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Chapter 6
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The Nerd Who Played the Game Chapter 9
Shannon lifted her head, bleary-eyed from booze, staring at the young and handsome man."Breaks you?" she slurred. "Then tell me, Zach."She leaned in, reeking of alcohol. "Do you like me for money, too?"Zach froze at the question, a flash of panic in his eyes, but he covered it quickly. "How can you think of me like that? I adore you purely. It has nothing to do with money."He reached for her hand, eager to prove his sincerity, but she swatted it away."No?" She sneered. "Then explain this. Your company has lost that Lumina deal, and your cash flow is tanking. Why are you here now?"She paused, taking in his pallor and evasion. The answer was plain to see."Get lost!" She pointed at the door. "Now!"Zach blew up in shame. He grabbed his keys and stormed out of the bar.Shannon slumped on the couch, her head throbbing.In a haze, she flashed back to that blindingly sunny hallway in high school.The boy in a faded, patched-up uniform smiled cautiously, clutching a workbook.
The Nerd Who Played the Game Chapter 8
Shannon stared at Zach in disbelief, then whipped her head to me.Raw betrayal and pain filled her eyes. The carefully picked roses slipped from her loosening grip. They hit the floor with a smack, petals scattering everywhere."You..." She went pale, carrying one last question and a desperate fight. "Did you really take $50 million from my dad? Was all that kindness, from start to finish, just for the money?"She shoved past my parents, who were still clamoring for cash, and stumbled closer to me.Her eyes shimmered with tears, her voice a desperate roar. "Answer me! All that care, the notes, and the help were fake?"The lobby went dead silent, all eyes locking on me.I didn't explain or get mad.Under everyone's stare and her despairing gaze, I nodded gently. "Yeah."That one word shattered the last glimmer of hope she was holding onto.She staggered back, drained and ashen. "So, you never liked me? Not even a little?""I did, once," I admitted. "But your jokes showed you w
The Nerd Who Played the Game Chapter 7
I didn't pause or look back.Shannon's words didn't even register....As expected, a "helpful" classmate leaked my return and success to my hyena-like parents.Days later, they showed up, their garish clothes clashing with the upscale building. Greed was written all over their faces."You punk, hit it big and forget your folks?""Ungrateful wolf! We raised you, but you hid abroad, not sending a penny home. Now you're some big designer, thinking you can ditch us? No chance!""Everybody, come and see this heartless jerk. Living large while his parents starve.""How much are you making a month now? Hand it over. That's our family money."My dad banged on the front desk like a total thug. My mom plopped on the floor, slapping her thighs and wailing dramatically.Her acting was lousy, but effective. Their stares hooked me like a gold mine.Security intervened, but my dad shoved them back.The scene was total chaos.Right then, Shannon showed up, holding a huge bouquet of roses
The Nerd Who Played the Game Chapter 6
Cindy's words hit like venom, stabbing right at the sore spot I hated most.I picked up the water glass in front of me and took a sip."No matter how messed up my family was, that's a past I couldn't choose. But this is the path I've carved out myself, step by step," I said. "Every dime I've earned and every move I've made are above board. As for whether my position is secure, that's not for you folks to worry about."I set the glass down and stood up.This reunion, full of fake smiles, snobbery, and malice, was utterly tedious."I've got things to do. Please excuse me," I said, grabbing my coat from the chair back and heading toward the door."Hold up, Troy." A petite figure suddenly blocked my way, carrying a familiar vibe.Shannon pulled me to the stairwell corner and looked into my eyes. She demanded, "Why did you just vanish back then without a word? Why did you block me on everything?"Her face was accusatory, but it struck me as kind of funny."Mission accomplished. No
The Nerd Who Played the Game Chapter 5
...The air froze, smug grins turning to stone.Zach's victorious smirk curdled. "What? Who're you talking to?"The assistant, pale and flustered, dove to salvage the strewn papers. "I'm sorry, Mr. Stuart. I didn't know you were dining here. I'll tidy this immediately. Sorry for the disruption.""Mr. Stuart?" Cindy echoed dumbly, her eyes bulging."Who?" Zach pressed.The assistant, mid-scoop, glanced quizzically between Zach and me. "Mr. Aaron Stuart, Lumina's director and chief designer. That's him, seated right there."The revelation detonated like a flashbang. Expressions morphed from derision to deference in a heartbeat.Cindy's jaw hung open. The once-hostile crowd swarmed with forced enthusiasm."Oh my God! Troy, I mean, Mr. Stuart, you're running Lumina's creative helm?""You were a top student back then. I knew you'd soar!""Incredible! Leading a global brand! You're our pride!""That's called understated elegance. Designer chic at its finest!""Mr. Stuart, it's m
The Nerd Who Played the Game Chapter 4
Zach's eyes lit up with anticipation. "Got a reply? Did he agree to a face-to-face meeting?"The assistant nodded, adjusting her grip on the files. "Met him today. He's booked tonight but slotted tomorrow."Zach beamed triumphantly, fist-pumping subtly. "Perfect!"He pivoted to Shannon, radiating victory. "Told you I'd seal it. Tomorrow's ours."The assembly unleashed a torrent of sycophantic cheers."Zach, you're unstoppable!""We're all riding your coattails now.""Shannon hit the jackpot with you."Basking in the glow, Zach cast a smug sidelong glance my way. "Hey, any entry-level spots? Janitor, security? Troy is an old friend who did solids for my girl. Heard he's jobless. Thought I'd offer stability."Laughter boomed."Zach, think twice. His family is purely toxic.""Remember his vanishing act? His parents stormed the school, wailing and accusing the admins of abduction. Hit the evening news—total embarrassment!""Spot on! They're nuts. Zach, your company has just tak
