The Rise Of Nicholas Hensaw

Chapter 5

Nicklaus felt not only belittled but completely stunned that Stella—whom he had been desperately trying to reach for days—had answered Gabriel's call before the first ring even finished.

"Hello, honey. Sorry I didn't answer on the first ring. I thought it was that pathetic man who keeps begging me for money," Stella's voice came through the speaker.

As she spoke, Gabriel quietly signaled Dr. Stevens to move Rita to a ward but leave her unattended. The devastated look on Nicklaus's face was all the satisfaction Gabriel needed.

"Really?" Gabriel responded, encouraging her to continue.

"Yes, I'm so tired of him. He begs constantly! I feed him, I clothe him—what more does he want? He's never even thanked me. All he does is ask for more, like I'm some kind of ATM," she complained bitterly.

Nicklaus was still struggling to believe what he was hearing. He checked his phone screen and shook his head in disbelief—this was really happening.

"I love you, baby. I can't wait to meet you at our usual place tonight," Stella continued.

"You're not going home tonight?" Gabriel asked with a triumphant smile.

"Hell no! I don't want to see his face—it brings bad luck," she said, her words cutting through Nicklaus like daggers.

Never in his worst nightmares had he imagined that Stella was cheating on him. Gabriel had always pursued Stella, just like many other wealthy men. He had never stopped wondering how Nicklaus could win the woman he wanted when he couldn't. Ever since, he had made Nicklaus's life miserable at every opportunity.

Even when Nicklaus worked at Mr. Johnson's pharmaceutical company, Gabriel made sure everyone there despised him. Though Gabriel didn't work at the company himself, his connections and influence reached Nicklaus's colleagues. They had already looked down on him because of his poverty, but company policy prevented workplace harassment. After Gabriel gave them the green light, however, Nicklaus's life became unbearable.

Credit for his work in the lab was constantly given to others. While they celebrated his achievements, he was left to clean up their messes. Despite all his efforts, his salary was cut by 55 percent, leaving him with almost nothing to save for Rita's medical bills.

"Me too... I have to go now because apparently, I have a very insignificant person to deal with," Gabriel said before ending the call.

Nicklaus was momentarily frozen. He clenched his fists in rage and bit his lip so hard he nearly drew blood, trying to contain his anger.

At that moment, he realized Gabriel was his only hope for getting the lung transplant Rita needed. If he fought with Gabriel over Stella, his sister's chances would be gone forever.

"What is it, Nicklaus? If you have something to say, just say it!" Gabriel taunted, waiting for a reaction, but Nicklaus remained speechless. He was angry and bewildered.

"Are... you... sure... that was Stella?" he asked slowly, dragging out each word.

His trust had been shattered completely. He couldn't process what he'd just heard.

Gabriel burst into laughter. "What do you mean? Didn't I dial the number right in front of you so you could see she'd answer my call? Wait, hold on." Gabriel paused dramatically.

"Did you actually think you had a chance with Stella? I mean, look at yourself," Gabriel said, causing Nicklaus to glance down at his shabby appearance.

It took every ounce of self-control Nicklaus possessed to remain calm and not lash out. Still staring at his worn shoes, he said quietly, "What about my sister? She's my only family. You got what you wanted..."

"Did you really think you ever had Stella? You must have been completely delusional. She's sophisticated—you need money to keep up with someone like her!" Gabriel said, rubbing his hands together gleefully.

"Unfortunately, you can't afford anything! You can't even pay your sister's hospital bills. Isn't that pathetic?"

It felt like a thousand knives had been plunged into his back, and there was no way to dodge the pain because he had never seen it coming.

"You know, I have an idea that could help you!" Gabriel said suddenly, causing Nicklaus to look up from his shoes.

"You could sell some of your organs—that might be useful. Trust me!"

Nicklaus was immediately enraged. He knew Gabriel was only saying this to provoke him further.

Nicklaus's face went pale. He swallowed hard, not wanting to exchange another word with Gabriel. He turned toward the office door, ready to leave.

"Yeah, that's right! Walk away in shame," Gabriel called after him.

If anyone had asked Nicklaus to name the worst day of his life, this would undoubtedly be it.

He placed his hand on the doorknob and was about to turn it when Gabriel continued his assault, still trying to provoke a reaction. Gabriel knew that if he could make Nicklaus throw the first punch, the hospital would be justified in taking any action against him.

Nicklaus was aware of this strategy—it was used everywhere.

"You should seriously consider what I told you! It would be better, and much less stressful. I'm sure you could sell a kidney. There's a wealthy old man whose life is more valuable than yours—he needs a kidney. You could make enough money to cover your sister's bills," Gabriel suggested, but Nicklaus ignored him.

He opened the door and walked out, but then he saw a nurse running toward him—or rather, toward Gabriel's office.

"Sir, your sister—she's dying!" the nurse said breathlessly before rushing into the office to deliver the same news to Gabriel.