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Billionaire in Disguise 107
Olivia's speech didn't come as a surprise to many in the audience. After all, people tend to have a natural inclination toward comparison and a desire to show off their achievements. It was almost like a silent competition to see who could give the most impressive or valuable gift, and this gathering provided the perfect backdrop for such comparisons among friends and acquaintances as they transitioned into the world of adulthood.As Olivia continued her speech, she meticulously went through the list of names, expressing her gratitude for each gift with grace. It was a well-organized roll call of appreciation, and when she came to the section dedicated to Parker's college friends, the anticipation among the audience grew palpable.One by one, Olivia mentioned each name, acknowledging their contributions to the celebration. Then came the moment that left everyone taken aback. As Olivia reached Jake's name on her list, she paused and offered her thanks, saying, "Thank you so much, Jake,
Billionaire in Disguise 108
Upon learning that Olivia's father was a cultural relic appraiser, the assembled college friends couldn't conceal their mixed emotions when they cast their gaze upon Travis. It was a blend of disdain and sympathy that colored their expressions.In their minds, Travis seemed to be enduring a stroke of bad luck, a streak of unfortunate timing that had landed him in a rather fragile situation. To them, it was as if he had unwittingly set himself up for embarrassment.The irony was obvious. Travis had attempted to put up a front, but now, an expert in the field was about to enter the stage, potentially dismantling his claims piece by piece. It was akin to delivering a resounding slap to one's own face.The anticipation was building. If Olivia's father, Arnold, made an appearance, Travis would find himself in an uncomfortable position.Joanna, sharing in the unease of the moment, leaned in to Travis and offered a whispered plea, "Travis, the spotlight is becoming rather intense, and there
Billionaire in Disguise 109
Olivia promptly nodded in agreement with her father's inquiry. "Absolutely, Dad. He's actually a close friend of Parker."However, a trace of disappointment flickered across her face. What kind of friend did Parker have, anyway? She couldn't help but feel frustrated. Here was Travis, daring to attend his friend's pre-wedding celebration with a gift worth just a few hundred dollars. She was almost eager for her father to expose him, hoping Parker would reconsider such a friendship.Observing Parker's cautious silence on the sidelines, Travis couldn't help but deduce that he was being cautious. It was apparent that Olivia was one of those individuals who acted without considering the consequences of their words and actions.At that very moment, Arnold let out a sigh, his gaze directed at Travis filled with admiration. "Finding true friends can be quite a challenge in today's world, and it appears my son-in-law is exceptionally fortunate—""Huh?" Olivia couldn't help but interject, her i
Billionaire in Disguise 110
Jake found himself yearning for the impossible, wishing that the very ground beneath him would obligingly part and swallow him whole.In the depths of his mind, he was cursing his misfortune with every fiber of his being. Life had certainly dealt him a cruel hand on this particular day. Who would have ever predicted that he would find himself repeatedly outmaneuvered by Travis, of all people?Now, there was no conceivable escape route for him. With the revelation that the painting was not only genuine but valued at over two hundred thousand, his earlier brazen proclamation hung over him like a looming storm cloud. Could he truly carry out the ludicrous act of eating the table as he had so audaciously declared? The prospect seemed utterly preposterous.When his cherished car had been reduced to cinders, he could ultimately afford to replace it, but munching on a solid wooden table? That was an entirely different, and frankly, unimaginable endeavor.If he eats it, isn't it another w
Billionaire in Disguise 111
The celebrations had drawn to a close, and Travis wasted no time making his way through the venue toward his car, ready to head home. Amidst the farewells and the bustling crowd, he exchanged a quick goodbye with Parker, who was preoccupied with the demands of the evening, and then strolled away with Joanna at his side.However, as he was exiting the venue, a voice called out his name. "Hey! Hey, Travis. Hi!" Turning in response to the familiar voice, Travis and Joanna saw Olivia approaching with a wide smile gracing her features. She had hurried over to them with an air of warmth and sincerity."Hey, Travis, I noticed Parker didn't get a chance to properly say goodbye," Olivia began, her smile unwavering. "He's been swamped with everything going on tonight, so don't hold it against him."Travis, still somewhat puzzled by the unexpected encounter, nodded appreciatively. "I don't harbor any ill feelings about that at all. In fact, I completely understand the situation."Olivia's smile
Billionaire in Disguise 112
Upon returning home and tucking Maya into bed, Travis and Joanna went about their bedtime routine. As Travis made his way out of the room, Joanna paused for a moment, a thoughtful expression on her face. She couldn't help but address a matter that had been lingering in her mind."Travis," she began, her voice filled with genuine curiosity, "don't you find the couch uncomfortable?"Travis turned to face her, his brows slightly furrowed as he considered her question. He didn't want to feign ignorance or play games, fully understanding the implications behind her inquiry.With a nod, he admitted, "You know, Joanna, it really is uncomfortable. Lately, I've been feeling like I'm slowly developing neck and... well, other joint issues. It's becoming quite unbearable."Joanna smiled, acknowledging his honesty. "If it's causing you discomfort, Travis, you're more than welcome to join me in the bed."Travis’s gaze shifted from the bed to Joanna, his expression a mix of playfulness and desire. H
Billionaire in Disguise 113
Just a cursory glance at the man’s luxurious suit was enough for Travis to deduce that he hailed from a wealthy, privileged background. As for the woman accompanying him — well, her attire was a mixture of prestigious brands, with meticulously applied makeup, but the brows and eyes were full of arrogant colors and the clothing, albeit expensive, was pleasingly distasteful, and her posture, whoa, you can tell she's a bitch.The woman, Joanna knew her all too well. She was Cora, Joanna’s former college roommate. Despite sharing a dormitory, their relationship had been nothing more than ordinary, for they weren’t even classmates. They were just sleeping together in one room and nothing else.Their coexistence within the same room was marked by a lack of genuine friendship.This is primarily due to Cora’s pretentious airs and she has a very envious personality.Cora’s social calendar was packed with entanglements with various young men, which meant she was rarely present in the dormitory
Billionaire in Disguise 114
Cora appeared blissfully unconcerned about the potential distress her words could cause Joanna. With a conceited chuckle, she presented the man by her side with an air of pride. “Allow me to introduce you to my husband, Jim Carter. He happens to be the eldest child of the illustrious Carter family right here in Grove City, and the fortunate heir to a family fortune worth hundreds of millions!” Joanna let out a sigh and nodded. “Typical.”“What?” Cora said with a frown.Quickly, Joanna backtracked, her response tinged with feigned enthusiasm. “I meant to say, congratulations. I’m genuinely happy for you, Cora. Really.”Meanwhile, Travis, growing increasingly impatient, checked his watch, acutely aware that the annoying presence of Cora was sapping their precious time that should have been devoted to enjoying a pleasant day.Travis cleared his throat, a sly grin playing on his lips as he decided to partake in the bragging game. "Well, if we're talking about accomplished spouses, my wif