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
Robert glanced down at his clothes, acknowledging the source of the ridicule he had been enduring. Despite the biting words thrown his way, he maintained his composure. "Like I said earlier," Robert began, his voice steady, "I don't have anything to prove to you people. I like what I'm comfortable in, and ostentatious displays of wealth have never been my thing."The crowd erupted in laughter once more, their derision sharp and unrelenting."A pauper claiming not to show wealth—how ironic!" one person sneered.“Comfortable? In those rags? Give me a break!” another jeered.“He’s just trying to save face because he knows he can’t afford anything better!” someone else added, the crowd nodding in agreement.Just as the mocking and laughter reached a crescendo, a voice suddenly cut through the ruckus, commanding attention. The crowd quieted down as everyone turned to see who had dared to interrupt their fun. A woman, calm and composed, stepped forward, her presence immediately drawing curi
The atmosphere in the hall, once thick with tension, began to ease as a new figure passed through the crowd. The murmurs of the gathering gave way to a hushed reverence as people strained to catch a glimpse of the person now commanding all attention. This was no ordinary figure—it was Madam President, the influential and enigmatic force behind a vast empire that few truly understood. Her presence alone was enough to silence even the most boisterous of the crowd.Madam President was known for her uncanny ability to grow businesses into unparalleled successes, turning even the most unassuming ventures into industry leaders. Over the years, she had built an empire spanning multiple sectors, from logistics to luxury goods, with a strategic mind that outmaneuvered her competitors at every turn. Her methods were as mysterious as they were effective, earning her respect and fear in equal measure. She rarely appeared in public, preferring to work from the shadows, but when she did, it was al