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Billionaire in Disguise 164
The much-anticipated day of Madame Emma’s birthday finally dawned, casting an air of significance over Joanna and her family. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as preparations for Madame Emma’s grand birthday banquet unfolded within the opulent confines of one of the good hotels in Grove City.Madame Alice, Joanna’s mother, and her sister, Ashley, had taken up residence in the mansion for the past few days, still grappling with the sheer magnitude of their new surroundings.Amidst the hustle and bustle, an underlying motive fueled their presence: a plan to broach the topic with Joanna, proposing the idea of permanently residing with her.As the family readied themselves to leave the house for the celebration, Joanna, seemingly lost in the whirlwind of preparations, turned to Travis with a crucial inquiry. The weight of Madame Emma’s expectations bore down on her as she inquired about the readiness of the birthday present."Oh, here it is." Travis, flashing a reassuring smile, pr
Billionaire in Disguise 165
Madame Emma's countenance transformed into a fiery display of anger as her cheeks swelled like vibrant blobs of red paint. A heated glare was directed specifically at Joanna, Travis, and especially Madame Alice, who had approached Madame Emma with the intent of offering greetings.In a torrent of furious words, Madame Emma unleashed her discontent, "What kind of gift are you presenting to me on my birthday, Alice, Joanna? This is utterly unacceptable!"Attempting to pacify the mounting tension, Madame Alice nervously intervened, "Please don't get so worked up, Mom. This is a pill called Eterna, purportedly a miraculous remedy for chronic diseases caused by the three highs..."Before she could conclude her explanation, Matthew interjected with a sardonic grin, "Are you insinuating that you all are eager for Mom to succumb to chronic diseases? Is that the underlying message behind gifting her this pill?""No, Mom, Uncle Matthew, that's not what my mom meant..."Joanna's complexion turne
Billionaire in Disguise 166
Madame Emma's countenance transformed into a fiery display of anger as her cheeks swelled like vibrant blobs of red paint. A heated glare was directed specifically at Joanna, Travis, and especially Madame Alice, who had approached Madame Emma with the intent of offering greetings.In a torrent of furious words, Madame Emma unleashed her discontent, "What kind of gift are you presenting to me on my birthday, Alice, Joanna? This is utterly unacceptable!"Attempting to pacify the mounting tension, Madame Alice nervously intervened, "Please don't get so worked up, Mom. This is a pill called Eterna, purportedly a miraculous remedy for chronic diseases caused by the three highs..."Before she could conclude her explanation, Matthew interjected with a sardonic grin, "Are you insinuating that you all are eager for Mom to succumb to chronic diseases? Is that the underlying message behind gifting her this pill?""No, Mom, Uncle Matthew, that's not what my mom meant..."Joanna's complexion turne
Billionaire in Disguise 167
"Do you comprehend the exorbitant prices we demand for our culinary offerings? A modest meal here could effortlessly set you back over a hundred grand. This is not an establishment catering to penniless individuals such as yourselves," declared the supervisor with an air of condescension.Joanna, ever mindful of avoiding unnecessary expenses or entanglements, let out a resigned sigh. "Travis, it's not worth it. Let's explore other dining options or perhaps I can cook at home."Unyielding in his resolve, Travis dismissed Joanna's suggestion. "No, there's no need for us to leave. This marks the first time I'm treating all of you to dinner, and I'm adamant about ensuring it's a splendid experience."Turning to the supervisor, Travis asserted, "You there, fetch your superior. I wish to speak with the person who holds the ultimate authority in this establishment."Amusement echoed among the supervisor and his cohorts. "We boast a multitude of bosses here; precisely which one are you alludi
Billionaire in Disguise 168
Stepping into Cloud Palace felt akin to entering a genuine royal abode, their senses overwhelmed by the exquisite furnishings and exuberant lavishness that adorned its interior."Please come this way, Sir. This is our best VIP room," guided Vic Davidson, leading them towards a spacious enclave that radiated opulence.Despite the grandeur, Madame Alice found herself fidgeting, an uneasiness stemming from the unspoken understanding that dining in a VIP room often translated to a heftier bill. An advocate for practicality, she hesitated, "Why don't we just dine in the main hall? Let's skip the VIP room." Her knowledge of the unwritten rules in entertainment and dining outlets informed her decision, mindful of potential financial repercussions.The lush decor of Cloud Palace surpassed even the palaces she had witnessed on television, further intensifying her reservation about opting for the VIP room. Concerned that the bill might exceed their budget, Madame Alice proactively suggested for
Billionaire in Disguise 169
The prospect of dining for free, for the rest of their lives, seemed surreal, prompting Joanna to interject, "Mom, I'm pretty sure Travis has a very good relationship with Mr. Davidson, that's why..." She cast a hopeful glance toward Travis, seeking affirmation and understanding in the midst of this unexpected turn of culinary fortune.Stepping into the role of mediator, Travis interjected with a reassuring tone, "Yes, definitely. Vic used to be a very good friend of mine; that's why he treats us like his family. There's no need to feel uneasy about that."Vic Davidson, visibly touched by Travis's mention of familial bonds, was on the verge of tears, his voice quivering as he expressed, "Yes, oh yes, that's so true... We are family. I owe a lot to Mr. Danforth; you wouldn't understand if I begin to explain. Please make yourself comfortable; don't stand on ceremony here."Despite these heartfelt assurances, the Blooms remained hesitant to delve into the expansive menu and place their o
Billionaire in Disguise 170
As the complicated details of Professor Blaine’s explanation unfolded before their attentive ears, a trace of anxiety painted Matthew’s expression. With a furrowed brow, he inquired, “So, if I understand correctly, acquiring an Eterna pill is practically impossible now?”Professor Blaine acknowledged with a solemn nod, “Indeed, it has become an exceedingly rare commodity. Although I did hear rumors of an exorbitant ten million paid for such a pill in an auction a few years ago.” then he sighed and continued, “I know it's meaningless for you to know all about Eterna since it is almost impossible to find one of the pills these days."Matthew, deep in thought, contemplated the professor’s words. His head tilted, eyes narrowed, a sense of déjà vu lingered as the name Eterna resonated within him.He struggled to place where he might have encountered that term before.Amidst the contemplative atmosphere, Allison, too, experienced a sudden revelation. Her eyes widened in realization, and she
Billionaire in Disguise 171
Madame Alice, harboring a deep-seated disdain for the Blooms, vehemently declared, “Since they need something from this useless family, we shouldn't make it easy for them to get it because they won't appreciate us, I'm sure of it.” She had reached her limit with Madame Emma, who had made her life miserable even during her marriage. The disdainful treatment continued after her husband's demise, relegating them to insignificance.Joanna, curious about Travis's perspective, cast a gaze in his direction, contemplating his potential response. She secretly concurred with her mother; her grandmother was unlikely to express gratitude, even after they saved her life. Perhaps her mom's suggestion was worth considering.Travis, sensing the weight of their expectations, released a sigh, accompanied by a reassuring smile. He voiced his uncertainty, stating, “Do you guys think that family still has something we want? I'm not sure anymore.”Madame Alice, undeterred, pointed out, “They have a pletho