For the next few minutes, Robert followed her around to see the different departments. The building was gigantic, and after approximately fifty minutes, they stopped in the elevator.Relly noticed that Robert was exhausted. "We're not done yet, young master. There's still half an hour to go, but I'll let you off the hook today," she said.Robert's lips parted into a smile. "Okay, that sounds fair. Thank you!""Well, I have something to ask," he started. "How do the designers for the fashion department get recruited? Is there any degree or experience required to join the team?"Relly took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "We evaluate based on your talent and skills. But most of the time, we look at your degrees and experience in the fashion world. So I think that's fair enough, right?"Robert nodded approvingly, but his mind was clouded with thoughts about Jacob. Earlier last year, he had applied to join the fashion department as an intern, but he was declined. Since Relly
The following day, Luca sat in his room grinning from ear to ear after he just got off a call with Lily. Luca couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he hung up the phone. He felt like he was walking on air, his heart soaring with happiness. His conversation with Lily had left him feeling elated and rejuvenated. She had just invited him over to her house so they could attend karaoke together.He leaned back in his chair, a contented sigh escaping his lips. He couldn't believe how much he had missed her voice, her laughter, and her sweet words in just a few hours. The sound of her voice had sent shivers down his spine, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for the love they shared.He quickly dashed into the bathroom and had his bath. When he came out, he dressed up in Gucci sweatpants and a t-shirt. He quickly made his way out of the house, eager to meet up at his favorite coffee and library shop.As Luca stepped out of his house, he couldn't help but feel a spring in his step. He wa
CHAPTER.Robert sat there, his eyes fixed on her. He scrutinized her for a moment before speaking up. "Couples?" He asked, to be sure he had really heard right.The last time he checked they weren't even friends anymore Olivia shuddered. "Erm, yes. I mean, couples do have their ups and downs, so that was our own up and..."Robert's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through Olivia's attempts to downplay her statement."Couples?" he repeated, his voice laced with skepticism. "You mean, as in, you and I were a couple?"Olivia's eyes darted around the coffee shop, searching for an escape route from the conversation. She wanted to find a way back, as the tension was becoming unbearable."Well, yeah... I mean, we were... uh... experimenting with labels?" She answered.Robert raised an eyebrow, his expression incredulous. "Experimenting with labels? You mean, like, science experiments? 'Let's mix Olivia and Robert together and see what kind of toxic relationship we get'? You must be really dru
Robert was thrilled beyond measure. His mother's sixtieth birthday was set to be a celebration like no other. This milestone was more than just a birthday, it symbolized her lasting influence, power, and legacy. From the very moment the date was set, the preparations began in earnest, each detail meticulously planned to reflect the grandeur of her stature.The venue chosen was none other than the sprawling estate that had hosted some of the most significant gatherings in the nation's history. The estate's expansive gardens were transformed into an opulent paradise, with cascading floral arrangements in hues of gold and white, symbolizing wealth and purity. The grand ballroom was adorned with chandeliers imported from Europe, their crystals refracting light into a thousand tiny rainbows that danced across the polished marble floors. No expense was spared, and every corner of the estate echoed the lavishness of the event.Robert, ever the devoted son, was determined to ensure that his
Just as Robert was finishing up his duties outside and was about to head into the main hall, he found his path suddenly blocked by a broad figure. Glancing up, he was startled to recognize the man standing before him. It was the same guy he’d had a heated confrontation with at the birthday party Lily had dragged him to some months ago. The man hadn’t changed; he still had that air of arrogance, and now he stood with a woman by his side, their hands tightly intertwined.The moment their eyes met, the man’s expression hardened. His initial anger flared, his blood boiling at the sight of Robert at such a prestigious event. He couldn’t believe his eyes—what could Robert possibly be doing here? His disdain only grew as he imagined Robert crashing the event or sneaking in for some free food.But then, his gaze traveled down to Robert’s clothes. The simple white shirt and slightly black trousers gave the man all the assurance he needed. A sneer crept onto his face, and his shoulders relaxed
Robert’s anger burned beneath the surface, but he fought to keep it in check. His mother was celebrating her birthday, and while his identity as her son remained a secret, he knew this wasn’t the time to engage in petty arguments. Yet, the two in front of him seemed determined to push his buttons, their words laced with the intent to provoke.“Please, if you’ll excuse me,” Robert said, his voice calm despite the irritation he felt. “I’ve had a busy day.”Richard looked him up and down, eyes narrowing at Robert’s simple clothes, which now seemed to match the attire of the guards and waitstaff. The sight only fueled Richard’s condescension. “You’re a real loser, you know that?” he sneered. “Here to serve, and you’ve got the nerve to disrespect the main guests. What a joke.”Robert remained composed, his patience hanging by a thread. “I’m not here to disrespect anyone,” he replied evenly. “But I’m not here to be disrespected either. I suggest you find someone else to bother.”Richard’s
The taunts were relentless, and Robert could feel his patience slipping. Every word from Gilbert was like a jab meant to provoke him, to drag him down to the level of petty squabbling. But Robert knew better. He knew that engaging in a war of words with them would only serve to feed their arrogance. With a deep breath, Robert decided to walk away. He turned to leave, determined to keep his dignity intact and focus on the long night ahead—a night meant to celebrate his mother’s birthday, not to entertain the likes of Gilbert.But Gilbert wasn’t ready to let him go that easily. “Run along now, little dog, back to your cage. We both know I’m better than you and always will be,” Gilbert sneered, his voice laced with venom.Robert froze as the words hit him. For a moment, his fists clenched at his sides, and he felt the urge to turn around and confront Gilbert head-on. But he knew that was exactly what Gilbert wanted was to provoke him into a reaction, to make him lose his cool in front
Richard doubled over, laughing hysterically. "CEO of valet parking, more like it!"His girlfriend joined in, her voice shrill with mockery. "Maybe he should start a business in waitressing—he's clearly got the uniform down!"The crowd's laughter grew louder, echoing around Robert like a relentless wave of scorn. "Yeah, maybe he can open a chain of luxury car washes!" one person shouted, causing another round of laughter."Or how about a catering company? He’s already got the experience!" another added.Robert stood there, the barrage of humiliating comments crashing down on him like a storm. He could feel their words biting into his pride, trying to strip him of his dignity. But despite the overwhelming urge to lash out, he clenched his fists and held his ground, determined not to let them break him. They could laugh all they wanted, but deep down, Robert knew that the truth would one day silence their mockery. For now, though, all he could do was endure.Robert’s humiliation cut dee
The company, once vulnerable in the wake of Madam President’s death, was now regaining its footing under Robert’s guidance. But his journey had only just begun, and he knew that he needed to be vigilant, for there were still enemies lurking in the shadows.His mother’s funeral, though somber, had not only been a farewell but also a declaration to the world that Robert was no longer the boy who lived in his mother’s shadow. He was stepping into his role with a newfound sense of purpose, and he would not be undermined.In the weeks that followed, Robert spent long hours at the company’s headquarters, pouring over documents and familiarizing himself with every intricate detail of the empire his mother had built. His butler, an older gentleman named Alfred who had served the family for decades, became an indispensable ally. Alfred had known Robert since he was a child, and he had seen the boy transform into the man standing before him.One evening, Alfred found Robert still working in hi
Madam President, as she was fondly known to the world, was a woman of unparalleled influence and charisma. Her life was a tapestry of triumphs, woven from years of building her empire and leading her company with a firm but compassionate hand. She had overseen countless business successes and was a beloved public figure, admired for her resilience and business acumen.But even the strongest of leaders are not invincible. Behind closed doors, the indomitable Madam President had been battling a relentless illness. The diagnosis had come suddenly and without warning, sending shockwaves through the lives of everyone who knew her, especially her only son, Robert. Despite her physical decline, she never let her illness dim her spirit or her drive to oversee her company’s affairs. Robert often marveled at his mother’s sheer determination, even when she was confined to her bed, issuing orders and signing documents with the same unwavering authority.The family spared no expense in providin
The air in the room seemed to grow heavier as the final figure was announced. Lila’s heart pounded in her chest, her mind reeling at the sheer audacity of it all. How could this be happening? Robert was supposed to be the pauper here, the one barely scraping by, not the one making extravagant purchases without a second thought.Meanwhile, Anita’s smile grew even wider, a mix of disbelief and glee painted across her face. To her, it felt as though she had won the jackpot, her wildest dreams unfolding right before her eyes.Robert, however, merely smiled sheepishly, his calm demeanor unshaken by the staggering total. He turned to Anita and said, "I hope you’re satisfied with your picks. Let’s get these wrapped up."At the same time, When the assistant called out the total—$350,000—the shock on Lila and her companion’s faces was almost palpable. Lila’s eyes widened in disbelief, her carefully calculated confidence beginning to unravel as she processed the staggering figure. The man besi
Lila and her companion stood frozen, their eyes locked on Robert. The confidence with which he moved, the calm in his demeanor, and the absolute lack of fear in his voice were all completely at odds with the image of him they had clung to for so long. Every word he spoke, every action he took seemed to defy the expectations they had so carefully built around him.Lila's breath hitched as she watched Anita wheel the overflowing cart towards the register. Her gaze darted to the items, her mind racing as she tried to calculate the worth of everything piled inside. Her heart sank as the numbers began to add up—thousands upon thousands of dollars. The realization was like a punch to the gut. Could this really be happening? Could Robert, the man she had always considered beneath her, actually afford this?For years, Lila had carried a deep-seated belief that Robert was a nobody, someone to be mocked and dismissed. But that belief was now crumbling under the weight of what she was witnessin
Robert let out a calm smile, his eyes narrowing slightly as a cold expression settled on his face. "You're right, why won't I?" he responded, his tone icy and composed.Lila's scorn was unmistakable. She threw her head back and let out a sarcastic laugh, her eyes gleaming with mockery. "Really? Robert afford a bag this much?" she sneered, her gaze landing on the $89,000 price tag of the bag Anita had been eyeing earlier. "You? A pauper like you? Trying to level up so bad—it’s laughable!"She continued, "You’re in way over your head, Robert. You’re just digging your own grave, pretending to be something you're not. This is going to put you in serious trouble one day, mark my words."Her words dripped with disdain, but beneath her confident exterior, a seed of unease began to sprout. She couldn’t shake the memories of her past encounters with Robert. She recalled their run-in at the Luxor Hotel—how she had expected him to be exposed as a fraud or a thief, yet, to her bewilderment, he ha
The words hit Lila like a slap to the face. Her eyes widened in shock, then narrowed in fury, her face flushing with a mix of anger and embarrassment. For a moment, she was rendered speechless, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to find a retort. But soon, the anger boiled over, and she exploded into a furious rant."You—how dare you!" she sputtered, her voice rising in pitch. "You think you can talk to me like that? Do you know who I am? I’ve got more class in my little finger than you’ll ever have! Those bags—those bags are worth more than anything you’ll ever touch! You’re nothing but a lowlife, a pathetic little con man who can’t afford even a scrap of what I have!"Lila’s face contorted with rage, her voice dripping with venom as she continued to rant, her words becoming more disjointed and desperate as she tried to regain some semblance of control over the situation. "You’re the joke here, Robert! A joke! And as for you," she spat, turning her glare towards Anita, "
The tension in the air was electric, thick and oppressive like a storm cloud ready to burst. The other guests, who had been observing the escalating situation with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, began to murmur amongst themselves, their voices tinged with both anticipation and judgment."Serves him right," one diner whispered, barely hiding a smirk. "He must be out of his mind to go up against someone like Mr. Smith.""Foolish, really," another chimed in, shaking their head. "He’s asking for it. The manager’s going to toss him out on his ear, just wait and see."The whispers grew louder, with some even casting pitying glances at Robert, while others openly mocked him. "He has no idea who he’s dealing with," one person commented with a sneer. "Smith’s a regular here, practically untouchable. That guy is done for."Anita, sitting beside Robert, could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She was visibly fidgeting, her fingers nervously tapping on the edge of the table. The thought o
Robert remained unnervingly calm as Mr. Smith's voice escalated, his threats echoing through the luxurious hall of the VIP section. His demeanor was as steady as a still lake before a storm, showing no hint of the tension burning beneath the surface. The more Mr. Smith ranted, the less Robert seemed to react, his composed expression only further fueling Mr. Smith’s fury.Mr. Smith sneered, his voice thick with venom. "You act like you’re above it all, like you own this place, you think everyone else is just as deceitful as you?"The other customers, were now turning their heads, their curiosity piqued by the growing commotion. Some whispered among themselves, while others watched intently, their food momentarily forgotten.Robert, sensing the perfect opportunity to twist the knife, leaned back in his chair, his expression calm. "Well, Smith," he said with a casual shrug, "if you must know, I own this place."Mr. Smith froze mid-rant, his eyes narrowing as he processed what Robert had
As Robert and Anita left the lively birthday party, the evening air was cool, and the city lights glittered around them. Anita’s stomach growled audibly, and she burst into laughter.“Okay, that’s embarrassing,” she said, rubbing her belly. “But seriously, I’m starving. We’ve been surviving on potato chips, cupcakes, and candy all night. I need some real food—something warm and hearty.”Robert chuckled, nodding in agreement. “I hear you. I can’t believe they called that a party spread. You know what? Let’s go somewhere special. I know a place.”Anita’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Special, huh? Fancy or casual?”“Oh, very fancy,” Robert said, a mischievous smile playing at his lips. “Trust me, you’ll love it.”Curiosity piqued, Anita grinned. “Alright, lead the way. Just don’t make me wait too long; I’m already dreaming about a perfect, gourmet meal.”They drove through the city, the anticipation growing as Robert pulled up to an elegant, upscale restaurant. The establishment exuded s