The Hidden Billionaire

CHAPTER 13: THE ACCIDENT

Zia's eyes lit up the moment she saw the card. Before anyone could react, she rushed forward and snatched it from Thomas's hand.

"Wow!"

She held it up dramatically.

"You actually brought out a membership card?" She turned toward the others with a playful smile.

"Looks like we're all getting treated today."

"Don't forget to thank Thomas later." Then she glanced at Ava.

"Although, judging by her face, I don't think Mrs. Bailey even knew her husband had a card like this."

Several colleagues immediately laughed. The teasing looks they threw at Ava only made things worse.

Ava's face tightened.

Part of her wanted Thomas to save the situation. The other part couldn't believe he would bring out something so ridiculous.

A membership card from a place like this?

How? She had lived with him for years and had never once seen him come here.

Was he trying to embarrass her on purpose?

Meanwhile, Thomas stood quietly with his hands in his pockets.

He didn't seem bothered by the comments at all. Seeing Ava's uncomfortable expression, Zia became even more pleased.

Finally.

For once, Ava wasn't the one everyone admired.

"Since your husband has a membership card, Mrs. Bailey, I guess dinner is officially on you." With that, she proudly marched to the front desk and handed the card to the receptionist.

As she watched the staff member examine it, excitement filled her chest.

For years, Ava had always been ahead of her.

At work.

In appearance.

In reputation.

Today, things were finally different. Ava had the better career. The better reputation.

But she also had a husband everyone laughed at. And today that husband was about to make her look foolish in front of everyone.

Zia couldn't wait. Ava frowned deeply and shot Thomas another glare.

Everything had been fine until he showed up. Thomas only smiled helplessly. He understood why Ava didn't trust him.

After years of disappointment, it was natural. Still, this time was different. Mr. Keira had personally handed him the card.

There was no reason for it to be fake. At the front desk, Zia folded her arms.

"Well?"

She deliberately raised her voice.

"Is there a problem with the card?"

The receptionist looked up.

"Excuse me."

"Is this card yours?"

Zia immediately lifted her chin.

"Of course not."

"It belongs to Mrs. Bailey's husband." She pointed directly at Thomas. The moment the receptionist heard that, her eyes widened. Her attitude instantly changed. She quickly stepped out from behind the counter.

Holding the card carefully with both hands, she walked straight toward Thomas.

"Sir."

"This is one of our Supreme Membership Cards."

"We've only issued four of them."

"Everything has already been prepared for you."

"Please enjoy our private buffet area."

The lobby fell silent.

Everyone froze.

Even Zia looked stunned.

"What?"

She almost shouted.

"That can't be right."

"Are you sure?"

"How could he possibly have a card like that?"

The receptionist shook her head confidently.

"There is no mistake."

"Our boss personally gave these cards to his most honored guests." The shock on everyone's faces grew even stronger. Even Thomas was slightly surprised. He knew the card was valuable. He just didn't expect it to be this valuable.

Without saying much, he calmly slipped it back into his pocket. Ava stared at him.

For the first time all day, genuine surprise appeared in her eyes. She stepped closer and lowered her voice.

"Where did you get that card?"

"Why didn't I know about it?"

Her eyes searched his face. She knew exactly how much he earned every month. There was no way he could afford something like this. Thomas answered casually.

"Didn't I tell you?"

"I came here to meet one of my students' parents."

"They gave it to me to hold for now." The tension instantly disappeared.

"Oh."

That made sense. The others let out quiet sighs. Their surprise quickly turned back into mockery.

So it wasn't his card after all.

He was just borrowing someone else's status. The fat man finally relaxed.

For a moment, he had genuinely thought Thomas was hiding something.

"I almost believed you were some secret billionaire." The man laughed. Thomas turned and looked at him.

Just one look.

Nothing more.

Yet he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. The smile on his face almost disappeared. For a brief moment, Thomas's eyes felt terrifyingly calm.

Cold.

Deep.

Dangerous.

The man swallowed hard. When he looked again, Thomas had already turned away.

It was as if nothing had happened. The man secretly let out a breath.

Maybe he was imagining things.

"I knew it."

He forced a laugh.

"No rich guy would dress like that."

The others quickly joined in.

"Exactly."

"If he had that kind of money, Mrs. Bailey wouldn't be working so hard."

"That's true."

"Why would she still be struggling if her husband was rich?"

"Poor Mrs. Bailey. She works harder than anyone." The conversation continued around them. Thomas didn't react, Instead, he looked at Ava.

"I should head to the hospital."

"I want to check on Emma."

Ava opened her mouth.

But before she could respond, Thomas had already turned and walked away. She watched his back disappear through the entrance. A strange feeling settled in her chest. Part of her wanted to stop him.

Part of her didn't know why.

"Mrs. Bailey."

"Come on."

The others were already heading toward the dining area. After a moment, Ava nodded and followed them. During lunch, most people enjoyed themselves.

Only the man and Zia felt slightly uncomfortable.

After all, if Thomas hadn't shown up with that card, none of them would be eating there.

Meanwhile, Thomas stepped outside the hotel.

His phone buzzed.

A message from Ava.

Only two words.

"Thank you."

Thomas stared at the screen. A small smile appeared on his face.

He quickly replied, "You're welcome."

For a moment, he stood there quietly. Ava had suffered a lot over the years. More than she deserved. Back then, he had been young and stubborn. Even though he came from unimaginable wealth, he insisted on proving himself.

He wanted to build everything on his own. At the time, it sounded noble. Now it just felt foolish. He had billions available to him.

Yet the woman beside him still worked herself to exhaustion every day. If Ava learned the truth now, would she even believe it? Thomas rubbed his forehead.

The more he thought about it, the harder it seemed. When was the right time to finally tell her everything?

A taxi stopped nearby. Thomas got in and gave the driver his address. He planned to go to the hospital and spend some time with Emma.

But just as they turned a corner… A motorcycle suddenly shot out from the opposite direction. The rider was moving fast.

Way too fast.

The taxi driver slammed on the brakes. The motorcycle rider panicked and grabbed the brakes as well.

Too late.

The bike lost control. Both riders flew straight into the bushes beside the road.

The taxi driver immediately turned pale.

"Oh no!"

Thomas quickly unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out. The road was narrow. The motorcycle had been driving on the wrong side.

Still, someone could be seriously hurt.

A few seconds later, a man and a woman crawled out of the bushes.

Leaves clung to their hair. Their clothes were ripped.

Dirt covered almost every inch of them. The woman exploded first.

"Are you blind?"

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

Thomas raised a hand calmly.

"I'm sorry."

"We didn't see you coming."

"Are either of you injured?"

"If necessary, I'll take you to the hospital."

The man ignored him completely. Instead, he rushed over to the motorcycle. The moment he saw the scratches, his face twisted.

"Do you know how much this bike costs?"

He pointed furiously.

"This is the newest Lamborghini motorcycle."

"It's worth thirty thousand dollars!"

Thomas glanced at the damage.

"I can pay for that."

Then he looked at their injuries.

"But shouldn't we deal with your injuries first?"

"I'll cover the hospital bills too."

The man stared at him.

Then burst out laughing.

"You?"

"Pay for this?"

He looked Thomas up and down.

"Who are you trying to fool?"

"If you're so rich, why are you riding around in a taxi?"

"Stop pretending."

Before Thomas could respond, the man shoved him hard. Thomas frowned.

His voice became colder.

"You were driving on the wrong side of the road."

"We were driving normally."

"We're not even responsible for this accident."

"The fact that I'm offering compensation at all is already generous." The man's face darkened.

Anger flashed across his eyes.

He immediately raised his fist.

Just as he was about to swing… The woman suddenly got a clear look at Thomas's face.

Her eyes widened.

Then she let out a sharp scream.