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

5

Ryan gave a small grunt and stood. Chloe followed, smoothing the front of her dress. Neither of them acknowledged Elias or the box he still held out.

As they turned to go, Elias stood still, the small gift box still in his hand.

Chloe’s shoulder had bumped it, knocking it sideways. She didn’t bother to look back. No apology. No acknowledgment. Just silence and the sound of her heels tapping against the marble as she walked off toward the dining room.

Ryan didn’t even glance at him. As if Elias didn’t exist.

Luna hesitated by the door, glancing back at him with a flicker of guilt in her eyes. She looked like she wanted to say something, but her mother called her name sharply. So she turned away.

And just like that, Elias was alone.

And he was really pissed. Not that he showed it.He didn’t frown. Didn’t scowl. Didn’t even sigh.

But inside, something burned.

He could’ve flown in a rare sculpture from Europe, custom-commissioned by a dead artist, and they would’ve still looked past him. Because to people like Chloe and Ryan, money wasn’t just about having it—it was about who gave it to you. Bloodlines. Corporate trees. That’s what mattered.

That’s all they saw.

---------

The dining room was neatly set up, everything in place for the special day.

Harold West sat at the head of the table.

Ryan, Harold’s eldest son, sat on his left. On his right was Chloe, his daughter-in-law. Both looked neat and wore fake smiles.

"Happy Birthday, Father," Ryan said, giving a shallow bow.

He gave a quick glance at Harold, his eyes darting like a student checking for approval.

"It’s been too long since we had the chance to celebrate with you like this. We’re really glad to be here tonight."

Chloe nodded immediately. “Happy Birthday,” she chimed in, reaching beneath the table to pull out a slim, glossy box wrapped in navy blue.

“We’ve brought you a small gift. Just a little something to show our appreciation.” Her voice was gentle. “I hope it meets your expectations.”

They both sat up straighter, eyes trained on Harold like hawks waiting for a reaction.

They had a lot riding on this dinner. They couldn’t afford to fail.

But the old man didn’t speak. He didn’t even blink.

Because Harold West wasn’t just any father. He was the founder and force behind West Holdings, the very name that could open doors—or shut them forever.

He had built his empire from nothing, clawing his way up through grit and blood and decisions no kind man would ever make.

Respect wasn’t given at this table. It was earned, squeezed out like oil from stone.

His silence stretched a second too long. Chloe’s smile faltered. Ryan’s hand twitched on the tablecloth.

But Harold didn’t look at either of them. His hand reached for the glass of water in front of him. He took a sip, eyes moving past them to the far end of the table.

To Luna.

She was seated beside Elias, who sat silently, relaxed. He hadn’t even touched the wine. His expression showed that he was still pissed at Chloe and Ryan's action.

Harold’s eyes narrowed.

“Who is this man?”

His voice wasn’t loud, but Every conversation died instantly.

Luna’s fingers twitched. She turned toward Elias and took his hand, intertwining her fingers with his as if to show they belonged together. Then, she looked back at her grandfather.

“ Grandfather,This is Elias Rivers,” she said steadily. “He’s my boyfriend.”

A pause followed.

Harold didn’t react right away. He looked Elias over slowly, studying him from head to toe as if assessing a rare item that had been dropped in his lap.

Elias, for his part, didn’t flinch. His face remained calm, almost bored. He didn’t smile. He didn’t shrink. He didn’t speak.

He just sat there like someone who’d seen more threatening men than Harold and lived through all of them.

Harold nodded, more to himself than anyone else. He leaned back slightly in his chair, fingers tapping the base of his wine glass.

Harold made a sound—a low grunt, he was almost amused.

“Good,” he said, after a pause. “Finally.”

Ryan’s eyes darted to Chloe. She blinked once, slowly, then looked away.

Harold didn’t stop. “About time you brought a man to the table, Luna. You're not a child anymore. I was beginning to think I’d never see you settle down.”

He sipped his wine.

“Everyone needs a partner in life. Someone who won’t run when things turn ugly. Someone who doesn’t fall apart the moment comfort disappears. If Elias is that man, then I’m pleased.”

Luna gave a small nod. She didn’t speak. She didn’t need to.

Harold wiped his mouth with the corner of his napkin, then looked straight at her again.

“I hope you have a child before I die.”

The room went still.

Ryan shifted, letting out a quiet breath. Chloe’s smile was frozen in place. The atmosphere was suddenly heavier, like someone had dimmed the light without touching a switch.

“I’m not asking for a miracle,” Harold added, tone casual. “Just a grandchild. One. Preferably before I need help remembering names.”

There was a little pause,till Harold spoke.

“So,” he said slowly, leaning forward just enough to show interest. “Tell me something.“What do you do, Elias? What’s your job?”