing. “He probably got it online for twenty bucks.”
Steven continued, “There are plenty of knockoffs. Enthusiasts make them all the time. You can get one for as low as five hundred dollars. So while that is an impressive amount for Gerald to have spent on a gift, it’s more embarrassing than if he’d come empty-handed. You don’t show up to an elite party with knockoff honor rings, Gerald.”
He tossed the ring to the floor. And before anyone could react, he raised his foot and crunched down.
CRACK.
The tiny fragments scattered. The ring was destroyed.
A stunned silence fell over the room. Even Freddy looked unsure now.
Steven dusted his hands. “The real RFS is made from a unique alloy and it’s indestructible. I’ve seen it once myself. What I just stepped on? Pure plastic and cheap metal.”
Professor Dalton’s eyes hardened, lips pressed into a thin line. He didn’t say a word but it was obvious from his expression that Gerald had lost whatever shred of respect he ever had for him. Gerald stared at the shattered remains of the ring, fury bubbling under his calm expression.
But he didn’t speak.
He clenched his fists, turned and walked out.
Juliet stood up immediately and followed him.
Steven shook his head as everyone watched them both leave.
“Well I’m sorry for the solemn atmosphere everyone. Now I believe I have the perfect gift to take our minds off this embarrassing incident.”
He motioned for someone and they wheeled in a stand containing an exotic looking vase.
“Professor Dalton this is a very precious artifact from the era I know you favour.”
Professor Dalton’s face was in awe again.
Steven chuckled. “From that expression, I need not explain the great importance of this piece.”
“Steven, that’s the vase of Allora, it’s at least 200,000 dollars…” Professor Dalton whispered.
“You’re worth far more than that to us Professor.”
The crowd was wild, whooping, thundering applause and screams of delight from the ladies. Amara’s had to be the wildest. On the spot she’d decided that Steven was a much better catch than Freddy. An already made man. That was the perfect man for her. And she didn’t care if he was interested in Juliet, she knew how to play her cards. Steven would be hers.
As they all continued to make merry, Juliet caught up with Gerald in the garden. He stood with his hands clenched, jaw tight.
“I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “Steven had no right. That was humiliating.”
Gerald looked at her, then glanced toward the sky, his Adam's apple bobbing as he worked to keep his anger in check for Juliet.. “He’ll pay for what he did Juliet. Freddy, too. And Amara. They’ve made their move. I’ll definitely make mine.”
Juliet blinked, searching his face. “What’s going on with you G? There’s something different with you. You never talk like this…”
He didn’t answer. He simply gave her a quiet smile and walked off.
Back inside, Mr. Dalton had recovered. He shook his head and muttered to one of the servants, “Gather what’s left of that knockoff ring and throw it out.”
The servant nodded and stepped outside with the fragments in hand. Just as he exited the hall, a tall man in a navy-blue suit with sharp eyes and a scholarly air stopped him.
“Wait,” the man said. “Let me see that.”
The servant hesitated. “Sir?”
The man pulled out a leather-bound ID.
Vice Chairman—Institute of Antiquarians and Archaeologists.
“I’ll be taking those fragments. I’d like to examine them myself.”
The servant, instantly intimidated and not wanting any trouble, handed them over without another word. The man inspected the pieces with care, then slipped them into a velvet pouch, nodding to himself.
He looked toward the direction Gerald had gone, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
As the crowd inside cheered Steven’s $200,000 artifact gift and toasted to his “sophistication,” everyone completely forgot about Gerald’s gift.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
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
The Super-rich Gerald Arnold 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
The Super-rich Gerald Arnold 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
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
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
