Posing as the Billionaire's Grandson

CHAPTER 5

As soon as I entered this private millionaire meeting, I recognized some faces from business magazines and news interviews. But more importantly, Paul's relatives were all here - uncles, aunts, and cousins who are executives in the company.

There was Richard Auclair, Philippe's older brother and current President of Auclair Hotels. He's expanded their portfolio of five-star properties across Europe. 

His other brother Claude Auclair is the Executive Vice President of Casino Operations, overseeing the company's global chain of luxury casinos and entertainment venues - we're talking Vegas on steroids.

Then there's Juliet Auclair, Philippe's sister, who runs Auclair Cruise Lines as Chief Operating Officer. Under her leadership, they've cornered the high-end cruise market with over-the-top luxury liners.  

And of course Auguste Auclair himself, the founder and current Chairman of the Board. At 80 years old, he still runs the empire with an iron fist.

Seeing all Paul's accomplished relatives gathered here was beyond intimidating. Philippe steered me subtly through the room towards his father. My heart pounded as we reached Auguste Auclair. His scrutinizing gaze made me glad I had Philippe's coaching to help me convincingly play Paul.

"It's nice to see you again Grandfather, it's been a while," I said, shaking his bony hand and hoping mine wasn't sweating too badly.

Auguste Auclair peered at me doubtfully through bushy gray eyebrows. "Likewise, young man...though I can't recall the last time we met. You say you're Philippe's boy?"  

I forced out a laugh, trying to mask my nerves. Clearly, this old dude had zero clue who I was pretending to be. This whole charade was shaping up to be a waste of time. 

"Yup, I'm Paul Auclair, Philippe Auclair's son," I said, trying to sound confident. "I know I look a bit different now, Grandpa. It's been years since I was that pudgy little kid."

"Ah yes, the ill-tempered and portly boy!" Auguste chuckled. "You have certainly slimmed down since then. And learned some manners it seems."

I grinned through gritted teeth. "Yeah, I've grown up a lot. Though I had some bratty moments back in the day." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Philippe cringing. This was off to a great start.

But the old man just laughed good-naturedly and clapped me on the back with surprising force. "Haven't we all? I'm glad to see you taking your health and education seriously now, Paul. Let's continue our chat, I want to hear all about you."

He steered me towards the other guests as I shot Philippe a panicked look. How was I gonna convincingly fake my way through a heart-to-heart with the CEO? But it was too late to back out now.

Auguste steered me through the opulent ballroom as I shot Philippe a panicked look. How was I, nobody, gonna convincingly discuss business and family with this CEO? But it was too late to turn back now. 

"So tell me, Paul, the last I recall you were still in high school," Auguste said, sipping an amber drink. "Have you graduated yet?"

"No Grandpa, I'm in my final year actually," I replied, nervously gulping some juice.

"And what school are you attending? Please don't tell me some frivolous art academy like your father," he said in an accusatory tone, glaring at Philippe nearby.

"Oh no, nothing like that! I'm attending Wellington Prep - it's a private boarding school focused on STEM," I improvised, hoping he wouldn't probe further. "I'm specializing in physics." 

"Is that so? And are you competent in the subject?" Auguste asked doubtfully.

I resisted the urge to brag - something told me Paul would've been more arrogant. "Well, much better at physics than I am at painting, that's for sure!" I said, trying to joke about Philippe's arts degree. Probably not my smartest quip. Philippe forced a smile but his eye twitched. Risky move on my part.

But Auguste laughed loudly at this. "Well, how delightful! My youngest grandson, a man of science - that's certainly unexpected." He smiled and clapped my shoulder approvingly. 

I smiled back weakly, sweat beading my forehead. By some miracle, he was buying my act so far. But I couldn't let my guard down for a second around this shark.

Before I could slip away, a young man suddenly hugged Auguste from behind. 

"Grandpa! I missed you so much," he cried dramatically. "University has been killing me..." 

He stared at me, clearly trying to place who I was supposed to be. I froze, unsure how to address this newcomer. But based on his age, he was likely one of Paul's cousins.

Luckily Philippe jumped in. "Nephew! Good to see you. I heard you started university since we last met..." 

While chatting, Philippe shot me pointed looks - he wanted me to make a polite exit while I still could. But Auguste had other ideas.

"Raphael, since you're in college now, you simply must chat with your cousin Paul about it. He's finishing up high school currently," Auguste said as if this were a brilliant chance for me to bond with family.

Raphael kept squinting at me doubtfully. Oh man, was he finally seeing through this charade? The jig might be up if he outed me right here. 

"Uh, yeah cuz, we should totally catch up," I said nervously. "But you're probably dying to see Grandpa here. Don't let me interrupt the reunion!" I edged away slowly.

"Nonsense!" Auguste boomed. "Family comes first. Now, tell Paul about your studies..."

He steered us forcibly together. I shot Philippe a panicked look, but no help was coming. How was I gonna fake my way through a conversation with Paul's actual cousin? I was so busted…

Raphael grabbed my arm and steered me out to the balcony, claiming he wanted to let the old folks chat. I was just relieved to escape questioning, but the ruse wasn't over yet. 

Out of nowhere, a fist plowed into my gut, knocking the wind out of me. I crumpled to the ground, stunned. Why was this dude attacking me all of a sudden?

Raphael loomed over me menacingly. "What's with that BS speech in there, punk?" He grabbed my shirt collar roughly. "Who gave you permission to even look at me, much less speak?"

Oh crap, I got it now - Raphael hated Paul for some reason. With Philippe being the black sheep and all, I guess I shouldn't be shocked his kid wasn’t welcomed by their cousins.

"Listen, Raphael, I don't want any trouble..." I wheezed, struggling to my feet. 

Raphael shoved me against the balcony railing. "And who told you could use my name so casually, idiot?" He pulled his fist back to hit me again.

Thinking fast, I blocked the blow, adrenaline kicking in. "Hey, ease up! We're family..." Even as a pretend Paul, I had to stand my ground. 

Raphael paused, confusion clouding his rage for a moment. I took the chance to raise my hands peacefully. "I don't know what lies you've heard about me, but I'm not looking to fight with my blood."

For a second, I thought I'd gotten through to him. But then his eyes narrowed coldly. "We'll see about that..."

"Did you forget, you stupid f**k?" Raphael spat angrily. "Or did you lose too many brain cells along with all that fat?"

I was clueless about what I was supposed to have forgotten. Philippe never mentioned Paul's cousins beating him up. I had to think of some cocky response fast.  

"So what about it?" I retorted, trying to channel Paul's arrogance. Raphael looked surprised like he didn't expect me to talk back.

"You know you're never supposed to show your face at these family events again," Raphael said menacingly. 

Ah, so that's what this was about.  "You'll be done with high school soon right? Got any career plans in the business?" He asked.

I smirked. "Think a painter's son like me is a threat to you?" I was trying to lead him on, get him monologuing.  

Raphael grabbed my shirt, getting in my face. "You think you can waltz in and impress Grandfather? He'd pick ten of me over one of you, dumbass. I'm going to take over as CEO one day." 

Raphael bristled, and I knew I had him on the ropes. Time to move in for the finish.

"Please, I'm not interested in your petty office politics and nepotism drama," I scoffed with fake indifference. "Go scurry back to brown-nosing Grandpa if you want a shot at a cushy job someday."

For a moment Raphael just gaped at me, stunned by my audacity. Then with a growl, he seized my shirt collar again. "You little punk, I'll teach you some respect!"

The brawl resumed, but this time I knew I had gotten under his skin. With some quick thinking and attitude, I had turned the tables, at least temporarily.

I started walking away, done with Raphael's drama. But he had one parting shot. "You know my dad pays your tuition, right?" Raphael called out smugly. "It's true - Uncle Philippe is flat broke and can't even support himself." His laughter followed me out.

I paused at the balcony door. Raphael took my silence as surrender. 

"That's right, stop being so cocky and know your place," he jeered. "Do us all a favor and pick some budget community college. You don't belong at a top university."

I turned and met his mocking gaze unflinchingly. "Are you done? I've got better things to do than trading petty insults with spoiled brats."  

Raphael's eyes flashed with anger, but I didn't give him a chance to retort. 

"Thanks for the chat, cuz. Thoughtful college advice there," I said sarcastically. "Now run along and schmooze Grandpa for that executive job you're so clearly gunning for."

I left him sputtering in outrage on the balcony. As I reentered the ballroom, pity for Paul welled up inside me. I never knew how pathetic and cruel his own family was to him. No wonder he acted out.  

But I wouldn't let Raphael get the satisfaction of seeing me upset. I had held my own for now. Hopefully, Philippe and I could make a quick exit before this ruse collapsed completely.

Before that, dinner was served. Richard Auclair, Raphael's father, and Philippe's older brother, gave a brief Christmas blessing first. 

Then the food arrived, as fancy as the ornate room itself. A decadent stuffed quail drizzled. Scalloped potatoes topped with shavings of black truffle. Haricots verts amandine sprinkled with slivered almonds. All served on fine china with real silver cutlery that probably cost a month's rent back home.

As we ate, I studied the faces of Paul's cousins surreptitiously. All were presumably older than him in undergrad or grad school, maybe already working their way up in the company. Most seemed to barely remember Paul from childhood.

I made bland small talk when prompted. Everyone kept repeating how surprised they were by my weight loss. I guess the real Paul would've been offended by those backhanded comments on his former chunkiness.

"Yes, I decided to take control of my health," I replied vaguely when Uncle Claude brought it up yet again between bites.  

This opulent dinner was getting uncomfortable. Hopefully, once the dessert plates were cleared Philippe and I could make a discreet exit without my cover being blown. 

Just as I was hoping Philippe and I could sneak away, Raphael dropped a bomb. 

"Uncle Philippe, Paul and I were discussing him attending Dunamis for business school," he said with obviously fake respect. "But I guess he didn't want you to know yet?"

A tense silence fell over the table. All eyes turned to me, awaiting my response. Dunamis was Ivy League - important to the Auclairs. I had to think fast.

I shot Philippe a questioning look down the table. He jumped in, "Actually, the plan is for Paul to study abroad after graduating."

Right, that was our cover story to buy time until hopefully, the real Paul woke up. No need to deviate from it. I laughed lightly. "Yes, there's a great physics program in Germany I'm interested in. Not sure why my cousin is confused."

But Grandpa Auguste looked at me seriously. "Is that so? Because business school was your goal before if I recall correctly."

"Well, I'm more of a science guy-" I started to respond before Philippe cut me off. "My apologies, Father. I misled my son earlier when the intent has always been for him to attend Dunamis for business," Philippe said. 

My eyes widened in shock. What was he doing sabotaging our plan? I shot Philippe a panicked look but he avoided my gaze.

"How wonderful!" boomed Auguste, a broad smile breaking out. "Excellent to hear you've set your sights on taking your rightful place in the company, my boy!"

I sat there stunned as the family toasted excitedly. Philippe had thrown me to the wolves, and I had no idea why. But I had to keep improvising this doomed act now.