The Hidden Billionaire

CHAPTER 4: DISAPPOINTMENT

On the screen, the old man paused for a second before raising his hand tiredly and saying, “Alright, let’s go with the plan.

"Sir, do we not need to send anyone to protect the young master?" David asked with concern.

"No need. If we go against his wishes, it might have the opposite effect. Thomas has grown up and has his own ideas. Let's just follow his lead for now."

"Yes, sir!"

Soon after, the chairpersons of various branches under Velox Group received a highly confidential email at the same time, Thomas Brown, the sole heir of the Brown family, was officially taking over this billion-dollar empire!

Without any delay, he rushed back to the hospital, only to find Ava and Scott cozied up by the bedside, chatting and laughing together. Thomas's brows furrowed deeply.

Upon seeing him, Ava froze for a moment before creating some distance from Scott, a flash of anger crossing her eyes. "Thomas, What time do you think it is?

You've been gone all afternoon! Do you even care about your daughter or this family anymore?"

Deep within her gaze, a profound disappointment flickered. Scott wore a smug smile.

"Thomas, what happened to you? Did you go off to do something shady to raise some cash?"

At that moment, Ava noticed the injuries covering his body and frowned. "Thomas, tell me honestly, how did you get all these injuries?"

Thomas snorted lightly, avoiding the question, and fixed his gaze on Scott. "You don't need to worry about the money. You're not welcome here. Please leave!"

"Thomas Brown!"

Ava’s voice suddenly turned sharp. "How can you speak to him like that?

You have no manners at all! Apologize right now!"

Ava was utterly disappointed.

Scott Black was someone she had invited to help, yet her husband was giving him the cold shoulder.

It was so rude!

"Alright, Ava, Thomas is just anxious about Emma, you can understand that," Scott said, feigning concern as he wrapped his arms around Ava, pretending to comfort her. Seeing his hypocritical face made Thomas want to punch him!

Ava Bailey! I'm right here!

In front of me your husband, you're hugging another man? Do you have no iota of shame?!

Smack!

Thomas threw a black bag right in front of Scott, revealing a stack of cash.

"Get your filthy hands off her!"

"This is a hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

Whether it's for a favor or to cover medical expenses, it should be enough. The rest is just for your trouble running errands!"

Both men were staring at each other, staring at the pile of cash, speechless!

"Are you going to leave or what? Do I need to personally escort you out?"

Scott Black suddenly snapped back to reality, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. He was not expecting Thomas to have this kind of money now all his plans are thrown into chaos!

He had been waiting here for so long just to mock Thomas Brown when he returned, to show Ava that the man she chose was nothing but a useless piece of trash!

Taking advantage of Ava’s disappointment, he thought that tonight he might finally have the only woman he had longed for, even though she was now married. There was something more enticing about her now than during her innocent school days. But where did this loser get all this money? Who would dare lend him so much?

Ava Bailey's initial surprise quickly turned into anger. If he had so much money, why didn't he bring it out sooner? Didn't he realize how exhausting it was for his wife to laugh and talk with another man?

Scott didn't immediately take the money. To be honest, a hundred and fifty thousand dollars was just a fancy dinner for him. He rolled his eyes and said, "Thomas, you're not doing anything illegal, are you? It's not worth risking everything for this kind of money!"

Thomas snorted lightly, "Of course, I'm not that stupid! It's just that the heavens took pity on me. I casually spent a couple of bucks on a

scratch-off ticket and won the jackpot. The injuries I have are from rushing to claim the prize and tripping over myself, so this money is clean!"

Scott was left speechless. The opportunity he had waited so long for was ruined by this guy's sheer luck?!

Seeing him still standing there, Thomas stepped forward, a cold glint in his eyes as he said in a low voice, "Scott, I'm telling you, stay away from my wife emphasis on the wife from now on!"

Suddenly being glared at like that, Scott instinctively took a step back. Then he realized what was happening. How could he be intimidated by a loser with just a look? It must have been an illusion! It had to be!

Meanwhile, Ava couldn't keep her composure either and shouted, "Thomas, what are you talking about?!"

"Scott is just trying to help, how can you say that?"

"Help?"

Thomas scoffed dismissively.

"What kind of help is he offering?

Don't you see through it?"

Ava’s face flushed red at his blunt accusation.

"Thomas, what do you mean by that?"

She knew exactly what Scott was after, but if Thomas could be of any real use, would she, a woman, need to step up and do what he’s supposed to do as a father and a husband?

Noticing the tears welling up in Ava’s eyes, Thomas took a deep breath, turned away, and fell silent. Scott realized the moment had slipped away. Wanting to leave a good impression on Ava, he picked up the money from the ground and forced a smile. "Now that Emma’s expenses are taken care of, I can relax!"

"Ava, I'm heading out. Call me anytime if you need anything."

Ava shot Thomas a fierce glare before rushing after Scott's retreating figure. "Thanks for everything, let me walk you out."

Thomas returned to the hospital room, looking at Emma, who was already fast asleep in her bed. He gently stroked her little head and whispered, "Emma, from today on, I promise you won't have to suffer anymore. I'll make sure to get back everyone who hurt you."

The tenderness in his eyes gradually transformed into a cold determination.

"I will pave a glorious path for you, my dear."

Just then, Ava returned. Seeing him covered in bruises, a complex emotion flickered in her eyes. Once upon a time, he was the pride of the school, excelling in everything, full of talent and charm. But now, whether it was time dulling his edges or reality crushing his dreams, he had slowly become a shadow of his former self.

"What's wrong?"

Thomas turned to look at her. Ava was truly beautiful. Even though the years had left their marks on her face, her charm remained utterly captivating.

"In a few days, it's my grandfather's 75th birthday. All the kids from my family will be coming back to celebrate with him. You should lower your ego and ask my dad for help. It's definitely better than your current job!"

"Can you do it for me? For Emma?"

Soften his stance?

A silent sneer crossed Thomas's lips. The insults, the disdainful glares he remembered them all too well!

When Ava got pregnant before marriage, her father nearly crushed their child before it even had a chance to be born. Thomas could still hear that piercing remark echoing in his mind,

"With nothing to your name, you think you can step into the Bailey family?

Forget it!"

"I, Adam Bailey, will never acknowledge this little bastard as my granddaughter. His fists clenched slightly, and a silent mockery flickered across his face. Here he was, the future heir of Velox Group, with a fortune to his name.

And yet, his father-in-law believed his granddaughter didn't deserve to enter the Bailey family's doors.

Seeing him silent, Ava assumed it was just his stubborn pride acting up. She stomped her foot in frustration.

"Thomas Brown! Do you really want to live like this forever? Letting even your students walk all over you?!"

A flicker of determination flashed in Thomas's eyes as he replied calmly, "I understand." Ava felt a wave of disappointment wash over her, mixed with self-mockery. Without saying a word, she turned and left.

After spending the night with her daughter, when the alarm went off, Thomas rubbed his sleepy eyes. Right, he had a class to teach today!

Ava had an even busier schedule. Luckily, last night Scott had been generous enough to hire a caregiver. After handing her daughter over to the caregiver, she hurriedly stopped a car and headed toward her office, while Thomas was on his way to the school he taught, named Meadow Hall Academy, which is the most Elite school in Lake City.

It offers everything from kindergarten to high school, sprawling across 1000 acres of prime real estate in a city where space is a luxury. Only the wealthy can afford to attend, with annual tuition and fees reaching a staggering $300,000, making it unattainable for most middle-class families.

Of course, the school's facilities and resources match its elite status. Like Thomas, he was only admitted to Meadow Hall Academy after achieving top scores in all subjects. This speaks volumes about the quality of the school!

Rushing to make it on time, he finally arrived at the school gates at 7:50 AM.

Just as he was about to enter into the school, the gates slowly began to close right before his eyes, leaving him standing outside.