They Called Me Trash—But I am actually the Billionaire Boss

4

Fredrick stepped in again“—just a salesman. Isn’t that right, Rivers?”

Elias felt his blood boil as Fredrick interrupted him. The nerve of the man. He was just about to speak, to put everything in place, and this fool had to run his mouth.

Frederick chuckled. “Tell them the truth. You were ditched by a woman you barely knew. Publicly humiliated. And now you're here pretending to be something you're not.”

Chloe raised a brow, folding her arms. “Is that true?”Her tone was cold.

Elias met her eyes. “I work in sales, yes.”

Ryan finally spoke “Sales? Is that really what you do?” He took a step closer“So you’re just another desperate soul, begging people to buy useless crap. How dare you think you could ever be worthy of my daughter?”

Fredrick laughed behind him.

Elias kept his expression calm,even as the insults rained down. He had expected nothing less from Ryan and Chloe.

These were the kinds of people who felt entitled to treat others like dirt, just because they had money. It made him question how they could raise someone as incredible as Luna.

Chloe’s lip curled. “Luna, what is this? You brought this man into our home? Are you trying to embarrass us in front of your grandfather tonight?”

Luna’s fingers tightened into fists but she knew better than to show too much emotion. She had learned long ago to expect nothing less from her parents. Their arrogance was almost predictable at this point.

She opened her mouth to speak, but a voice interrupted her.

Tell you what, Rivers," Ryan said, stepping closer with a smirk that didn't reach his eyes. "I’m feeling generous today. How about this—I'll offer you a job at my company. A decent position, too.”

Elias raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t sure whether to laugh or get offended. “A job?” he repeated.

Ryan’s lips curled into a sneer. “Yes. A position as a security guard.” He paused for a moment.

“It’s better than whatever it is you’re doing now, right? You won’t need to do much. Just bow and nod like a dog to those higher up. You won’t even have to think. You can scrape by.”

Fredrick snorted behind him, clearly enjoying every second of it.

Elias glanced briefly at Luna. Her jaw was clenched, and her face was flushed with anger. She was fighting the urge to lash out.

"Enough! Both of you, just stop." Luna's eyes was flashing with anger. "What is it with you always thinking you can control every aspect of my life? Do you really think you have the right to decide who I’m with?

Chloe scoffed“We just want the best for you, Luna. And he isn’t it. He’s not even comparable to one strand of Fredrick’s hair. Fredrick is the heir to a company worth millions.

She paused for a second

"Do you even know who’s backing it? Umbratech Corporation. That company will be worth billions soon. And your ‘boyfriend’? He’s just a salesman. A replaceable name tag and a cheap tie.”

Elias’s eyes darkened. He gently moved Luna behind him with one hand

"Mr. and Mrs. West," he said coldly, "I have been nothing but respectful since I walked through your doors. But don’t confuse my silence with inadequacy."

He glanced at Luna briefly, then back.

"My job may not suit your taste—but it’s more than enough. To secure a future. To shield what’s mine. And to give Luna everything she could ever need."

Butterflies fluttered in Luna’s stomach as Elias gently defended her. He didn’t raise his voice. Didn’t break a sweat. Just spoke like a man who knew his worth.

But then the bastard spoke.

Fredrick scoffed loudly, slow-clapping like he’d just watched a school play. “Wow. That was touching. Really.” He stepped forward. “You should consider a career in motivational speaking. You’ve got the tone down—pity your job title doesn't match the speech.”

Elias didn’t move. His eyes didn’t even flicker.

Fredrick smirked and looked at Chloe and Ryan. “You know, I actually brought something tonight. Thought I’d show my appreciation.” He turned toward the car with a grin.

“Why don’t you all head inside? I’ll bring the gifts in. Something a little more valuable than empty words.”

Elias felt a flash of anger toward Fredrick. The guy had no idea who he was talking to, acting like his petty company meant anything to someone who could buy and sell him with a snap of his fingers.

He wondered how Fredrick would feel if he knew the truth—his monthly dividends were more than Fredrick’s entire net worth. It was laughable.

Chloe checked her watch, then scoffed. “It’s almost time for the birthday dinner anyway,” she muttered. “Let’s go, Luna.”

She dragged Luna inside, her hand gripping her daughter’s wrist. Ryan followed behind them. Fredrick smirked at Elias one last time, then headed to the car to fetch his precious gifts.

Elias stood still, staring at the gift bag he had gotten for Chloe and Ryan. It had been discarded carelessly during the confrontation, now sitting forgotten on the floor.

Elias bent down, picked up the small velvet bag, and walked into the villa.

The interior was the definition of wealth trying too hard—white marble floors, glass chandeliers everywhere. Everything sparkled, but it felt cold. Like a hotel lobby with no soul.

He stepped into the hall. Fredrick was already front and center, holding two sleek boxes

“For Mr. and Mrs. West,” he said, handing one to each parent. “A little something to show my appreciation.”

Ryan opened his first—his eyes lit up. “Blancpain?”

“Villeret,” Fredrick confirmed. “Limited edition. Custom engraved. Runs about a hundred grand.”

Chloe opened hers, lifting out a diamond-studded bracelet that caught the chandelier light and threw it in every direction.

She gasped, hand to chest. “This must’ve cost—”

"Roughly one-fifty,” Fredrick said, flashing his teeth. “Only the best for My girlfriend's family.”

Luna lingered a few steps away, arms crossed, jaw tight. “Elias also brought a gift,” she said, louder than before. “For both of you.”

Fredrick chuckled. “Oh? Do show us, Rivers. I’m dying to see how a salesman impresses a billionaire family?”

Elias remained quiet. He reached into the side of his coat, pulled out a slim box, dark and elegant. No brand label. Just clean design. .

Luna tensed. Her eyes flicked to the box, then back to his face. Her head gave the tiniest shake. A warning. She hadn’t expected him to really give it. Not after she only gave him ten grand.

But Elias ignored the signal. He stepped forward and extended the box toward the couple seated ahead of him.

Ryan looked at it once. Just once. Chloe didn’t even reach for it. She turned her head, lips pursed. “How thoughtful,” she muttered, without meaning it.

Before the gift could even change hands, the butler appeared at the archway.

“Dinner is served,” he announced.

Perfect timing.