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THE REJECTED GENIUS 20
Chapter 20The aftermath was chaos. All the students stormed into the ring, chanting my name and for a moment I felt like I was never an outsider. Like I actually belonged. My eyes darted towards Nathan and I could see the look on his face. Defeated and humiliated. Reporters stormed the gym like flies to honey, shoving mics and cameras in my face. Students pushed forward, half of them too stunned to speak, the other half suddenly claiming they always believed in me.“I knew he’d do it!”“Bro came out of nowhere!”“He wrecked Nathan!”“ I thought he was going to stay down.” “ Do you even believe Adrian Hates can fight all this while?” “ Is he hiding his true talent as a fighter?” ‘ I can't believe Sophia is so dumb to have dropped someone like Hayes for Nathan.” I could hear their speculations and for once I felt happy. I wasn't only stealing the spotlight but I was gradually becoming an equal with Nathan. Funny how quickly people switch sides when you’re winning.Park was still
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Chapter 21 “ We have to get out of here!” I shouted into Park’s ears. The music was loud, so I had to raise my voice. “ What do you say, Mr Hayes?” Park replied, plunging his alcoholic breath into my ears. “Oh god! You are wasted, aren't you?” I said back, looking at him in his drunken state. My eyes flashed back towards the exit, and no one was there. Not Nathan and definitely not the face of the guy I had seen. Or was I hallucinating? “ This is your victory, your night, Adrian Hayes. Why don't you relax and have some fun?” Park shouted again. “ Can I get some water? I looked at the bartender who grabbed me a bottle of water. “ Here, drink this.” I grabbed Park's hand and gave him the bottle. “ Drink that now!” I shouted again. “ Are you serious?” Park looked at me. I gave him a look that meant I meant every word coming out of my mouth, and he immediately flipped the lid. He gulped down the liquid content, and soon he was staring at me. “ You said what?” Park asked after
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Chapter 22I looked at Park, and I saw he had a serious look on his face. He was standing aside without any look that seemed like he was going to help. The first guy swung his club at me, but I dodged it just in time. I counterattacked with a punch, aiming straight for his jaw.The fight was on, and I was determined to give it my all. I was fighting for my life, and I wasn't going to back down.But as I exchanged blows with the guys, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Park had set me up. Why had he brought me here? What was his motive?I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the fight. I had to survive this, no matter what.The guys were relentless, but I was determined to take them down. I fought with every ounce of strength I had, my fists flying as I tried to protect myself.And then, I saw him. Jack. Standing in the shadows, watching me with a cold, calculating gaze.My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met. This was it. This was the moment I had been waiting for. But the f
THE REJECTED GENIUS 23
Chapter 23 Jack's smirk widened as he cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders. “You sure you want to do this again?” he asked, casually brushing dust off his sleeves. “You can barely stand, Adrian. Or should I say, Mr Hayes?” He taunted, and his minions laughed. I knew he had heard Park call me Hayes a few times. “I said”, I winced, taking one shaky step forward, “We’re not done.”Park stayed silent now, his expression unreadable. His phone was still raised, but I knew he wasn’t filming. He was watching me. Judging. Maybe even hoping.Jack charged without warning.I sidestepped, narrowly avoiding his fist, and landed a quick jab to his ribs. It didn’t do much — not with the way he grinned right after — but it was a hit, and it counted.This wasn’t just brute force anymore. This was chess. Speed over strength. Mind over muscle.Jack came again, faster this time, and I blocked his punch, barely keeping my balance. Pain shot through my arm, but I stayed up. My knuckles were bleeding
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Chapter 24“ You are recuperating very well, and your fighting skills have improved greatly. I am shocked to see that you have it in you. You are just like him.” Leo said, smiling. He coughed severely, making me a bit worried. “ Are you alright?” I asked, staring at his face. “ I am fine, Mr Hayes. I just need to keep up with doctor's appointments.” Leo replied, meeting my gaze. “ Should I be worried?” I looked at him and stopped. Leo's expression turned serious, and he looked away for a moment before responding. "No, Mr Hayes. You shouldn't be worried. It's just a routine check-up. Nothing to concern yourself with."I studied his face, trying to read between the lines. There was something in his tone that didn't quite add up. "You're not telling me something, are you?" I asked, my eyes narrowing slightly.Leo's gaze snapped back to mine, and he smiled weakly. "I'm justbeing cautious, Mr Hayes. That's all. Don't worry about it."I wasn't convinced, but I let it drop for now. "So,
THE REJECTED GENIUS 25
Chapter 25 As I stepped my feet on the school ground, a lot of eyes were fixed on me. I was not some ordinary student anymore. I was now the face of the school. “ Did you see the video clip that is going viral?” “ The one that Adrian Hayes knocked some sense into Jack's head? Of course, I saw it.” “ I was surprised. How come Adrian has been behaving like a dummy all this while? Has he been laying low for a day like this?”“ I was surprised when I saw the video of him beating the crap out of Jack. I am sure Nathan is going to be wary of him now.” “ If by the word weary, you mean ‘sacred', then I am one hundred percent with you on that.” As I walked, I could hear the whispering, and gosh, it felt so good. I loved that I was gaining ground, that I was no longer someone to be brushed aside like I didn't matter. Even the name Hayes meant little to them. I needed to show more accomplishment, and then the name would shine. My gaze caught a signpost not too far from the school's groun
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Chapter 26My phone rang, and I immediately picked it up. “ Do you like what you see?” The voice said with a smile plastered across his face. One I couldn't see, of course. I knew the voice, and I immediately burst into laughter. “ Leo, when did you plan all of this?” I said, looking at Park, who wondered who I was speaking with. “ When you decide to attack your enemies, you go ahead and show them you are not a rival to be taken lightly. You show them you are way above their league.” Leo replied, coughing slightly. “ You need to be checked up,” I said again, getting bothered by his coughs. “ Don't worry, Master Hayes. It is just a sign of old age. I will be good in no time.” “ Fine. But don't make me worry over you. I've got a lot I need to deal with at the moment.” I said sharply, feeling more like an elite. In actual truth, I have been feeling more like I was born rich ever since I knew who I really was. The feeling of not having to bother about the clothes you need to put on,
THE REJECTED GENIUS 27
Chapter 27The silence that followed the Dean’s collapse was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was like time froze, the world paused, and all you could hear was the thump of the Dean’s body hitting the ground and the collective gasp of everyone around. Damien charged towards us. I could see him fuming angrily, and I knew he was coming straight at Park. I stood in the middle before he got to us, and then without minding, his blow connected to my jaw. The students gasped again, making me stagger backward. “ This is going to be a great show.” One of the students murmured.“Dean!” a female student screamed, her voice cracking through the tension like lightning. Without being told, I knew we were in a mess, but first I needed to calm Damien down.As much as the blow hurt, I knew I could not claim to be in the right spot. Park was my guard, and he was just trying to protect me, but then it was now a messy show. “ I am going to make sure you are expelled, Park. If anything happen
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Chapter 46“ Did she give you anything?” Park asked, staring at me. “ Yes, she did make me an offer. She gave me a tape I didn't bother to check.” I said truthfully. “ Where is it?” Park asked “ Back home but first I need to be sure Jessica is with me on this.” “ And Zee, is she cool with whatever you are doing? I mean, you are going against Nathan not to mention the fact that you just caught Tessa red-handed. What are you going to do about the video?” Park asked I needed to think that the video shouldn't get into the wrong hands, and also I needed to show Tessa's father. “ What about showing it to Clinton? I am sure all will be forgiven.” I said assuringly “ And what if he doesn't believe you?” Park asked I pause, “ you mean he won't believe what is right in front of him? Don't make me laugh.” “ Touche! Videos can be edited, Adrian. What if Nathan claims you have something to do with it? What are you going to do then?” There was a long pause between the both of us. If I was n
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Chapter 45“ What do you want?” I asked, staring at Tessa coldly. “ You won't talk to me or defend me when I need you, but then you want to talk to me now?” “ Can we talk?” Tessa said gently, walking closer to me. I kept my distance, and she immediately stopped. “ I know I messed up, but can you give me time to fix this?” Tessa begged. “ Time? Time to fix what exactly, Tessa? The fact that you made me a rapist or the fact that your father had to slap me. I thought you were different. I can't even believe it…” I squeezed my hands trying to control the rage I was feeling. “ I should have defended you; I should have spoken up. I was shocked. I thought…” Tessa paused trying to blackmail me emotionally. “ What are you doing?” I said I found her acting weird. “ Don't even think of it. You did this on purpose. Nathan was going to rape you, and I stepped in. I stopped it. I expect more gratitude than what I got.” I said angrily.“ Then let me fix it. I can tell my father what really happe
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Chapter 44The morning sun flutters through the curtain. I stirred lazily on the bed. I remembered what happened and immediately signed towards my cell phone.The call rang for a few minutes before one of the guards picked it up. “ Where the hell are you? Did you not hear that I called?” I barked. “ Tell me Leo is alright?” I asked. My heart slammed hard against my chest.The line remained static and then I heard him. His croaky gentle voice. “ Ain't you supposed to be at school, Mr Hayes?” Leonard said from the end of the phone.I sigh, a wave of relief washing over me. “ I needed to make sure you were safe. Do I need to come down to the hospital?” I said immediately hitting the shower.“ Of course not, I believe the men here are more than capable of their duties. Get to school and study.” Leo replied. I was about to hang up the call when I remembered what Leonard said the other night. I decided to ask him. “ What do you mean by what you said the other night?”“ What I said? What did
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Chapter 43I still don't understand what Leo meant by what he said. I don't have any enemies. Nathan was the only one who I had my eyes on, and I was going to make him pay for what he did. But what did Leo mean by what he said? I got outside the hospital with a look of anxiety clearly visible to me. “ Are you alright?” Park asked. “ Is Leo good too?” I wasn't myself. I nodded and took a seat. My mind replays what happened earlier. “ We need to be alert now. I don't know what my father had gotten himself into, but I think they might be coming for me.” “ Who? Is there something you are not telling me?” Park asked, his gaze landing on me. “ I don't know, buddy. I think Leo is not showing all the chess boards to me. I believe he is hiding something.” I replied. “ Well, we have time to prepare for whatever is coming, and you, my friend, need to stay focused,” Park said, hitting my chest with his hands. His phone rang, making me wonder who was talking to him. “ I will be back,” Park s
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Chapter 42It was taking forever, I looked at Park who was fast asleep. He was looking tired so I decided not to wake him. I have a lot I wanted to ask Leo, a lot to tell him and probably ask him if it was a good idea to fall in love with Zee. I watched and was surprised to see so many of the doctors busy with one patient or the other. I marveled at the work they did and wondered if I could ever find myself working as a doctor to save lives. The fluorescent hummed each time I paced up and down. I have never prayed for anything in my entire life. I don't believe in the existence of God.But tonight, I prayed. Clenching my hands in a prayer mode. I knelt down on the tiles and closed my eyes. I said just one word which I believe God was going to listen to. “ Oh God heal him. I know I don't believe in you but please.” I said, opening my eyes at the loud noise I heard coming from the theatre room. I saw one of the nurses coming out. “ Talk to me. Is he alright?” I asked anxiously. Par
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Chapter 41 I got home feeling tired and worn out. I met most of the staff busy with their duties when I noticed Leo was nowhere to be found. My footsteps echoed gently as I walked towards the last room in the building. Leonard liked being alone after working late into the night. I remember he had asked me to come down to the organization to meet a few staff members, but he suddenly stopped talking about it. I wondered if everything was fine with him, but as I got closer to his room, I could hear his shallow breathing. “ Leo?” I called out slowly. The room was dark, so I tried to find the switch. The light illuminated the dark room, and I met Leo unconsciously lying on the bed with his eyes shut. “ Leo!” I shouted, rushing to the bed. I yanked his body a few times, but then I saw blood sputtering out of his mouth. I yelled for help while most of the guards rushed into the room. “ Call me an ambulance! Call me 911!” I yelled, grabbing Leo. I don't know where I got the adrenaline
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Chapter 40The words hit me like tidal waves and I couldn't believe I was falling for Zee. It was just a strategy. Something to keep me distracted. I looked at the tape Jessica gave to me and wondered if it was the real stuff.I haven't checked it for quite some time now but I need to know if it was what I needed. I tossed it into my drawer with the thought of looking it up when I came back.My mind drifted back to Leo’s question for a moment.Did I like Zee?It sounded absurd when said aloud, but I couldn't shake off the lingering feeling that clung to me like a second skin. Maybe it wasn’t love. Maybe it was just the thrill—the temptation of being wanted, especially after how much rejection I had tasted lately.I adjusted my shirt collar in the mirror, trying not to overthink it. Tonight wasn’t about love. It was about strategy. About winning back my dignity and making Tessa see what she had thrown away.It was about control.Grabbing my car keys off the table, I gave Leo a wink. “D
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Chapter 39I lay back on my bed, staring at the ceiling. I had tried calling Tessa a few times, but she was not picking up. I knew I had created a bad impression of myself. It was obvious the Davenports hated me by now, but I needed to create another chance for myself.Another opportunity to redeem myself. I remember Mr. Clinton had talked about sponsoring a group of students at the university. If I could help him with the sponsor, then I knew it was a start.I looked at the video I was holding, and I knew it could change a lot of things for me. But first I was going to make a fool out of Nathan and Tessa; I was going to make her jealous, and she would wish she would come back to me.First, I need to make my move. I got up from the bed, entered into the bathroom, and had a clean shave. I was going to call Zee and take her out for dinner.That was a brilliant plan. I didn't even care if it was reckless or if I wasn't thinking it through. I needed to show Tessa it was all about the cont
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Chapter 38“ And what is this that you are trying to do?” Nathan snapped at me, stopping me halfway.“ Back off. You know by now that Sophia is mine!” Nathan said angrily. I let out a laugh that made many of the students wonder if I was going nuts.“ Really? Why don't you tell the whole students how you tried to have Tessa raped and how you have been double dating. I guess Sophia is a fool if she decides to stick with someone like you.”Sophia looked at Nathan, “ I saw what happened. One thing is certain, Adrian would never try to have anyone raped. He has never done it when we were together and I don't think he is going to try now.”“Oh really, I can see that you are now defending the idiot.” Nathan scowled at her. “ Why don't you go back to being his girlfriend? You both are going to make a fine couple.” Nathan jested.“ Did he hurt you?” I asked, staring at her neck. I could see that her neck was bruised the minute Nathan tried to hold my hands. “ Can you leave? I am going to come
