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THE REJECTED GENIUS 49
Chapter 49My head throbbed with pain each time I remembered the beating Jack and Nathan had dealt to us. Ren has been helping us train almost every day. We now wake up exactly at 5 am in the morning and run several miles. It was exhausting but yet, it needed to be done. Leo had promised to introduce me to some of my father's business associates and also the staff. I was anxious and I don't know if I was ready. The weight of the crown was weighing down so hard that I didn't know if I was ready. We were having a chat one afternoon when I popped the question that made everyone look at me.“ What if I am not ready, Leo?What if all of this is a mistake?” I asked, staring at his face. “ Then all of this is a waste of time and you would never know why your father had to leave the way he did. If you are going to do this Adrian, you need to be ready.” Leo said, coughing gently. “ Give me some water. Will you?” He ordered Park, who gently got up to grab the old man a glass cup of water. “
THE REJECTED GENIUS 1
Chapter 1: The NobodyAdrian's pov***************I knew I didn’t belong here.Northvale University wasn’t meant for people like me. It was a school for the rich, and the powerful—the children of CEOs, politicians, and old-money bags who didn’t have to study hard to have their place in the outside world. Meanwhile, I was just Adrian Hayes, a scholarship student who was barely making enough savings but feeding off scraps, invisible to most and a joke to the rest of the students. To them, I was nobody. Someone unworthy of their attention. I had learned not to attract any form of attention to myself, to stay in my lane. Where I wouldn’t attract any attention from the rich kids. But sometimes, no matter how much you try to stay invisible, life has a way of throwing you into the spotlight.And tonight? Tonight was one of those nights.The big hall of Northvale’s ballroom was decorated with shining chandeliers, a place of riches and excess. It was Sophia Lancaster’s birthday—a lavish aff
THE REJECTED GENIUS 2
Chapter 2 : The Breaking PointI didn’t sleep that night.How could I?Not after what happened to me. I was miserable, that feeling of being ridiculed. I felt lesser than I had already felt for myself. Every time I closed my eyes, I heard laughter. I saw Sophia’s face, twisted with amusement, as if my feelings—my existence—were nothing but a joke to her. I had spent years believing she was different. That she saw me, understood me. But she had just been like the rest of them.I stared at the cracked ceiling of my dorm room, the cheap fan humming above me. Unlike most students at Northvale University, I didn’t have a luxury penthouse or a private suite. My scholarship covered tuition, but everything else? That was on me. A single bed, a wobbly desk, and a closet that barely fit my thrift-store clothes.I let out a slow breath, forcing myself to sit up. My stomach made a funny sound telling me I needed to feed. But I had skipped dinner last night. And breakfast? That wasn’t an opti
THE REJECTED GENIUS 3
Chapter 3: The Click That Changed EverythingMy fingers hovered over the screen, my pulse loudly rising in my ears.“Congratulations, Adrian Hayes. You are the rightful heir to the Hayes Conglomerate. Access your inheritance now?”I reread the words, my breathing was reggae and I could feel my skin burn up. Is this true?This had to be a joke.I had no rich relatives. No secret billionaire grandfather. The only Hayes I knew was my mother, who worked herself to the bone-cleaning hotel rooms just to make sure I could afford food.I looked up again, searching for the man in the suit.But he was gone. A chill ran down my spine. Was I being watched? Targeted? I clenched my phone tighter, my mind racing.This was a scam. It had to be.And yet…My thumb hovered over the YES button.I should ignore it. Delete the email. Walk away.But a voice in my head whispered, What do you have to lose?I was broke. Humiliated. Barely surviving in a world that didn’t want me.If this was real—even a tiny
THE REJECTED GENIUS 4
Chapter 4: A Glimpse of PowerI stepped outside Northvale University’s grand entrance, and I looked around to see a glimpse of a new world. Everything had changed in a matter of hours. I wasn't the broke, poverty-stricken boy I was anymore. I was something else now and I don't even know the title I could give to myself. Everything was happening so fast. The money. The assets. The power.And yet, no one knew.Not Nathan. Not Sophia. Not the students who had mocked me for years. But they will.My phone buzzed again.Unknown Number: "The car is ready. Location: West Gate."I inhaled sharply, my fingers tightening around the device.I had never been picked up from school before. While the other students showed off their chauffeurs and luxury cars, I had always walked to the nearest bus stop, trying to manage every dollar.But today?Today, I would leave like a king. The West Gate was the least crowded part of the school, reserved for VIP drop-offs and pick-ups.A sleek, black Rolls-Roy
THE REJECTED GENIUS 5
Chapter 5: Back to the Lions' DenThe next morning, I arrived at Northvale University differently.No more cheap hoodies and second-hand sneakers. No more avoiding the rich or avoiding eye contact.I stepped out of the sleek black Bentley dressed in a tailored suit—nothing too expensive, but enough to make the students talk and definitely enough to make people look twice.And they did.Students paused on-going conversation as they saw me walk into the school compound. Some stared outright, others whispered, confused.The school’s rich and elite students—the ones who had laughed at me, walked past me in hallways and treated me like I was nothing -- were suddenly interested in me. I smirked. I knew they were all surprised not to see me in my poverty-stricken clothes.I walked through the halls, with my head high. The shift was immediate. Where people once ignored me, they now made space. The same students who had mocked me just yesterday suddenly avoids eye contact, as if sensing som
THE REJECTED GENIUS 6
Chapter 6: A Seat at the TableThe next morning, I arrived at The Monarch Hotel—one of the most expensive hotels in the city. The kind of place where deals worth millions were made over breakfast.Leonard Whitmore had set up a private meeting with a group of influential investors—men and women who shaped industries, controlled markets, and, most importantly, dictated who they gave chances to.I wasn’t just here to flaunt my wealth.I was here to prove I belonged.The restaurant’s private lounge was luxurious—high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and an air of exclusivity that made ordinary people feel out of place. I looked around as my foot clinked against the marble floors. But I wasn’t ordinary anymore.Leonard was already seated when I arrived, speaking with three older men and a woman dressed in a power suit.When he saw me, he stood up immediately walking to meet me halfway across the room. “Ah, gentlemen, allow me to introduce the young man I mentioned—Adrian Hayes.”Their gazes
THE REJECTED GENIUS 7
Chapter 7: The Frenzy BeginsThe moment Tessa and I stepped onto the Northvale University campus together, the atmosphere shifted. It was subtle at first—a few stealing glances and whispered conversations—but within minutes, the school was buzzing. All the students were now trooping out of classes and departments to catch a glimpse of what was going on. Tessa Davenport, the golden girl of Northvale, was walking beside me. Not just walking—laughing, talking, looking completely at ease.I felt the unbelievable stare of all the students, and every hushed conversation as we made our way through the courtyard. It was exactly what I wanted.Whispers spread like wildfire."Tessa and… Adrian Hayes?""Is this a joke?"“ I can't believe Tessa will leave Nathan to date a fellow like Adrian. Did she believe he was rich?”"There’s no way she’s actually with him."People gawked as if they couldn’t believe what they were seeing. The scholarship nobody, the guy everyone used to push around, was now
Latest Chapter
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Chapter 49My head throbbed with pain each time I remembered the beating Jack and Nathan had dealt to us. Ren has been helping us train almost every day. We now wake up exactly at 5 am in the morning and run several miles. It was exhausting but yet, it needed to be done. Leo had promised to introduce me to some of my father's business associates and also the staff. I was anxious and I don't know if I was ready. The weight of the crown was weighing down so hard that I didn't know if I was ready. We were having a chat one afternoon when I popped the question that made everyone look at me.“ What if I am not ready, Leo?What if all of this is a mistake?” I asked, staring at his face. “ Then all of this is a waste of time and you would never know why your father had to leave the way he did. If you are going to do this Adrian, you need to be ready.” Leo said, coughing gently. “ Give me some water. Will you?” He ordered Park, who gently got up to grab the old man a glass cup of water. “
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Chapter 48“ Did Nathan do this to you?” Zee asked, staring at my bruises. I laughed it off and grabbed her hands mid-air. “ It doesn't matter, Zee. This is just a boys' fight. You don't need to worry yourself over things like this,” I said, smiling.“ What? You are my man and I won't have a boy beating your ass every time.” Zee said in anger. I looked at her face and burst into laughter. “ Is something funny?” Zee asked, staring at me like she had said something wrong.“ No.”“ Then what is it?” She asked, staring at me.“ I have never had anyone fight for me or even have the thought of doing so,” I said before looking up at her. “ You are the first person to tell me that.”Zee felt emotional and she grabbed my hands. “ Tell me something, Adrian.” She looked into my eyes. “ Do you love me?”That was a shocker right there. I was not expecting it. I remembered how we had met. “ I don't know what I'm feeling right now, Zee. Do you think what we feel for ourselves is love?”There was a m
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Chapter 47We got back home wincing in pain. Nathan and Jack with his minions had done a number on us. “ I have a date with Zee,” I said, taking a seat to nurse my injury.“ Looking like that?” Park said with laughter.“ Like what? I am not going to miss this for the world. I think I might be falling in love with her.” I said slowly looking at Park.“ Are you for real? Don't forget her sister isn't what you thought she was. What if Zee is also playing games with you? Are you sure you want to go down that way again?”There was a bit of silence.“ Life is all about risk, son.” A voice said from behind.We both turned to see Leo walking into the room with the aid of a stick. “ Leo! It is so good to have you back.” I said with a smile on my face.“ It is good to be back but we have a lot to sort out at the moment. You boys look like shit.” Leo said laughing. “ Who did you fight this time around?”“ Nathan and Jack jumped us,” Park said, looking at him. “ You're meant to protect him, Park.
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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
