I Am The Richest Man Alive

Chapter Eight - The Lilly-Challenge.

Frigid spurts of adrenaline dashed through Justin's spine. He peeked at Lilly's face intently, as if he could see through her bones. Bruce's mouth was encircled in a sinister smile - anticipating a positive response from Lilly. 

At the onset, Justin was worried about how he'd heal from the injury and his palm. Or better still how he'd find a means to work with it, through the pain. So Bruce will not notice any laxity and fire him like he had always threatened. 

But now, Bruce has fired him because of his financial incapability. Or because he wanted to have lunch with his wife. Justin wished he could time travel and choose to stick to his roots. Maybe that approach will depict who's richer now. 

But at the same time, he's confident that Lilly is never going to accept Bruce's proposal even if he doesn't have a job or cannot afford to buy her a new car. After all, her father is wealthy enough to buy her one, and she can get a pretty good car on her own if she wants to. She doesn't have to rub a clump of poop on his face by accepting a cat gift from his mean boss. Ex boss. 

Someone else will have to clean up the mess on the floor. Lucky Justin. 

Justin ogled at Lilly helplessly like a convict, as if the next word she'd say would determine the length of his sentence. 

Bruce interrupted the hush. He cleared his throat, while his hands caressed his fluffy beards. 

"What's it going to be?" He huddled forward. 

Lilly's heart missed a hundred beats. As much as she loves Justin, she doesn't want to lose out on an opportunity that will earn her a new car. Sadly, Justin is incapable of doing that. And with a mere look at Bruce, she's convinced that she will be getting a luxury car. If possible her dream car. 

"I can't do that," Lilly muttered coldly. 

Justin rolled out a puff of relief. He shot Bruce a you-have-nothing-on-me type of stare. He bit his lip triumphantly with his heart crammed with bliss. 

"You must love this dude, a little too much to turn down my offer," Bruce said. 

"Yes, I love him. And no one, not even you or your money can change that." She declared. 

Every word Lilly uttered kept sending shrills of euphoria down Justin's spine. He felt no obligation to say a word. He resorted to letting Lilly do all the talking. And when he's had enough, he'd kiss his dear wife and take her home. 

Bruce peered at Lilly in admiration. Lilly seemed to be doing the hard yards. Yet, he's not willing to back down. Bruce Springsteen never gives up on a challenge especially when it involves women and exhibiting how much money he's got. But with Lilly, it felt like his wealth could only buy him her attention. Not her heart.

"Do you have a dream car?" Bruce said. 

Lilly fluttered her eyebrows. She didn't expect that comeback. She's a bit disappointed that Bruce isn't ready to give up on the go-on-a-date with me quest. Initially, he didn't find the easiest route to her heart. Little did he know that Lilly's dream car was like earning a spot in her life. 

"A Velar. The black one." Lilly snorted. 

"Fine. You'd get it now." Bruce mumbled. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Mr. Barker. Yeah, I need a brand new Rangerover Velar. I need that shit parked in front of my company right now." Bruce ordered. He took the phone off his ears as he bared his canines in a smile. 

"Justin, I think you should leave already. Because this beautiful lady here will be going out on a date with me." Bruce suggested sarcastically. 

"That is not happening. Lilly loves me. And that'll never change even if you buy her an automobile corporation." Justin defended. 

"Okay. We'll see to that." Bruce said. "Hold up, I'll be right back." He walked towards the exit. 

Justin watched him exit the door, before heaving a sigh. One that has been stiffed beneath his throat since Bruce made that phone call. He felt like the chances of losing Lilly had grown thinner. 

Who'd say no to a brand-new Rangerover? 

Lilly hunched her head, too dazed to say a word. 

"Look, babe. Don't listen to anything he says. He's just being wicked -" Justin said. 

"There you go, baby!" Bruce said as he strolled back to the couple. "Here's the keys to your new car." He announced, stretching a car key to Lilly. 

Lilly grabbed the keys without hesitation. "I'll go on a date with you."