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

7

Elias smiled.

Not because anything was funny—but because Fredrick had already lost. He just didn’t know it yet.

At this point, he didn’t even see Fredrick as a threat. Just a clown in an overpriced suit, performing for applause that never came.

Fredrick hadn’t earned anything. Not the respect, not the girl, and definitely not Harold’s approval.

Across the table, Luna’s patience snapped. “That’s enough,” she said, “You don’t get to talk down to him.”

Fredrick’s smirk twitched. He turned his full attention to Elias. “Oh, I’m just getting started.”

Elias leaned back, “Then start with this—what did you bring?”

Fredrick straightened like he’d been waiting for the spotlight all night. “Glad you asked.”

He gave a signal.

Two servants entered, carrying a glass display case. Inside sat a green jade Buddha, polished to a shine.

“Five hundred thousand dollars,” Fredrick announced. “Ming Dynasty. Certified antique. One of a kind.”

Ryan clapped. Chloe gasped. They were all visibly shocked. Only Harold didn’t react.

But Fredrick wasn’t done yet

He pulled out a folder and set it on the table like it was a trump card. “Partnership proposal from Umbratech Corporation. If accepted, WestTech secures exclusive distribution rights for their new tech. Worth millions.”

That got Harold’s attention.

He picked up the folder and flipped through. His voice betrayed his interest. “This real?”

Fredrick smirked. “My uncle’s close with Adams—the CEO’s secretary. They’ve known each other for years. Adams gave us the heads-up on this deal himself. He said it’s a quiet deal, pre-launch. You’d be ahead of the market.”

Even Elias raised a brow.

Adams?

His expression stayed calm, but inside, something twisted.

The name was a problem.

Elias knew that folder. Knew the proposal. Knew every line of that formatting, because he had written it. But it was still a draft—one that had never left his office. No signature. No authorization. No clearance.

So how the hell had Fredrick gotten it?

Adams was his secretary. The one who managed all internal files. The one who had access to confidential proposals and executive-level documents. A man Elias had taught to keep everything tight and silent.

So why the hell was Fredrick sitting here, tossing around proposals with Umbratech’s logo and promising deals to people who should’ve never seen this paperwork?

Elias’s eyes flicked to the folder. It was legit. The formatting, the seal, the internal reference number—real.

But now He couldn’t afford to draw attention to himself now. Not with Adams’ name in play. If Fredrick had access to internal drafts.

Elias needed time—time to figure out how deep the breach ran and who else might be involved. This meant hiding his identity for a little while more.

Fredrick turned to him with a sneer. “And you?” he asked. “Did you bring anything? Or were you planning to free-ride your way into the family?”

Luna was fuming, but Elias gently squeezed her hand under the table.To say: It’s fine.

She glanced at him. He was calm. That alone made her relax.

Elias reached into his coat. The bag was plain, nothing fancy. No logos, no ribbons. Just a simple velvet pouch.

He placed it on the table and slowly unzipped it.Fredrick leaned forward, already smug. Then his smile slipped.

A gold badge sat inside. Polished but simple. Inlaid with a royal blue gem and a crest no one in the room could mistake.

The room went still. Harold didn’t move at first.

Then, slowly, he reached forward. His fingers hovered. Not in doubt—but in reverence.

He picked up the badge like it might vanish if he blinked.

He turned it over and read the serial number on the back. Then his eyes narrowed.

“Is this…” Harold’s voice dropped. “A presidential honor?”

Elias met his gaze. “Yes.”

Harold didn’t move at first. Then, as if drawn by instinct, he stepped forward. His hand hovered, then slowly reached out.

He picked up the badge like it was something sacred. Like it might vanish if he blinked.The room fell into silence. Even the Staff standing nearby held their breath.

Harold turned the badge over, reading the serial code on the back. His eyes darkened.

He looked up at Elias, stunned. “Is this… presidential honor?”

Elias nodded once. “Yes. I did.”

Harold’s fingers tightened around the medal, eyes wide. No one said a word. Even Fredrick looked like someone had punched him in the throat.

As a former veteran, Harold knew exactly what it meant. These were not given out for favors or bribes. They were earned. Through service. Through sacrifice