THE SECRET BEHIND THE NERDY MAN

4

The hotel ballroom glittered beneath the crystal chandeliers. The clinking of glasses blended with the soft hum of the orchestra, while elegant gowns and tailored suits swept gracefully around the circular tables. That night, everyone strove to project their best image—wealthy, powerful, untouchable.

Kai stood beside his father, Leonard Winslow. The black tuxedo fit him so perfectly that he hardly recognized himself when he’d looked in the mirror earlier. A pair of unfamiliar eyes had stared back—sharper, more mature, but still holding something he couldn’t quite name.

“I feel like someone else,” Kai murmured under his breath.

Leonard glanced at him, then patted his shoulder. “You only look like the man you were meant to be.”

Kai didn’t answer. Deep down, he still clung to their agreement—he wouldn’t rush into becoming an heir. He still wanted to live an ordinary life, even if it hurt.

But that night, fate had other plans.

The moment they entered the ballroom, heads turned. Several guests whispered among themselves, trying to guess the identity of the young man at Leonard’s side.

“Is that… Leonard Winslow’s son?”

“This is the first time I’ve seen him. They say he’s been hidden away.”

“Hmm… an interesting face. But too reserved. He doesn’t seem like someone who enjoys the spotlight.”

The murmurs slipped into Kai’s ears, making him slightly uneasy. Still, he straightened his posture, matching his father’s steady stride.

He was just about to exhale in relief when his gaze collided with a pair of familiar eyes.

Catherine.

Her deep navy gown made her look untouchably elegant. At her side stood a man, tall and sharp-eyed—Zac.

Something stirred in Kai’s chest. He thought he’d prepared himself for the day he’d see Catherine again, but the wound was still raw.

His steps faltered, leaving him behind while his father moved forward to greet acquaintances.

Catherine narrowed her eyes, then smirked. “Kai?”

Kai straightened. “Catherine.”

Zac gave him a quick once-over before chuckling. “So this is him? The pathetic college boy who made a spectacle of himself on campus and online? What’s he doing here? Who brought you in?”

A few nearby guests glanced their way curiously. Catherine’s cold smile widened, clearly savoring the moment. “Honestly, Kai, I almost didn’t recognize you in that suit. But still… expensive clothes can’t hide the fact that you’re a loser.”

Kai clenched his fists but restrained himself. He met their eyes with a steady, cold gaze. “How amusing. One insult wasn’t enough?”

Zac stepped half a pace closer, lowering his voice. “You need to know your place, Kai. This world isn’t built for people like you. Whoever you leeched off just to get a fancy meal tonight, I hope you know how to behave. Don’t cause trouble, alright?”

Kai held his stare, unwavering. “If this world only belongs to people like you, then clearly the world has chosen wrong.”

Before Catherine could snap back, Kai raised a hand to cut the conversation short. He turned and walked away, leaving Catherine and Zac smirking behind him.

Kai rejoined his father, watching guests mingling, shaking hands, and exchanging business and political chatter. He tried to blend in, listening more than speaking. Yet his mind remained trapped in Catherine’s gaze and Zac’s words.

He needed air. Heading toward the restroom, he froze when he heard a voice from behind a door left slightly ajar.

Zac.

Kai held his breath.

“Yes, everything’s going according to plan,” Zac’s voice was clear. “Dean thinks he’s in control. Let him. All I need is time before everything falls into my hands. Catherine? Ha—she’s just a pawn. She doesn’t even know a thing.”

Kai’s fists tightened, nails digging into his palms. The words cut deeper than Catherine’s insults. So it was true. She was nothing more than a puppet.

“Yes. Tonight is crucial. Once the announcement is made, I can push further in. Dean? Don’t worry—he’ll fall sooner or later. I’ll make sure of it.”

Kai swallowed hard, then slowly stepped back, careful not to make a sound.

---

Minutes later, Kai returned to his father’s side. Leonard was speaking with several investors, his face calm and commanding. When he noticed Kai, he offered a faint smile.

“You alright?” Leonard asked.

Kai nodded, though his chest still felt heavy. “I’m fine.”

The orchestra faded. The host stepped onto the stage, tapping the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. Leonard Winslow for his remarks.”

Applause thundered. Leonard walked to the stage with measured confidence, while Kai remained below, watching him with both pride and unease.

Leonard began his speech—about the importance of charity, about the Winslow family’s commitment to society, about how business was not only profit but responsibility.

Kai allowed himself a small smile. That was his father—stern at home, yet wise in public.

But suddenly, Leonard paused. He turned toward Kai, his gaze firm.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” his voice boomed, “tonight I wish to introduce someone. My son, Kai Winslow.”

Kai froze.

“I know many of you have wondered who will succeed my family. The answer is here tonight. Kai may still be young, but he is the future of Winslow Corporation.”

The ballroom erupted into murmurs.

“Leonard’s son?”

“He’s the heir?”

“He just appeared, and he’s already the successor?”

Kai’s eyes widened at his father. This wasn’t part of their agreement.

Leonard continued, “Of course, not now. He still has much to learn, much to discover about himself. But one thing is certain—Kai is my blood. And one day, he will stand here in my place.”

Applause filled the hall. A spotlight beamed down on Kai, leaving him exposed under every gaze.

But before he could process it, something went wrong.

Leonard suddenly staggered, clutching his chest. His face turned pale, his breath ragged.

“Dad?!” Kai rushed toward the stage.

Chaos erupted. Guests shouted, some screaming for a doctor.

Leonard dropped to his knees, then collapsed to the floor.

Kai knelt beside him, shaking his shoulder. “Dad! Stay with me!”

Leonard forced his eyes open, locking onto his son’s. His lips moved, barely audible. “…Kai… don’t… back down…”

And with that, his body went limp.

The chandeliers sparkled overhead, the music cut out, and the entire ballroom fell into a stunned silence.

Kai could only stare at his father, his heart pounding. A night meant for celebration… had become a nightmare.