The Hidden Billionaire

CHAPTER 12: THE BLACK MEMBERSHIP CARD

This was Mr. Keira's favorite piece of calligraphy. Andrew knew that better than anyone. His father would usually lock it away and only take it out when he was alone. Sometimes he would sit quietly for half an hour just admiring it.

Yet now, he was handing it over without the slightest hesitation. Andrew's expression became complicated. Then Thomas did something that nearly made him choke. He casually nodded, accepted the artwork, rolled it up, and tucked it under his arm as if it were an ordinary newspaper.

There wasn't even a hint of excitement on his face.

Andrew stared blankly.

Did this guy even know how valuable that piece was? Then again...

Rich people were strange. Maybe this was just how people at Thomas's level behaved.

As Thomas prepared to leave, Mr. Keira hurried after him once more.

"Mr. Thomas, please wait." He quickly pulled a black card from his pocket.

"This is our hotel's top VIP membership card."

"Please accept it."

Thomas glanced at it and took it without much thought. Seeing that, David couldn't help smiling.

Ever since Mr. Keira arranged this meeting, he had been trying to build a closer relationship with Thomas.

Now it seemed he was finally getting his chance.

Meanwhile, Thomas couldn't care less.

He just wanted the meeting to end. Whatever people handed him, he accepted without even looking carefully.

Mr. Keira became even more excited. The more he looked at Thomas, the more impressed he became.

Young.

Powerful.

Decisive.

And completely unconcerned with money.

People like that were rare.

"If you ever come to our hotel, just bring that card."

"You can call me directly."

"I'll personally arrange everyth…"

"Alright."

Thomas cut him off.

"I understand."

Mr. Keira immediately nodded.

Even though he was much older, he showed Thomas nothing but respect. The contrast was striking. One wore a simple outfit that looked like it came from a street market.

The other wore a custom-made luxury suit.

Yet somehow, the wealthy businessman looked more nervous than the plainly dressed young man standing before him. If an outsider saw the scene, they would probably be shocked. Thomas suddenly stopped and looked at him.

One sentence instantly made Mr. Keira straighten up.

"I don't want anyone finding out who I really am."

His voice was calm. But the meaning behind it was clear.

Mr. Keira quickly nodded.

"Don't worry."

"Our hotel takes privacy very seriously."

"I won't reveal anything." Only then did Thomas seem satisfied. He gave a small nod and turned to leave. As he walked away, David hurried after him.

"Young Master, you handled that beautifully."

"I can tell you're getting more confident."

"Honestly, you could return and take over the family business anytime now."

Thomas immediately felt a headache coming.

Again.

Every chance he got, David brought up inheritance.

"David."

"Hmm?"

"Can you talk about something else for once?"

David laughed awkwardly. Thomas rubbed his forehead.

"I have things to do."

"So I'll leave first."

He wasn't about to get trapped in another hour-long lecture about returning to the company. Without waiting for a response, he quickened his pace and headed toward the hotel lobby.

Then, just as he stepped through the entrance— He froze.

Ava was standing there.

Several of her colleagues stood beside her.

The two sides locked eyes. For a moment, neither spoke.

Ava was the first to react.

"What are you doing here?"

Her eyes swept over him from head to toe.

Same clothes.

Same appearance.

Nothing looked different.

Before Thomas could answer, a greasy voice interrupted.

"Mrs. Bailey."

A fat middle-aged man squeezed forward with a smile.

It was the man he thought a lesson. The same man Thomas had secretly taught a lesson before.

Clearly, he still hadn't forgotten.

Looking at Thomas now, he smiled mockingly.

"What's your husband doing here?"

"He doesn't work here, does he?"

Thomas calmly glanced at him.

Then replied, "I'm here to meet the parent of one of my students." The moment those words came out, several people burst out laughing.

"I knew it."

"How could someone like him afford this place?"

"Exactly."

"I almost thought he'd suddenly become rich." The man folded his arms and smirked.

"Oh, so that's it."

"For a second, I thought Mrs. Bailey finally married into money." The group laughed again. Ava's face became increasingly ugly.

Then someone added,

"Mrs. Bailey, isn't it true your husband earns less than you?"

Another person immediately joined in.

"I heard his salary isn't even enough for a decent dinner."

"So you're the one supporting the whole family?"

"Oh please."

"If that were my husband, I would've divorced him years ago."

The laughter grew louder.

Thomas remained calm.

But Ava's embarrassment was growing by the second. She had already been stressed enough recently.

Now her colleagues were making fun of her marriage right in front of her. Her eyes landed on Thomas.

"What are you still standing here for?"

"Don't you have somewhere else to be?"

Before Thomas could answer, the man stepped forward.

"Leave?"

"No way."

"Mrs. Bailey is treating everyone today."

"You're her husband."

"That makes you one of the hosts." He grabbed Thomas's arm with fake friendliness.

"Come eat with us." The smile on his face looked friendly. His eyes didn't.

Ava frowned even harder. To her, Thomas was only making things worse by staying.

The group eventually made their way toward the restaurant section.

Unfortunately, the waitress greeted them with an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry."

"We're fully booked today."

The group immediately became restless.

"What?"

A beautiful woman stepped forward.

Zia Dante.

She looked shocked.

"How can a hotel this big be fully booked?"

"That doesn't make any sense."

Zia crossed her arms. She had always competed with Ava.

When Ava got promoted ahead of her, she never truly accepted it.

Today was the perfect opportunity to embarrass her.

Almost instantly, she moved closer to the fat man.

Her body practically leaned against his arm.

"Sir."

Her voice became sweet.

"I really want to eat here today."

"Can't you think of something?"

"Mrs. Bailey is treating everyone."

"It would be embarrassing if we couldn't even get a table."

The man suddenly felt trapped. This wasn't an ordinary restaurant. It was one of the city's most luxurious hotels. Even getting a membership card required spending a huge amount of money.

As a manager, he simply didn't have that kind of influence.

Just as everyone was struggling to think of a solution, Thomas suddenly remembered something.

The VIP card.

The one Mr. Keira had handed him moments ago. He reached into his pocket.

"I have a membership card."

"I'm not sure if it'll help."

"But maybe we can try."

For a second, the group went silent.

Then laughter exploded.

"You?"

"A membership card?"

"Do you even know how expensive those cards are?"

"Stop joking."

"Someone with your salary could never afford one."

Another colleague laughed loudly.

"Mrs. Bailey."

"I didn't know your husband was secretly a millionaire."

"If he really has a membership card, I'll pay for everyone's meal myself."

The others immediately joined in. Ava felt her forehead start to ache. She knew exactly how much Thomas earned. At least she thought she did. There was no way he could have gotten a membership card here.

Unless...

He was trying to show off again.

The thought made her nervous.

She shot him a warning look.

But before she could say anything—

Thomas calmly reached into his pocket. Then pulled out a black membership card.