THE UNDERDOG BILLIONAIRE

CHAPTER 7

Dominic sat on the couch, rubbing his temples as Sophia glared at him. Her arms were crossed tightly across her chest, and her mouth was set in a thin line.

“So, do you have any idea what you’ve just done?” Sophia’s voice was a cold, hard whisper, like she was barely keeping her anger under control.

Dominic looked up, trying to offer her a soft smile. “Morning to you, too.”

“Don’t ‘morning’ me, Dominic.” She narrowed her eyes, shaking her head. “You think you’re funny? Because you’re not. You’ve managed to embarrass me. Again.”

He sighed, leaning back against the couch. “Look, I was just trying to help. I didn’t think it would be a big deal.”

Sophia laughed bitterly, the sound echoing through the room. “Not a big deal? You told my grandmother that you’d get us membership at the Empire of Commerce. The Empire of Commerce, Dominic!”

There was a brief silence.

“What were you thinking, Dominic?” she snapped. “Boasting like that in front of my grandmother? Now she thinks you’re delusional. You’ve practically handed her a reason to hate you more.”

Dominic sighed, looking down at the carpet to avoid her accusing stare. “I wasn’t boasting,” he said, trying to keep his tone steady. “I’m actually serious about this.”

“Serious? Do you realize how ridiculous you sound?” She huffed, rolling her eyes.

“It’s not ridiculous,” he replied, his tone steady. “I can actually make it happen.”

She scoffed, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, really? You, Dominic, can make it happen. When my entire family has tried—connections, money, everything—and failed? My father pulled every string possible, and even he couldn’t make it happen. You think you’re going to magically waltz in and get us on the membership list?”

He shrugged, refusing to look away. “Yeah, I do.”

“God, you’re unbelievable.” She let out a frustrated sigh, her hands going to her temples. “You think this is a game, don’t you?”

“It’s not a game, Sophia,” he replied, his voice quiet but firm. “I know what I’m doing. Just trust me on this.”

She crossed her arms again, her face twisted with disbelief. “Trust you? Dominic, how can I trust you when you make wild promises without even thinking about the consequences?”

“I’m not making wild promises,” he said, trying to keep his tone calm. “I have a plan. Just give me a chance.”

She shook her head, a look of pity on her face. “You don’t get it, do you? This isn’t about you proving yourself or some big gesture. This is about you not thinking. You embarrassed me in front of my grandmother, Dominic! She already hates you, and you’ve just given her more reason to.”

“She doesn’t hate me,” he muttered, though he didn’t sound convinced.

“Oh, really?” She laughed again, this time softer, sadder. “She thinks you’re a joke, Dominic. And after that stunt, I can’t even argue with her.”

Dominic looked away, clenching his fists. “I’m doing this for us, Sophia. I’m trying to make things better.”

“Better?” She threw her hands up in exasperation. “By making impossible promises and dragging us down with you?”

He took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “Sophia, just… listen to me for a second.”

“Fine.” She crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. “Explain yourself. I’d love to hear this brilliant plan of yours.”

He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “There’s a new chairman. Things might be different now.”

She raised an eyebrow, her face a mix of amusement and disbelief. “A new chairman? Since when?”

“Uh…” He rubbed the back of his neck, looking away. “I, uh, heard it from someone at work.”

She tilted her head, her gaze narrowing. “Heard it from someone at work? And you expect me to believe that? Since when do people casually gossip about board changes at your office?”

He shrugged, avoiding her eyes. “People talk.”

“Right. People talk,” she repeated, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “And that somehow means you can get us into the Empire of Commerce?”

He clenched his jaw, frustrated. “Look, can you just have a little faith? Just this once?”

She stared at him, her eyes cold. “Faith? Dominic, this isn’t about faith. This is about you making promises you can’t keep. You’re setting yourself up to fail. And you’re dragging me down with you.”

“I’m not dragging you down,” he said, his voice rising. “I’m trying to do something good for us.”

“By risking everything?” She shook her head, her expression one of pure disappointment. “You don’t think. You never think.”

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “Look, just… trust me on this. I know it sounds crazy, but I can make it happen.”

She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Fine. Do whatever you want, Dominic. But if you mess this up, I’m done covering for you with Grandma.”

***

The next morning, Dominic walked into the grand lobby of the Empire of Commerce headquarters, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. The sleek marble floors reflected the light streaming in from the high windows, and the quiet hum of activity filled the air.

“Good morning, Mr. Dominic!” The receptionist greeted him with a bright smile, practically bouncing in her seat as she waved him over. She seemed a little too eager, like she was meeting some kind of celebrity.

Dominic gave her a polite nod. “Good morning.”

“Oh, it’s such an honor to have you here, sir!” she gushed, her eyes wide with admiration. “Is there anything I can get you?”

He suppressed a smirk, trying to keep his expression neutral. “No, thank you. I’m here on business.”

“Yes, of course, sir!” She practically stumbled over her words, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “Please, right this way!”

Dominic followed her down the corridor, and he could feel eyes on him as they passed by. Some of the staff cast curious glances his way, while others whispered to each other, their expressions a mix of surprise and respect.

When they reached the chairman’s office, Dominic’s secretary was already waiting outside, holding a stack of papers. She looked up, her eyes widening slightly when she saw him.

“Mr. Dominic,” she said, giving him a deep bow. “It’s good to see you.”

He nodded, keeping his tone professional. “Is everything ready?”

“Yes, sir,” she replied, her voice steady. “The membership list is prepared, as you requested.”

“Good,” he said, taking the papers from her. He scanned the list, his eyes narrowing as he crossed off a few names and wrote in the ones he wanted—including the White Family.

“Add these names to the approved membership list,” he instructed, handing the revised list back to her.

She glanced over the names, her eyes widening when she saw the addition. “The White Family, sir?”

“Yes,” he replied, his tone firm. “Make sure they’re notified immediately.”

She hesitated for a brief moment but quickly nodded, her expression slipping into a respectful blankness. “Of course, sir. I’ll make the necessary arrangements.”

“Good,” he said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. Finally, he’d be able to prove himself—on his own terms.