Novels by Gabriel Wanen

Alex stepped out of the sleek black cab right in front of the towering glass skyscraper of P.K. Corporation. The morning sun bounced off the huge metal sign near the entrance, casting a bright, expensive glow over the whole street. He adjusted the collar of his crisp gray shirt, took a steady breath, and walked straight through the revolving glass doors like he owned the entire block.Yesterday, the security guards had tried to block him and Charles had laughed right in his face. Today, things were totally different.The moment the front desk receptionist spotted him walking in, she stood up straight and gave him a polite, nervous bow. She had clearly been briefed by Jane or Alfred about the new management arrival. Alex just nodded back coolly, keeping his hands relaxed in his pockets as he headed straight for the private executive elevators.When the silver doors slid open on the upper management floor, the quiet hum of busy workers hit his ears. People in sharp suits were rushing ba

Alex didn't blink when Peter ripped that expensive cheque right down the middle. He just stood there, keeping his face totally calm, while the banker stood across the counter wearing a smug, arrogant grin like he had just won the lottery.“Well, look at you, Mr. Big Shot,” Peter laughed loudly, tossing the shredded paper into the trash bin beneath his desk. “Did you really think a bum like you could walk in here with a million-dollar payout? Do us all a favor and go back to dropping off packages where you belong. You're embarrassing yourself.”Jessica giggled behind her computer screen, shaking her head as she watched the whole thing. “Honestly, Peter, what did you expect? People like him will do anything just to catch some attention.”The other customers in the lobby started whispering and pointing, casting cold, judgmental glances at Alex. But none of it fazed him. Underneath his calm exterior, a cold storm was brewing. He wasn't mad, he was just watching a fool dig his own grave.“

Alex peered closer at the paperwork, doing his absolute best to ignore the secretary glaring at him like he was some kind of disgusting bug crawling across her desk.He brushed it off. He was supposed to keep his cover low-key anyway. Scanning down the options, he noticed several listings marked with distinct stars.He looked up at the secretary, and she immediately whipped her head away to pretend she wasn't staring.“What's up with the stars” he began, though he really didn't feel like pulling teeth to get an answer.“Those mean the position is already filled,” she blurted out, spinning back around with a fake, stiff grin. “Can I get you some coffee or tea?”Alex ignored her completely, watching her shoulders go rigid with frustration.“I'll take the manager spot,” he stated calmly, dropping the file right onto her desk and locking eyes with her.“Hold on a second,” she frowned, her face darkening. “You literally just saw that job is taken.”“Yeah, I did. I asked you about it,” he r

Benjamin burst out laughing. “He’s got some real nerve, and I honestly respect that!” he praised.“He’s totally bluffing!” Emma snapped back. “Fine, you asked for it. Go on then, prove you aren't just some broke bum looking for a free meal.”Alex’s grin just got wider. He was Hercules, after all, and he knew exactly what he was doing.Flashing them a confident smile that showed off his teeth, he felt completely secure in his plan. He had already locked down the details with Alfred the day before.He knew Alfred would let him work wherever he wanted for as long as he felt like staying. After all, Alfred answered to him.Turning his back on Nkiru’s parents, Alex walked further into the massive house.He knew he couldn't head back to his own apartment tonight, which meant crashing right here. He didn’t actually know where Nkiru’s bedroom was located, so he relied purely on his gut instinct and bits of gossip he'd overheard from the housemaids earlier.He stopped outside a heavy wooden do

He took a step back and gave a nod. “I'll just grab a cab,” he told him.Alfred gave a quick nod of understanding. “I'll see you soon, right?”“For sure,” Alex smiled. “I actually just lost my gig, so I need a fresh start. Your company would honestly be the perfect cover to keep a low profile.”“Awesome,” Alfred said. “Roll up to P.K. Corporation tomorrow. I'll make sure we carve out a solid spot for you.”“Appreciate it, I'm heading out,” Alex said.“Hang on a second,” Alfred reached inside his car and pulled out a sleek bottle. “Take this. It's Diva Vodka, runs about a million bucks. Figured you should bring a nice housewarming gift since you're meeting the family for the first time.”Alex took the bottle carefully, treating it like it was made of thin glass. He looked back up at Alfred. “Man, thank you so much.”Alfred shot him a wide grin. “Anytime, Hercules.”He flagged down a cab and took off even before Alfred pulled away. His palms instantly started sweating the second he bega

“You do not talk to Hercules in that tone!” Mr. Kane snapped right away.Alex let out a quiet chuckle, glancing up at Gregory for a second. “I like your guts. It makes sense why you're a boss, but you need to accept reality. I am Hercules, and I'm here to take my throne back.”Gregory laughed. “Are you for real? You’ve been gone forever!” he barked. “You can't just pop up one afternoon and expect to run the whole show.”“Fair enough,” Alex gave a quick nod. “I know I’ve been out of commission for a long time, but I'm back now, and I'm going to prove to everyone that I truly am Hercules.”Mr. Kane smiled. “That's what I wanted to hear.”Gregory suddenly snorted, locking Alex's gaze in place. He honestly hadn't expected the kid to just roll over and accept things.Gregory was famous for being stubborn. Besides, who would want a kid like this telling them what to do?Still, he had to figure out his next move.“Well, not in my book!” Gregory sneered. “I don't recognize you as my boss just