The Hidden Billionaire

CHAPTER 9

Thomas watched Ava walk away and gave a small smirk. “So she doesn’t believe me, huh? It’s just one deal how hard can it be?”

He pulled out his phone and called David.

“Have you decided to return to the family business, Young Master?” David asked politely. For a second, Thomas’s face turned serious, but he quickly shook it off.

"No, David, I need you to find out what project Ava is currently working on."

After a short pause, David answered, “She’s working on a deal worth $180,000 with the Holland family. But they’re actually part of our family’s business network. Should I buy the company or bring their top guys over to talk to you?”

Hearing this, Thomas felt a mix of emotions. If he had known it would turn out this way, he would have returned to claim his inheritance much sooner. But he quickly gathered his thoughts and replied, "No need for that. Just call them and have them agree to collaborate with Ava. I don’t want him to make things difficult for her."

David hesitated before responding.

"Young Master, you could easily buy the company. Why go through all this trouble?"

Thomas rolled his eyes at David’s suggestion. He knew David was right, but he didn't want to draw attention to himself right now. Besides, when did David become so bold?

Listening to David's indifferent tone, it sounded as if buying a company was as easy as plucking grass in a bush.

"David, just do as I say. I want to keep things low-key for now. I enjoy my current life and don't want it disrupted." There was a sigh on the other end of the line, and Thomas could tell that David was frustrated about not being able to convince him to return and take over the family business.

"Alright then, young master, just give me five minutes," David said before hanging up the phone. After hearing that everything was in order, Thomas's expression became complex. He sighed, realizing that if Ava's current situation was all due to him not earning a decent salary, it would not have led her into having this business collaboration. He wondered how she would react.

Ava, you always say I’m useless. But what if you knew that I’m the one who just made this big deal happen for you? You’d never believe it.

You probably would never guess that the 'useless husband' you keep talking about is, in fact, not useless at all.

"David, there's one more thing I need your help with," Thomas said, his voice steady as he spoke into the phone.

On the other end, David's respectful tone came through again. "Young Master, what else do you need? Are you thinking about coming back to resume your position?"

Hearing David's constant references to the inheritance made Thomas rub his forehead in frustration. "You're overthinking it. I just want to make sure Ava doesn't find out about this. I have other plans." Though disappointed, David agreed, muttering under his breath, "When will you come back to take your position..." Thomas rolled his eyes at his comment and hung up the phone.

He glanced back at Ava one last time and walked away, confident she’d be heading home soon.

Ava watched as the man, who had been drinking, became increasingly inebriated. She frowned and handed him the contract she had prepared in advance.

"Meanwhile, Ava sat in the restaurant, watching as the man she was meeting Mr. Peter got more and more drunk. She handed him the contract she had prepared.

“Mr. Peter, can you take another look at this? If you’re happy with it, we can sign and be done.”

She was nervous but hopeful. If the deal went through, she’d earn a commission worth thousands enough to help pay for Emma’s medical bills.

But Mr. Peter was clearly drunk and starting to act creepy. He looked her up and down, admiring how beautiful she looked. In his mind, he thought she was too tempting to resist. Then, he got even bolder he sat next to her and said, “No need to rush. We have all day to go over this.”

Ava forced a smile. “Well, if you could just review the contract now, I’ll make sure someone drives you home safely.”

Suddenly, Mr. Peter grabbed her hand and leaned in with a gross smile. “Come on, it’s too dark to read the fine print. Let’s go upstairs and take our time looking at it.”

Then he touched her leg. Ava turned pale with shock.

Without a second thought, she stood up and slapped him hard across the face. “I’m a married woman with a child. Don’t push your luck.”

Mr. Peter was stunned. “How dare you hit me! Do you still want this deal or not? I was trying to be nice, and you repay me with a slap?”

Ava was furious. As much as she needed the deal, she couldn’t let this man treat her like that.

“If you won’t sign the deal properly, I’ll find someone else who will,” she said, picking up her papers and walking away.

Peter was fuming. How dare she walk away from him like that? He was about to stop her when his phone rang loudly.

“What the hell do you want?” he barked into the phone.

But a furious voice shouted back, “Peter! What the hell are you doing? Do you want to lose your job? I just heard you’ve been stalling on Mrs. Ava’s contract!”

Peter froze. How could Ava have reported him already?

“Murphy Diaz? How do you know about this? I just thought I should double-check her contract,” he lied.

“Don’t play dumb. I know exactly what you’re up to. You’re trying to take advantage of her because she’s good-looking. You’re disgusting.”