THE UNDERDOG BILLIONAIRE

CHAPTER 5

Dominic's heart raced as he saw his mother's fingers move. This was the first movement she's made in 2 weeks. She was finally waking up. "Young Master Dominic, I think she's awake," Richard said, his voice filled with cautious hope.

Dominic leaned closer to his mother. "Mom? Can you hear me?" he whispered, his voice trembling as he tried to tap on her as lightly as possible.

But before there could be any more signs of life, her hand went still again. She fell asleep again. Dominic's hope crashed down. He turned to Richard, his eyes pleading. "Get the doctor. Now."

Richard nodded and hurried out of the room. Dominic stayed by his mother’s side, holding her hand tightly. "Please wake up, Mom... please."

But there was no response now. "Mom, I've just found out about everything. About my father and your relationship with him. Can you believe he transferred all his wealth to me?" Dominic continued, hoping she would make even if the tiniest bit of movement to show him that she was listening to him.

"Mr. Donovan must have really loved you. And why wouldn't he? You were such a beauty when you were younger." Nothing.

"Wake up, mother," he said sadly as a sigh escaped his lips.

A few minutes later, Richard returned with the doctor. The doctor quickly checked her vital signs. After a few moments, he turned to Dominic with a serious expression. "I'm sorry, Mr. Dominic. It seems she has fallen back into a comatose state."

Dominic's heart sank even further. "Will she be okay, doctor?"

The doctor sighed. "We will continue to provide the best care for her. Her treatment will commence immediately. It's hard to say when or if she will wake up again after it, but we won't give up on her."

Dominic nodded, trying to hold back his tears. "Thank you, doctor. Please take good care of her."

The doctor nodded. "Of course, Young Master Dominic. We will do everything we can." Dominic was taken slightly aback by how the doctor addressed him but then understood too that his status had now changed.

A few nurses came in to transfer her to the ICU, where she would undergo surgery. Dominic followed them out and only let go once they got to the door. After that, the doctor went in with the rest.

Dominic and Richard sat quietly, waiting for the surgery to be over. Dominic was tensed, immensely tensed as he stared at the door every 30 seconds.

After about 2 hours, the surgery was over, and the doctor came out of the room. Dominic and Richard, upon seeing the doctor, rushed towards him. "How's Miss Amelia doing?" Richard asked.

"She's stable but would still be kept on a 48 hours none stop watch. Just in case her body reacts negatively. It did take quite a while before she actually got treatment, so we are keeping an open mind towards thoughts of complications. But not to worry because for now, she's fine." The doctor explained as clearly as possible.

Just then, the nurses came out with Dominic's mother and took her back to her ward. "Can I go and see her?" Dominic asked the doctor. "Why, if course Young Master?"

Dominic went straight to her room while Richard stayed behind to discuss with the doctor. Dominic entered the room to find her sleeping peacefully. He got to her bedside and kissed her forehead gently. "I promise, Mom. I will take care of everything."

He stayed there a bit longer, just staring at her face. He was so lost that he hadn't noticed Richard who stood by the door, waiting for him. "Young Master, we should go now. You have a lot to do."

Dominic nodded and followed Richard out of the room. They walked through the hospital corridors together with both of them mute till Dominic finally broke the silence.

"Richard, I need you to help me understand everything about my father's businesses. I am not exactly experienced in managing an empire, I am luckily educated in business, " Dominic said.

"Of course, Young Master. I will teach you everything you need to know. For now, you just need to sign the documents first." Richard replied. As they got in the car and drove away, Dominic looked out the window, lost in thought.

They finally arrived at the Donovan family office about half an hour later, where piles of documents awaited Dominic's signature. As Dominic signed each paper, Richard explained the importance of each one.

"And finally, you now control all of Donovan Enterprises. Congratulations, Young Master Dominic." Richard said, congratulating his official new boss

Dominic looked up from the papers. "So, I can build or destroy businesses?" Richard nodded. "Yes, Young Master. You have great power now. Soon, there will be a new selection for candidates to join the Empire of Commerce. You will have to choose suitable families."

Dominic's mind wandered to his fiancée, Sophia. She had often talked about how her family wanted to become members of the Empire of Commerce. He could actually help them. "Richard, how many families will be aiming to join?"

"Approximately over 40 families." he replied

"What?" Dominic said, shocked. "Yes, Young Master, it is a big deal. Many families will do anything to get in," Richard replied.

Dominic thought for a moment. "Richard, I want you to keep my identity a secret. Only reveal to the news that my father’s long-lost son is the new chairman. Do not mention my name or let my pictures or anything about me get revealed to the general public just yet."

Richard looked puzzled but didn't question Dominic. He dared not question Dominic as he is a man with great authority. "As you wish, Young Master Dominic. I will make sure it stays a secret."

Dominic finished signing the documents and handed them to Richard. "Thank you, Richard. I trust you." Richard bowed slightly. "Thank you, Young Master. I am honored to serve you."

"Richard, when is the selection for the new members?" Dominic asked as they walked back to the car.

"In two days, Young Master. We will need to review the candidates and make a decision," Richard replied.

Dominic nodded. "Good. We have time to prepare."