THE SECRET BEHIND THE NERDY MAN

5

The harsh hospital lights stung his eyes. The white floor gleamed, and the sharp smell of antiseptic filled the air. Kai walked quickly, almost running, chasing the gurney that carried his father’s body. The squeak of wheels mixed with the frantic shouts of nurses.

“Dad!” Kai cried, his voice breaking. His hand managed to grasp Leonard’s arm for a fleeting moment before the emergency room doors slammed shut.

“Please wait outside.” The doctor’s voice was firm, and then the doors closed completely.

Kai froze, his breath ragged, his hands trembling. The world felt as if it had collapsed. Just minutes ago, his father had been standing tall on stage, speaking with a commanding voice. Now…

Kai dug his fingers into his hair. Was this my fault? If I had fought harder against that announcement… would he still have collapsed like this?

“Oh my God, Kai?”

The voice snapped him back. He turned. Catherine stood at the end of the hallway, her dark blue gown striking against the stark white walls. Beside her was Zac—still wearing that arrogant stare.

Kai scoffed, lowering his head. “What are you doing here?”

Catherine crossed her arms. “Leonard Winslow is a public figure, Kai. The entire ballroom panicked. Reporters are already crowding the parking lot. Of course we ended up here too.”

Zac added with a thin smile, “Besides, Catherine needed to be sure… Well, if your father doesn’t make it, the business world will change drastically. We all want to know, don’t we?”

Kai’s jaw tightened, his glare sharp. “You talk as if you’re hoping he dies.”

Zac chuckled lightly. “I’m just being realistic.”

Catherine lowered her gaze slightly, her expression unreadable. But Kai didn’t have time to respond further.

The elevator doors opened. Several people rushed out in urgent strides. A silver-haired man in an elegant gray suit, face lined with authority. Kai recognized him instantly: his uncle, Richard Winslow, Leonard’s younger brother.

“Kai.” Richard’s eyes swept him up and down. “So this is you, the son Leonard’s been hiding all this time?”

Kai stayed silent, standing tall.

Richard smirked. “How amusing. After all these years I’ve served this family, it turns out there’s an heir who suddenly appears out of nowhere.”

Behind him came more faces—extended relatives, unfamiliar cousins, and a handful of lawyers. The hallway’s air turned icy.

Catherine whispered to Zac, loud enough for Kai to hear, “So it’s true. He… is the heir.”

Kai ground his teeth.

“Anyway,” Richard went on, deliberately raising his voice, “we must be prepared. Leonard may not come out of that room the same man he was.” He turned toward Kai. “And if he doesn’t, the company will need a leader. Are you ready for that, boy?”

Kai swallowed hard. “I’m not talking about that right now. My father is still fighting.”

Richard scoffed. “Such a naive answer. Just like the rumors I’ve heard. Leonard must be insane if he thinks you can lead.”

Kai forced himself not to snap back. He knew—here, every word could be twisted against him.

Then, a young man stepped forward. About Kai’s height, with a charming smile and polished manners. “Uncle, maybe this isn’t the right time. We should wait for the doctor’s update first.”

Kai turned to him. That face… not unfamiliar. Dean Winslow. The cousin everyone praised to the skies.

“Dean,” Richard nodded with approval. “As always, wiser than the rest.”

Dean glanced at Kai, smiling politely. “Kai, we finally meet. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Kai returned the gesture with a brief nod, holding back. That smile is too perfect. Too polished. As if he truly cared.

Moments later, the ER doors swung open. A doctor emerged, his face tense. Everyone pressed forward. The hallway fell silent.

“How is my father?” Kai asked at once.

The doctor looked at him. “We managed to stabilize Mr. Leonard for now. But his condition is critical. We’ll need the family’s consent for several urgent procedures.”

Kai exhaled in relief, though his chest remained heavy. At least he’s alive.

Richard immediately stepped up. “I’m his brother. Handle the paperwork with me.”

“No.” Kai’s eyes locked firmly on the doctor. “I’m his son. I’ll sign.”

The air thickened. All eyes turned to Kai.

Richard clicked his tongue. “You show up only today and dare push me aside?”

Dean stepped in, tone gentle but cutting. “Calm down, Uncle. Kai is his son. But Kai, do you even understand the consequences of every medical decision? This isn’t just about a signature.”

Kai looked between them, then drew a deep breath. “I don’t know all the details. But I know one thing—my father trusted me. And I won’t let anyone else decide his life.”

The doctor gave a small nod. “Very well. Please follow me to the private office for the paperwork.”

Kai walked forward, leaving Richard’s and Dean’s sharp gazes burning behind him.

---

Hours later, Kai sat in the waiting room. His eyes stung with exhaustion, his head pounding. Catherine and Zac had vanished. But the extended Winslow family still lingered, some already whispering about business.

Kai caught fragments:
“If Leonard dies, the shares must be transferred immediately.”
“The boy is too green. The board won’t accept him.”
“Maybe Dean is the better fit.”

He shut his eyes, trying to steady himself. But his mind replayed Zac’s voice in the ballroom restroom. Dean thinks he’s in control. Sooner or later, he’ll fall too.

What did that mean? How was Zac connected to Dean?

Footsteps approached. Dean sat beside him, that calm smile never leaving. “You must be exhausted, Kai. This situation is unbearable for you.”

Kai glanced at him briefly but said nothing.

Dean’s voice softened, almost warm. “I know many doubt you. But don’t mistake me. I’m on your side. If you need help facing the family, I’ll stand with you.”

Kai studied him longer this time. That smile—it was too sincere. Too perfect.

Before he could respond, a hospital staffer hurried over. “Mr. Kai Winslow?”

Kai rose. “Yes.”

The man bowed slightly. “The company’s board of directors is waiting for you. They’ve called an emergency meeting upstairs. Right now.”

Kai froze. “What? Now?”

“Yes, sir. They said it’s urgent—regarding the company’s future.”