The Hidden Billionaire

CHAPTER 2: BETRAYAL

Thomas Brown felt a strange mix of relief and hope when he heard Jake Hill’s voice. Jake had been his only real friend during college. After they graduated, they both started teaching at the same elite school Thomas taught eleventh grade, and Jake taught fifth grade.

"Jake, where are you?" Thomas asked desperation in his voice.

On the other end, there was noise in the background before Jake’s voice finally came through.

What's up, Thomas?"

"Are you... are you in a position to help me out? I need to borrow some money..."

Thomas struggled to get the words out, knowing that while Jake was a bit better off than him, it was only by a small margin. As expected, there was a moment of silence on the line.

"It's okay, if it's not convenient for you, then..."

"Thomas, what are you talking about?"

Jake’s voice cut in. "What kind of brothers are we? I know it's about Emma, right?"

"Those rich kids are the awful! They think they can do whatever they want just because their families have a bit of money.

Don’t worry I have fifteen thousand dollars saved. You can come take it.

Thomas almost broke down. “Thank you, Jake. I’ll pay you back the moment I can.”

If it weren't for the dire situation he was in, he wouldn't have asked Jake for help, but he couldn't stand the thought of accepting charity from Scott Black.

"Thomas, I have my bank card with me and really can’t do a transfer. I'm out at Higlas Town with some friends today. If you have time, come by and pick it up!"

Higlas Town?

Thomas pressed his lips together thoughtfully. Higlas Town was located on the outskirts of Lake City, an undeveloped, steep hills, but Thomas didn’t care. His daughter needed the treatment. He could not accept charity from someone like Scott Black.

"Alright, I'll be there soon!"

He hung up the phone. The distance to Higlas Town was no small journey. He couldn't bear to take a taxi, so he reluctantly hopped onto his bike and headed toward the outskirts.

After six hours of riding without a break, he finally got to Higlas Town, exhausted and drenched in sweat, his clothes clinging to him.

"Jake, I'm here! Where are you?"

"Thomas, I'm at the top! We're planning to spend the night here!"

Okay! Just wait for me at the top!"

Despite being drained, Thomas began climbing. In his rush, he hadn’t even had a chance to drink water, and his throat felt like it was on fire. The path was rough and filled with thorns. He slipped and scratched himself up badly, but he finally made it to the top just as it got dark. But when he looked around, Jake wasn’t there.

After finally reaching the top, he ignored his injuries and, taking advantage of the last rays of sunlight, scanned the area. Wasn't Jake supposed to be up here? But where was he?!

He quickly dialed Jake’s number. After several rings, it finally connected. "Jake, I’m here! Where are you?"

There was silence, then laughter. “This idiot really climbed the mountain!” a voice said.

Another voice chimed in, "Looks like he did! Hahaha, it's hilarious! How did that loser not fall and break his neck?"

Thomas felt a chill run down his spine, disbelief filling his eyes as he momentarily forgot the pain coursing through his body. He recognized those voices all too well, they belonged to his students, Edward Wright and Greg Brooks!

They were the ones who had hurt his daughter!

"Mr. Thomas, like the surprise we gave you?" Edward's voice came through, dripping with malice after their laughter subsided. Thomas clenched his fists tightly.

"You two, if you have a problem, come at me! Leave my friend and daughter out of it!"

"Hehe... your friend? Not bad, not bad. He's as obedient as a dog. You two really make a perfect pair!"

A chilling thought crept into Thomas's mind, disbelief washing over him. "I've lived this long, and no one has ever dared to talk down to me! Haha, Mr. Thomas, don't rush things. It's not every day we get to have some fun, why end it so soon?"

"Yeah, Mr. Thomas, our homeroom teacher never lasted more than half a month. I hope you can hold out a bit longer!"

"Alright, enough with this trash talk. I heard there are some nice girls at the Temple Club.

Edward, let's go check it out tonight?"

"Alright! Let's go!"

As the voice faded away, silence returned to the phone. However, Thomas didn't hang up. After a long pause, he finally managed to croak out, "Jake, why?"

On the other end, Jake's voice carried a hint of guilt. "Thomas, I'm sorry."

"We're friends! Brothers even!"

Thomas's voice was filled with anguish, the pain in his body overshadowed by the heartbreak he felt at that moment.

"Friends? Brothers? Ha... Haha..."

Jake’s voice suddenly rose. "Thomas Brown! Have you looked at yourself lately? What good is a friend like you to me?!"

"You're just a useless loser. What can you do besides drag me down?!"

"I don't need any damn brotherhood, I just need money!"

"I'd be willing to be anyone's dog if they could pay me!"

"To be honest, messing with you got me ten thousand bucks from Edward and Greg! Ten thousand! That's more than your monthly salary, right?"

"Considering we've known each other for four years, just accept your fate, Thomas Brown. People like you, at the bottom of society, are born to be played with!" With that, the call ended.

Thomas stood there, alone at the top of the hill, heart broken more than his body. In that moment, he realized something bitter, without money, things like love, friendship, and pride mean nothing to people.

He crouched at the mountaintop, unsure how much time had passed until the darkness enveloped him completely. Looking at the unfamiliar number on his phone screen, Thomas seemed to make a decision and pressed the call button.

After four rings, an elderly voice answered, "Hello?"

"David..." Thomas said weakly

On the other end, there was a noticeable pause, followed by the sound of chairs and tables clattering. Then an excited voice came through, "Young Master, is that you?"

"It's me." Thomas confirmed.

Just saying those two words seemed to drain all of Thomas Brown's strength. "It's been eleven years!

Young Master, you finally contacted the family!"

"Where are you? I'll come and pick you up right away!"

Thomas sighed, "David, let's not rush. I'm facing some difficulties over here. Can you lend me some money?"

"What are you saying, Young Master?"

"The fortune your father worked so hard to build, it's all yours! Just come home, and it’s all waiting for you.”

But Thomas hesitated. Years ago, he had walked away from his wealthy family because he didn’t want to live under his father’s control. He had made a promise that he could survive on his own. Returning now felt like admitting he had failed.

These past years, Thomas had lived humbly, but his competitive spirit had never faded!

"I... I'm in a bit of trouble right now, David. Can you lend me some money as a personal favor?"

"Young Master!" David's tone turned difficult. "It's not that I don't want to help you, but according to the promise you made with your father, if you refuse to come back and inherit the family fortune, you can't touch anything relating to the family!"

Thomas Brown felt torn, the scenes from earlier in the day replaying in his mind. His jaw clenched. His eyes narrowed. Enough was enough

"Alright, where are you now?"

David’s voice became excited. "Young Master, I'm at the Velox Innovation. Where are you? I can come pick you up right away!"

"No need. Just wait for me at the office!"

After hanging up, as Thomas stood up again something inside him shifted. The weak, humble man from earlier was gone. His presence changed. He looked stronger. More focused.

The time for suffering was over.

The world had forgotten who he really was, but now, they would remember. Because Thomas Brown the only son of billionaire Michael Brown and heir to the Velox empire was finally coming back.