The Novak's Heir Arises

5. One million

The pain of losing Adam didn't fade the next day.

With a heavy heart, Travis had his usual morning routine, only now he was in Keegan's house. Like Eva had said, everything he needed was in his room, even things he didn't think he'd need.

Afterwards, he sat on his bed and went through his old brand phone, which had a broken screen. There wasn't much to check. Just a few messages in his class group chat. The chat hadn't dissolved despite the class having graduated from high school.

He closed the group, uninterested. The next chat on his list was his cousin, who asked him when he was coming back. Adam's family. How could he forget about them? They probably weren't aware of Adam's death.

Travis closed her chat, not bothering to inform her about her uncle's death. They won't care. If anything, it was good news for them. His best friend hadn't messaged him yet.

Travis dropped his phone and sighed. Now what? On a normal day, he'd be on his way to work. He wondered if he'd ever need to continue his work. The Novaks could provide everything he needed. He shook his head. Only brats thought that way.

At the end, he decided to go out and get some fresh air first to clear his head and maybe numb his pain.

He nearly stumbled into Eva as he opened the bedroom door.

"Oh, sorry. I was about to call you for breakfast."

Travis followed her to the dining area.

His mouth fell open. All sorts of breakfast filled the dining table, including waffles, toast, pancakes, foods he had never seen, and even bowls of fruit. It was like a feast. His old life could never afford this.

Khloe was already seated, helping herself to some pancakes, butter and berries. Eva ushered him to sit.

"So... how are you feeling today?" asked Eva, worried.

Travis was still contemplating what to eat. "Um...better."

He decided to go with pancakes and honey.

"Good. Do you have any plans for today?" asked Eva. "I was wondering if you'd like to follow me to the mall today. It can help you clear your mind."

Travis thought for a moment before replying. "Sorry, I'd like to see a friend today."

"Oh...well, alright." She fidgeted with her fingers, pursing her lips. "How do you get around the city? Do you have a car?"

Travis nearly laughed. How can he afford a car? "No, I usually take a taxi."

Eva frowned and shook her head. "My son can't be taking a taxi. Khloe dear, please take him to the garage later. Let him choose any car of his choice."

"Okay, mum," replied Khloe.

Travis swallowed the food in his mouth before it dropped. "Car?"

Eva got up. "I need to leave now. Have fun. Oh, and I'll send you some pocket money later."

She left the dining room, leaving Travis confused. She didn't even collect his account number.

"Slow down. Your food is not running away." Khloe chided him.

Travis wiped his mouth in embarrassment. He didn't even realize he was eating fast.

"Get done with it quickly so I can show you the garage."

After Travis finished his breakfast, Khloe led him into the elevator in the nearby hallway.

As the elevator went down, Khloe said acidly, "You should have gone with mum to the mall. She was only trying to bond with you."

Travis frowned. "I have other plans."

Khloe rolled her eyes and said nothing afterwards. The elevator dinged and opened, revealing a wide underground space.

Travis stared wide-eyed. The garage housed cars and bikes of different brands and varieties. He spotted Rolls Royce, BMWs and other expensive models he didn't know existed. They looked so new that Travis wondered if they actually drove all the cars or whether it was just for show. Would he ever get used to this lifestyle?

"Pick one. I'd get you the key," Khloe said.

Travis scratched his hair. "Um...I don't have a driver's license."

Khloe stared at him blankly. "Seriously? At your age?"

"Life's been really tough. Besides..."

"Never mind. Can you ride a bike at least?"

Embarrassed, he nodded. He hasn't taken a driving test to save money for other things. He couldn't afford a car anyway, so he didn't see the point of getting a license.

"Alright, choose one." She gestured towards the bike section.

All the bikes were amazing. It was hard to choose. He opted for his dream bike at first—a Ducati Panigale—but then thought about the attention he'd attract if he went out with it. So, he changed his decision.

"I'd take that." He pointed at a black one. It didn't look cheap but also didn't look too expensive to draw attention.

Soon, he rode out of the mansion. He marvelled at its magnificence as he saw the exterior. And the Novaks' manor was supposed to be more beautiful?

Keegan's mansion based in a housing estate. He wasn't familiar with estates in the city, but judging from the exquisiteness of the houses, this had to be one of the richest in the country.

He rode out of the estate onto the highway. It was a cloudy day. The wind whipped through his hair. The city brimmed with pedestrians and vehicles, their noises echoing across.

He stopped at his workplace, Gamon Eatery. It wasn't the destination he had in mind initially but, he wanted to meet his friend.

There were no customers when he arrived. Only one of his co-workers stood behind the counter.

"Adeline, what's up?" He greeted her.

The coworker, Adeline, glared at him. "What's up? You boys left me alone to run this place?"

"Nate isn't here?" Travis frowned.

"Yeah, you tell me where he is."

Just then, a tall blond guy rushed into the eatery. Sweat ran down his face as if he had just run a marathon, drenching his clothes.

"Hey, sorry, I'm late," Nate said, panting.

Adeline threw her hands in the air. "I can't believe you, guys. You know this could cost you your jobs."

Nate rolled his eyes. "It's not like there is anyone here."

Adeline sighed. "What happened? I mean, I'm not surprised about Nate. He's always late, but not you, Travis."

"Well...I just had to deal with some things." Travis waved his hand and walked into the kitchen. He grabbed a beer from the fridge and a burger pack.

"Um... what are you doing?" Adeline asked, frowning.

"Eating?"

"Madam doesn't let employees eat from the restaurant." Nate reminded him.

Travis shrugged. "Eh, whatever. You guys can have some too. I'll pay for it."

He said as he went towards the door.

"Wait, where are you going?" asked Adeline.

"By the cliff," Travis said.

After he left, Adeline faced Nate. "What's up with him?"

"I'm not sure."

"Aren't you supposed to be his best friend?"

"So?"

Adeline stared at him pointedly before she sighed. "Well, he seems troubled."

Travis sat on the bench by the cliff. The eatery was built near a cliff under a river. Why? Travis wasn't sure. Maybe for an aesthetic view?

The river glowed under the sun, flowing and crashing on the shore. He loved the view here. The peaceful atmosphere allowed his thoughts to flow well.

He imagined Adam's soul flying towards heaven. Adam deserved heaven after everything he did in his life. This thought gave Travis comfort.

His phone buzzed in his pocket and he took it out. He glanced at the screen lazily, then froze, his thumb hovering over the broken screen. His jaw dropped.

Travis blinked numerous times to make sure what he was seeing was true. Still not convinced, he counted the zeroes.

One million? One million dollars had just entered his bank account.