The Unknown Billionaire

Chapter 59

Meanwhile, in the midst of their conversation, Vere was about to reveal his true identity and answer Ronnie's question when suddenly, his phone rang. Their discussion came to an abrupt halt as Vere glanced at the screen and answered the call.

"Excuse me, Ronnie, I have to take this. It's Olivia calling," Vere said, stepping away towards the pool.

"Hello, Olivia."

"Hey Wayne, how's everything?" Olivia's voice came through, sounding slightly strained.

"All is good here. As I told you before, Ronnie is someone we can trust," Vere replied, his eyes scanning the pool's still waters. "We were just discussing our plans for the upcoming meeting with Mr. James."

"Oh, okay. I'm happy to hear that," Olivia said. "If you need anything, just give me a call, okay?"

As the conversation continued, Vere noticed something unusual in Olivia's tone. She sounded weak, distant. Concerned, he asked, "Olivia, are you okay?"

There was a brief silence before Olivia sighed and replied, "Actually... not really. I went to the doctor for a check-up because I've been feeling some discomfort, and I found out that... I have cancer."

Vere's heart sank. "What?" he gasped.

"Yes," Olivia confirmed, her voice trembling slightly. "The doctors will do their best to help me, but it's already in an advanced stage."

Vere was stunned into silence. He could feel his eyes welling up with tears. "Olivia... I..."

"Wayne, don't worry about me, please," Olivia interrupted. "Just make sure all the plans for acquiring the company go smoothly. I need to know that everything is under control."

"But Olivia, I can cancel everything and come to California right away," Vere insisted, his voice thick with emotion.

"Hey, please listen to me, okay? I want you to focus on our plans. When you're done with Mr. James, call me right away so we can arrange your flight," Olivia said firmly. "I have to go now; the doctors are coming in. Goodbye, Wayne, and good luck."

"Olivia..." Vere whispered, but the call ended. He sat down heavily on a chair by the pool, his head in his hands. Tears streamed down his face as he whispered, "Lord, why? Why does this always happen to the people I love?"

Moments later, Ronnie approached him cautiously. "Mr. Wayne, are you okay? I noticed you seemed upset after Olivia's call."

Vere quickly wiped his tears and straightened up. "Ah, it's nothing, Ronnie. Just some business matters," he lied, forcing a weak smile.

At that moment, a sudden breeze swept through the air, and a wave of uncertainty filled Vere's mind. He hesitated, reconsidering his decision to reveal his true identity. Looking at Ronnie, he said, "About what I told you earlier, forget it. Unfortunately, I was just joking. I wanted to cheer you up and make you feel comfortable, like when you were with your friend... Vere."

Ronnie looked at him curiously before breaking into laughter. "Haha! I sensed a prank in the air, Mr. Wayne."

Vere laughed along with him, though his heart felt heavy. Deep inside, he knew that the truth about his identity would have to wait for another time.

Ronnie patted Vere's shoulder. "Mr. Wayne, we still have a lot to discuss and prepare for."

"I'm sorry, Ronnie," Vere said, shaking his head. "I just wanted to see you smile because I know how much you miss Vere."

Ronnie nodded solemnly. "I understand, Mr. Wayne. But sometimes, there are things in life we just have to accept."

As the two men stood by the pool, the night deepened, and a quiet understanding passed between them. For now, the truth remained hidden, and their focus shifted back to the tasks at hand. Yet in Vere's heart, a storm of emotions raged on, torn between duty and the desire to be honest with those he cared about.