The Rise Of The Orphan Billionare

Chapter 6: Shock Absorber!

Nelson slid into his seat at the back of the room, dropping his bag onto the desk with a calmness that felt like a slap across Kyler’s face.

That calm was worse than any insult. Worse than any fight.

It was the calm of someone who no longer cared what Kyler thought. And that terrified Kyler more than he would ever admit.

Soon, the lecturer slid into the class, and the first person to speak wasn’t Nelson—it was Kyler. He shot up from his chair like a coiled spring.

“Sir,” Kyler barked, “I don’t really know how this guy even got into this college. How does he afford the fees? He’s a loser —a brokie! He could tarnish the name of this school. He shouldn’t even be here, not after what he did!”

The class gasped. Heads turned. All eyes locked on Nelson.

Mr. Smith adjusted his glasses and looked between the two boys. “That’s a heavy accusation, Kyler. Sit down.”

But Kyler didn’t. He kept standing, fists clenched, jaw tight.

“Mr. Cassius,” the lecturer finally turned, firing a few tough, rapid questions at Nelson —the kind that would make most students stammer.

But Nelson didn’t. His answers came sharp, steady, flawless.

The class fell silent.

Nelson was still the smartest one in the room.

Kyler sat down, burning with fury. His pride cracked, but Nelson didn’t even flinch. He didn’t give a damn. If he wanted to, he could buy the whole of Harvard University and still have spare change. But no one knew that —not yet.

Only Nelson could feel the heavy weight of the black card pressing against his pocket.

His eyes wandered to Rachel. Despite everything she had done, despite the betrayal, he couldn’t stop looking at her. He had loved her —genuinely. He never even kissed her, but he wanted her love. Only her love. But now he understood. She didn’t care about love. She only cared about money.

She wasn’t worth him. If only she had waited… her life could have been different.

But now, it was too late.

Nelson dropped his head to the desk, hiding the storm of emotions in his eyes. He made a silent promise. Kyler. Rachel. You’ll pay for this.

Behind him, whispers still buzzed like gnats:

“How did he get out of prison?”

Nelson’s lips tightened into the faintest smile. Let them talk. Soon, he’d make them all choke on their words.

***************

When classes were finally over, Nelson didn’t head straight home. Instead, he pulled Robby and Miguel aside.

“Tonight,” he said with a mysterious grin, “we’re going to Arcade Gaming Centre. Three spots. Already booked.”

They both froze.

“What?!” Miguel’s jaw almost hit the floor. Robby laughed, shaking his head. “Bro, stop playing. Don’t do us like that.”

Arcade Gaming Centre wasn’t just any arcade —it was the gaming hub of the city, a place only the rich kids went to. The kind of place where the newest VR setups, PS7 consoles, and full-motion simulators were the norm. For them, it was a dream… a dream that cost more than a semester’s tuition.

“Impossible,” Robby muttered. “No way.” Miguel squinted at Nelson like he was bluffing. “Man, don’t set us up for embarrassment. Please.”

But Nelson didn’t answer. He just called an Uber.

Minutes later, the car slowed to a stop. The neon glow of Arcade Park reflected against the glass, shining like a futuristic palace.

Miguel’s eyes widened. “No way…” Robby leaned forward, pressing his hands against the window. “Holy shit, he wasn’t joking.”

Nelson stepped out first, calm, hands in his pockets, and began walking toward the giant glass doors of the centre.

But his friends didn’t move. They just stood on the curb, frozen.

“Nelson, stop!” Robby hissed. “We’re not ready to be humiliated tonight, man. Don’t you know how much this place costs? We can’t even afford the smell of the lobby.”

Miguel shook his head furiously. “For real, bro. Don’t do this to us. We don’t have that kind of money.”

Nelson turned back, smiling faintly. Should he tell them the truth? No… not everything.

Instead, he shrugged casually. “You remember that rich man I told you about? The one who bailed me out?”

They nodded, reluctantly.

“Well…” Nelson said, lowering his voice just a little, “he also owns this park. Told me anytime I wanted, I could stop by. Bring a couple friends. Everything is covered. I even have his number. So relax, buddies —we’re not about to get smacked.”

Robby and Miguel exchanged doubtful looks. The story didn’t add up. It sounded too good to be true. But at the same time… it was true, wasn’t it? Sometimes luck just picked a person and showered them with blessings.

And tonight, luck had picked Nelson.

Inside, the neon lights and booming bass of the centre washed over them. They strapped on VR headsets, battled through simulations, and gripped PS7 controllers that most kids only dreamed of touching.

For hours, they played like kings —no fear of the bill, no worry of the outside world. Just pure joy.

For the first time in a long time, Nelson saw his friends laugh like they had no weight on their shoulders. And deep down, he felt something new stir inside him.

Power. The kind of power money gave. And the kind of power he was only beginning to taste.

***********************

Night dawned and the boys decided it was time to go back home. They had a test that week and needed to get ready. But they had the best nights of their lives. 

Soon, they departed and Nelson was all alone, strolling down the streets to find a taxi. He was glad he could make his friends happy and live the lives they had always dreamed of. But this was only the beginning. 

And then—he heard it.

Footsteps. Close. Too close.

Nelson’s instincts flared. He tensed, hand ready at his side. In one quick move, he spun and swung —only to be caught mid-motion and slammed to the ground with shocking ease.

“Ugh!” Nelson groaned as pain shot through his back.

Out of the shadows, two more figures appeared. Black clothes. Hard stares.

And then came the smirk.

Kyler Park.

He stepped forward, a knife pressed into his palm by one of the thugs.

“I told you,” Kyler said coldly, crouching low to meet Nelson’s glare, “I wouldn’t let you get away with what you did.”

Nelson clenched his fists, trying to rise, but Kyler only sneered.

“Don’t bother. We’re not here to fight you tonight. But…” his grin widened, cruel and venomous, “we will hurt someone very very important to you.”

Nelson’s heart skipped.

“Don’t you dare!” he roared.

Kyler’s laughter echoed through the empty street. The gang joined in, mocking, before they melted back into the night.

Leaving Nelson bruised. Stunned. Furious. And terrified. His lips trembled as he whispered the only word that mattered.

“…Grandma.”