The Unknown Billionaire

Chapter 41

The following evening, Vere made his way to a charming restaurant where he and James had arranged to meet for dinner. As the clock struck seven, they both arrived simultaneously and with synchronicity, they exchanged warm greetings.

"Good evening, Mr. James," Vere said with a welcoming smile, even as James reciprocated in kind, "and welcome."

"Good evening to you too, Mr. Wayne," James responded gratefully. "Thank you for extending this invitation. It's my pleasure to join you for this dinner."

With pleasantries exchanged, they were ushered to their reserved table by the restaurant's attentive staff. The evening promised a delightful culinary adventure and an even more captivating conversation.

Before delving into other topics, Vere decided to strike up a conversation with James. "You know, Mr. James, this used to be my favorite restaurant. The food here has always been incredibly delicious, and the ambiance is simply perfect," Vere remarked with a nostalgic smile.

"Oh, as you're talking about this place, it reminds me of my former boss, Mr. Vere Mendez. He used to adore this restaurant," James replied with a hint of nostalgia. "You two certainly share the same taste in restaurants," he added.

"Maybe it's just a coincidence," Vere replied with a shrug, contemplating about him that James was referring to in his story. 

The evening was off to an intriguing start, full of shared memories and shared tastes with the thrill of face-to-face encounters between Vere and James.

As Vere ate his food, he inquired, "So, tell me about Mr. Vere Mendez."

James began to recount the story of his former boss, saying, "Mr. Vere Mendez was a good man, from what I knew, and an excellent boss. I served as his personal assistant for quite some time, and he placed his trust in me for every aspect of his life. I was privy to all his stories."

"Nice," Vere replied, genuinely intrigued.

James continued, "He started as a simple and hardworking man until he met Mira, his late wife. Their love story transformed him into a very successful businessman. His intelligence and acumen in business propelled him to even greater heights, eventually making him a billionaire ."

James continued with a somber tone, "However, as his success grew day by day, his life became increasingly entangled in a web of troubles. He encountered numerous challenges, each one more formidable than the last. Despite the daunting nature of these trials, he faced them alone with unwavering courage."

As James spoke, Vere's mind was fully engaged in the conversation. James was acutely aware that he was speaking about the very person they had discussed the previous day. With a note of curiosity, Vere asked, "So, you mentioned yesterday that Mr. Vere died while attempting to escape from prison, correct?"

James nodded in agreement, a hint of sadness visible in his expression. At the same time, Vere couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal simmering within, knowing the truth about James' connection to the man in question.

"I'd like to learn more about Mr. Vere Mendez if you don't mind, Mr. James," Vere inquired politely. James acquiesced with a nod, but he couldn't help but wonder why Vere was so keen to delve into Mr. Mendez's past.

Vere persisted, "You mentioned yesterday that Mr. Vere met his end while trying to escape from prison, correct?"

James confirmed with a heavy heart, nodding in agreement. His sorrow was palpable. Simultaneously, Vere gazed at him, his mind grappling with the sense of betrayal caused by James's connection to Mr. Mendez. The desire for more information outweighed his discomfort.

"I'd really like to know more about Mr. Vere Mendez," Vere repeated, seeking to understand the intricacies of a life that had piqued his interest.

In that instant, Vere's heart surged with emotions. When James mentioned the names of Mr. and Mrs. Fuentez, and the unfinished business that needed to be addressed, Vere could not contain the intense anger and frustration brewing within. He couldn't help but feel that the Fuentez couple had quietly taken everything that rightfully belonged to him, igniting a double hatred and fury.

"Mr. Wayne," James began, attempting to engage Vere in conversation.

Vere acknowledged him with a curt, "Ah, yes." His thoughts remained consumed by the unsettling revelations, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Give me a little time to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Fuentez," James requested. "Alright, Mr. James, and please don't hesitate to inform me of their decision," Vere replied.

"Okay, Mr. Wayne, I will," James assured.

After they had finished their dinner and conversation, James eventually stood up. "So, anyways, thank you for accommodating my invitation," Vere said to James.

"You're welcome, Mr. Wayne," James replied. He then extended his hand for a handshake. Vere firmly grasped James's hand and said, "Don't forget to reserve it for me."

"I will, I will, Mr. Wayne," James replied, before leaving the restaurant, leaving Vere alone.

At that moment, as Vere sat at the table alone where he and James shared dinner, he was deep in thought. He muttered to himself, "Soon I will all of you pay for what all of you have done with me..."

A few minutes later, Vere's phone rang, and it was Olivia calling. He answered Olivia's call. "Mr. Wayne, how's your dinner?" Olivia inquired.

"It's good," Vere replied. "Actually, we just finished, and I'm about to head home."

"Alright, see you," Olivia said.

"Okay," Vere replied.

When Vere arrived at the mansion, Olivia was waiting for him. They had a brief conversation about Vere's discussion with James, and Vere relayed the details to Olivia. Vere assured her, saying, "It's all good and well, Olivia."

"Very good, Mr. Wayne," Olivia responded. She then bid Vere farewell, as he was not feeling well. "Please get some rest; maybe you're tired," she suggested.

Olivia's concern for Vere's well-being was evident in their conversation as she wished him a good night's rest.

That evening, as Vere lay in his room, trying to rest, he couldn't shake off the words and conversations with James. They kept playing over and over in his mind. Vere realized that he needed to proceed with his plans to find peace within himself and reclaim what he had lost. His determination to regain what he had worked so hard for was unwavering.

Vere contemplated the need to stay composed and proceed with his plans discreetly, so as not to arouse Olivia's suspicions. This was something that weighed heavily on his mind how to keep Olivia from finding out about his intentions, or how he would eventually reveal his plans about his true identity.

A week had passed since Vere and James had their dinner. Meanwhile, at the mansion in Zermatt the next day, while Vere and Olivia were immersed in reviewing files, Vere's phone suddenly rang. He stopped what he was doing, his heart racing, as he anticipated that James might be calling with some good news about their earlier conversation.

Vere quickly answered the call. "Hello?"

"Mr. Wayne, it's James," came James's voice from the other end.

Vere, his voice filled with hope, asked, "James, is everything okay?"

James replied, "Mr. Wayne, I have some exciting news regarding the property of Mr. Vere Mendez we discussed last week. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Fuentez have decided to sell Mr. Mendez's mansion in Bormio!"

Vere's face lit up with a smile. "That's incredible, James! Tell me all about it."

As James began to explain the details, Vere listened with rapt attention.