Chapter 4- Secretly a Billionaire 2

Back at Mrs. Elizabeth's mansion, a small celebration was underway to honor Barry's latest achievement. The room buzzed with laughter and the clinking of glasses, creating a lively atmosphere. Ava, however, was distracted, her thoughts drifting to Daniel. She was concerned about where he had gone since morning and whether he was upset about the earlier confrontation with her family.

The grand double doors creaked open, and Daniel strode in with a confident smile. Ava’s face brightened with relief. Maria, standing near the window, gaped as Daniel emerged from the black Rolls-Royce Phantom. The car's opulence seemed at odds with what she knew of Daniel, stirring a mix of confusion and intrigue.

Daniel crossed the room and enveloped Ava in a warm hug. “Where have you been?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Daniel grinned. “Just needed some fresh air. Took a little stroll.”

He cast a casual glance at Barry, who was mingling and enjoying the attention. Ava’s voice dropped to a whisper. “I’m really sorry about what my grandmother said earlier. I’m trying to talk to her about it.”

Daniel chuckled softly. “Don’t worry about it. The real news is about to hit Barry.”

As if on cue, phones across the room buzzed with notifications. Ava and the others pulled out their phones, their faces paling as they read the breaking news: “Titantech Industries has cut all ties with Barry Higgins, effective immediately.” Barry’s drink spilled as he read the message, his face draining of color. “What! How is this possible?”

He turned his furious gaze toward Daniel, who wore a self-satisfied smirk. “What did you do?” Barry demanded, his voice rising with anger.

Daniel feigned innocence. “I don’t understand. I’m just a loser. Why would I do something like this?”

Barry’s face darkened, and he stormed out, shouting into his phone. The room fell silent as Mrs. Elizabeth’s demeanor shifted to serious. “Everyone, to the dining room. We need an emergency meeting.”

The dining room was heavy with tension as everyone took their seats. The silence was punctuated only by the clinking of cutlery and the faint hum of the chandelier overhead. Mrs. Elizabeth sat at the head of the table, her authoritative presence commanding attention.

After a moment, she began, her tone unwavering. “First things first,” she said, addressing Ava directly. “You will not be marrying Barry. With Titantech Industries severing ties with him, he no longer has the wealth we believed he had. I refuse to let Ava make the same mistake twice. For now, you’ll stay with Daniel.”

Ava’s gaze dropped, a mixture of embarrassment and relief washing over her. Daniel, seated beside her, reached out and squeezed her hand in silent support.

Mrs. Elizabeth continued, her eyes sweeping the room. “Secondly, the Johnson family has a chance to rise among Agra’s elite. We have an opportunity to secure a contract with Titantech Industries. To make this happen, we need someone to volunteer to lead the effort.”

Whispers rippled through the room. Everyone present was highly qualified, except Ava, who had never finished university. Mrs. Elizabeth’s sharp gaze landed on Ava.

Daniel leaned closer, his voice encouraging. “You should raise your hand. I believe you can do this.”

Ava’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Are you serious? Even my sisters, who are qualified, don’t stand a chance. How could I?”

Daniel’s tone was firm but supportive. “I have faith in you. You can do this.”

As Ava hesitated, Mrs. Elizabeth’s patience wore thin. She caught the exchange and her expression hardened. “If you can’t keep your mouth shut, Daniel, you should leave.”

Daniel quickly apologized. “I’m sorry, Grandm. Ava said she’d like to give it a try.”

Maria’s laughter broke the silence, her tone mocking. “Why would Ava volunteer? She’s not even qualified. It’s a waste of time.”

Ava’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but determination sparkled in her eyes. She knew Maria was right, but she saw this as a chance to prove herself. “Please, give me a chance. I want to show that I can do this.”

Mrs. Elizabeth studied Ava’s earnest expression, then nodded slowly. “Alright, Ava. I’ll give you a chance. If you succeed in securing the contract with Titantech Industries, I will consider making you the head of the Johnson Family business.”

Maria’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Grandmother, what are you doing?”

Mrs. Elizabeth’s gaze was icy. “Quiet, Maria. This is a decision I’ve made.”

Ava’s face lit up with a hopeful smile. “Thank you, Mrs. Elizabeth. I’ll do my best.”

She stood, and Daniel followed as they left the dining room. The gravity of the opportunity and the challenge ahead weighed heavily on her shoulders.

As the door closed behind them, Mrs. Elizabeth leaned back in her chair, her expression cold and calculating. “Even if Ava succeeds, she won’t actually lead the Johnson Family business. This is just to push her to give her best effort. Do you think I’d allow someone unqualified to lead the family business? Absolutely not.”

The room fell into an uneasy silence as family members exchanged worried glances, processing the implications of the meeting.

Later, Ava and Daniel arrived at their modest apartment. The living room, decorated simply but comfortably, felt a world away from the opulence of Mrs. Elizabeth’s mansion. Ava paced nervously, her face a mixture of anxiety and determination.

“Do you really think I can do this?” Ava asked, her voice trembling.

Daniel looked at her with calm confidence. “Absolutely. You need to get some rest tonight. Tomorrow will be a fresh start, and you’ll be more focused. Why don’t you try to sleep?”

Ava managed a small smile. “You’re right. I’ll try to get some sleep.”

She headed to the bedroom, and Daniel waited until he heard her settle in. Once he was sure she was asleep, he took out his phone and dialed Priya’s number. The call connected quickly.

“Hello?” Priya’s voice was clear and professional.

“Hi, Priya. This is Daniel. Tomorrow, a woman named Ava Johnson will come to see you. I need you to give her the contract immediately, with anything she requests, and double the payment and extra holidays.”

There was a brief pause before Priya responded. “Yes, sir. I’ll make sure it’s done.”

“Thank you, Priya,” Daniel said, ending the call.

He put his phone away and sat quietly, his mind already planning the next steps.

The next morning, the sun shone brightly over the city as Ava and Daniel stood before the imposing Titantech Industries (T.T.I) building. Its sleek glass façade reflected the light, casting a powerful aura over the entrance. Ava adjusted her suit nervously while Daniel gave her a reassuring smile.

“I’m coming with you,” Daniel insisted, despite Ava’s protests. “I’ll wait for you here. Best of luck.”

Ava nodded, her nerves calming slightly at his support. “Thanks, Daniel. I’ll be quick.”

She entered the building and disappeared into the elevator. Daniel watched her go, his expression a mix of pride and anxiety. As he turned away, he spotted Chen, the familiar face of his grandfather’s trusted advisor.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t take a rest,” Daniel said, approaching Chen.

Chen, impeccably dressed, gave a polite nod. “Young Master, your grandfather inquired if you needed anything. I’m here to assist.”

Daniel sighed. “Thanks for caring, Chen. I haven’t even spent the $1.5 billion yet.”

Chen’s expression remained neutral. “I also need to inform you that your foster mother has been moved from the hospital. Your grandfather has ordered to see her.”

Daniel’s face tightened. “How dare you touch my mother!” His voice was harsh but laced with concern.

Chen remained calm. “She is fine. The move was to ensure her safety as per your grandfather’s orders.”

Relief washed over Daniel, mixed with lingering tension. “Just leave,” he said tersely. “I need to focus on other matters.”

Chen nodded respectfully and walked away. Daniel turned to leave, hoping to keep everything under wraps.

Meanwhile, not far from where Daniel stood, Maria peered through the glass of the T.T.I building. Her curiosity was piqued as she saw Daniel talking with Chen, who looked both expensive and intimidating. Maria’s suspicion grew. “What’s going on here?” she thought. “There’s something fishy about this.”