Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson

CHAPTER 10

The day I was supposed to go golfing with Auguste Auclair and his millionaire business partners had arrived. Philippe and I carefully planned to continue the farce of me impersonating his son Paul.

My attire had to be flawless—an expensive polo, fashionable sunglasses, and even a light self-tanner—to achieve the desired wealthy golden boy appearance. Examining my appearance in the mirror, I noticed a tiny resemblance to the arrogant jerk Paul. But I instantly dismissed the unpleasant idea.

Auguste's desire to golf in the winter seemed weird to me, but Philippe explained that it was primarily an excuse for the tycoons to gather and gossip freely. I'd have to try to insert myself into their private chats.

Philippe trained me on country club culture and news about Auguste's social circle to help me play my role convincingly, as well as explaining that Auguste merely wanted Paul to bond as he approached adulthood. Despite not being an heir, the patriarch wished to mentor his grandson. My knowledge will be tested very soon.

We arrived at the manicured grounds of the wealthy country club, and I instantly noticed Auguste speaking with a group of older gentlemen. Now it's time to put my acting skills to the test.

"Grandfather!" I shouted out cheerfully and approached to shake his hand. "Thank you for inviting me today; I've been looking forward to it."

Auguste grinned. "Paul, it's good to see you out and about. Do you recall Mr. Campbell and Mr. Hendricks from the club?

I turned and shook their hands. "Of course, it's good to see you both again. How is your family doing, Mr. Campbell? I inquired, recalling the things Philippe had shared with me.

"Oh, just splendid, my boy!" Mr. Campbell joked as I had a polite, small conversation with each of the CEOs.

When the conversation went to money issues from one man's recent divorce, I quietly said, "Yes, ex-wives can be a very costly issue indeed." The men all laughed at my wit.

On the next hole, I made it a point to question Mr. Hendricks about his new racehorse. Philippe said the man appreciated people remembering his hobbies.

Hendricks' eyes brightened up when I mentioned his cherished polo ponies. By the middle of the game, the men were treating me like one of their valued colleagues.

But I had to be careful not to slouch on golf etiquette and language. Philippe cautioned that these titans would pay close attention to every aspect. I studied how they set up shots and maintained a normal posture. Mimicking them was crucial.

By the last few holes, I felt like I was hitting my stride, merging easily into their elite inner circle. Nonetheless, I felt tremendous relief when Auguste said, "I believe that's a game, gentlemen!"

As we returned to the vast clubhouse for drinks, Mr. Campbell gently squeezed my shoulder. "You played an excellent round out there, young man." I smiled humbly while inside, thrilled to have passed their inspection.

When the conversation shifted to families, I focused on memories of Auguste's company to highlight his legacy. He quickly began telling us stories about his hard working youth.

The CEOs quickly excused themselves for other social events and family obligations. I stood respectfully as they left, shaking each hand firmly, and promised to see them again soon.

Exhaustion crept over me after being "on" all day. But I had completed my role successfully. Inside the club foyer, I froze when I noticed Charles out with someone I assumed was his father. Panic rushed through me. Before they could spot me, I rushed away to hide in the restroom, my heart racing.

This was bad; one remark from Charles could reveal my identity if he acknowledged knowing the genuine, comatose Paul. I needed to avoid him by all means before he ruined everything.

After spotting Charles, I dashed into the restroom to escape being discovered. My heart was beating as I tried to gather myself. One false move may reveal the entire ruse.

"Adam, are you alright?" I heard Philippe's voice outside, and he was speaking my real name in front of others, which was risky.

Thinking quickly, I responded with the same condescending tone I had for Paul. "Father, I am afraid I am feeling a little unwell. Please tell Grandfather that I had to depart early." I hoped Philippe understood the cryptic message.

However, he was unable to appreciate the subtleties. Philippe stormed inside the restroom, unaware of the danger.

"What's wrong?" "Did it not go well?" he questioned in an anxious tone, making me cringe.

"Have you lost your mind?" I hissed back. "One of Paul's classmates is here. "We could be discovered any second!"

Philippe's eyes expanded with belated awareness. My stomach churned with worry over this close call. We were in a dangerous area.

"You're right; sorry for my negligence," Philippe muttered. "I'll make your excuses and get us out quickly. Meet me at the side exit in five minutes." He slipped away again.

Alone again, I poured cold water on my face, hoping to calm my heartbeat. Philippe intended well, but his incompetence jeopardized everything. I needed to take more responsibility.

Exactly five minutes later, I quietly exited and slipped into Philippe's waiting car, keeping my head down. There was no sign of Charles, but it had been far too close.

After we drove away from the club, I questioned Philippe, "How did Grandfather get me to leave early? Was he upset?

"You can drop the act for now, Adam," Philippe said casually. "But don't worry; Father was understanding. "I made your excuses."

I mentally scolded myself for still maintaining the respectful tone I used around Auguste. After a few hours of portraying the rich grandson, I felt at ease with the character.

Philippe casually continued, "I took the liberty of enrolling Paul in an online high school." "He can finish his senior year remotely."

I looked at him incredulously. "You what?" Isn't he still comatose? How can he possibly finish high school online right now?"

Philippe waved dismissively. "Oh, I'll manage the coursework myself. We must keep appearances."

I shook my head in astonishment. "But how about my own education? We never agreed that I'd continue playing Paul after winter vacation ended."

"About that," Philippe explained calmly, "I took care of things. Adam Thomas will move to a prominent STEM institute in Switzerland on a scholarship for an exchange program to complete his senior year.

I stared at him. "You can't just ship me to Switzerland! "What about my grandmother and everything here?"

"Don't worry, everything is arranged," Philippe assured. "You'll get an excellent education, far better than Wellington, and I'll handle your grandmother's care."

I glanced out the window, my thoughts reeling. This man was mad, yet his name certainly carried weight despite his lack of resources. So far, I have gravely underestimated Philippe.

"But... won't your father get suspicious with Paul never around?" In the midst of his frenzied scheming, I sought rationality.

"Father thinks Paul will be away at boarding school," Philippe responded casually. "He needn't know otherwise."

I merely sighed, resigned to the chaos. Once Philippe had made a decision, there was no point in arguing. For the time being, I had no choice but to trust him when he said he had everything under control. Philippe and I shared an awkward silence while he drove. I decided to express something that had been bothering me.

"What are you planning to do about Charles and Benjamin?" I asked. "They know about Paul's accident and seem to be spreading rumors."

Philippe's eyes darkened. "I have my ways of keeping young men like that quiet," he said cryptically. I trembled, stunned by the suggestion of cruelty hidden beneath his humble appearance.

But I continued on heedlessly. "Won't people get suspicious when Paul shows up at Dunamis with some questionable virtual high school degree?"

Philippe's fists clinched over the steering wheel. "I think that's quite enough for today," he said bluntly.

I sank lower in my seat, understanding I had crossed an invisible line. Questioning his complex web of lies was clearly out of bounds.

We drove on in uncomfortable silence. Philippe's crazy plot became increasingly complicated by the day. But I had to walk gently to avoid inciting his fury.

Despite his eccentricities, his connections could nevertheless help me gain an advantage from studying overseas. He appeared resolute in his mission to save my grandma, just as he had said. Indulging in his fantasies would have to suffice for the time being. Everything was going to fall apart unless Paul woke up soon. Philippe had to accompany me until then, though.

A notification light on my phone came on as I thought about how dangerous my situation was. I only had Charles's number saved because his gang needed someone to run midnight liquor errands. My heart skipped a beat as I opened his message, and my eyes widened at the terrifying words on the screen:

"Enjoy your little game while it lasts."

In that instant, time appeared to fracture, shattering into a million jagged bits around me. The message was a bullet, and it had hit its mark with lethal precision. Panic clawed at my throat, and I attempted to maintain a façade of calm, but my hands trembled, betraying my inner agony. The screen went blank, leaving me gripped with terror and confusion.

The thin thread of deception I had constructed felt to the point of snapping, and I realized the ramifications of Charles' disclosure may destroy everything Philippe also had skillfully created. The game had just taken an unknown and dangerous turn.