The Unknown Billionaire

Chapter 56

Vere and Ronnie were cruising down the road, heading to a restaurant to unwind after a busy week. The sun was starting to set, casting a golden glow over the city streets. But suddenly, without warning, Vere jerked the steering wheel and pulled the car over to the side. He let out a long, weary sigh, his face clouded with thoughts that seemed too heavy to carry alone. Ronnie, who had been quietly gazing out the window, was taken aback by the sudden stop. He turned to look at his friend sitting in the driver's seat, concern etched across his face.

"Mr. Wayne, are you okay?" Ronnie asked, his voice laced with genuine worry.

Vere didn't respond immediately. He stared straight ahead, his hands still gripping the steering wheel tightly. After a long pause, he sighed again, this time deeper, more resigned.

"I'm confused," Vere muttered, almost as if he were speaking to himself. "I don't know where to start."

Ronnie furrowed his brows, clearly puzzled. "Ha? What do you mean?" he asked, trying to understand.

Vere turned his head slightly, but his eyes remained distant. "I don't know what to do next. Everything's... just... overwhelming."

Ronnie, sensing his friend's distress, leaned forward in his seat. "Is there anything I can help with?" he offered, trying to reach out.

Vere shook his head slowly, as if he was trying to push the confusion out of his mind. "I don’t know what to say," he admitted, his voice a mixture of frustration and vulnerability. "I feel lost."

Ronnie sat quietly for a moment, thinking carefully. He was used to seeing Vere strong and composed, a leader who never seemed to waver in the face of uncertainty. To see him like this, so unsure, was unsettling. But Ronnie knew that sometimes, people just needed space to figure things out. He was ready to offer that space, however it came.

"Well, if you’re having doubts about your decisions," Ronnie suggested, "maybe you should take a break. Go somewhere far for a while. Clear your mind. It could help you think things through, make the right choice. Or, if it feels right, you could visit Olivia in Zermatt. I hear the mountains are good for reflection."

Vere paused, considering Ronnie’s words. "I think you're right, Ronnie," he finally said, his tone softer now. "Maybe I should put off meeting with Mr. James for a while. I need some time to think."

Ronnie gave a reassuring smile. "You're right, Mr. Wayne. It’s important to take care of yourself. No one can make good decisions when their mind is clouded."

Vere looked over at Ronnie, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and relief. "Okay, deal," he said with a quiet nod.

"Yes, deal," Ronnie echoed, glad to see that Vere was starting to relax. "Let’s unwind now, and we’ll talk more later."

Vere chuckled softly. "Yeah, I need to clear my head. Let’s go."

The two of them spent the next few hours at the restaurant, enjoying a meal and a few drinks. The lively atmosphere helped lighten the mood, and for the first time in a while, Vere felt like he could breathe again. After a few glasses of wine, they decided to head back to the mansion, the night’s weight lifting just a little bit more with every passing moment.

The next morning, as they sat down for breakfast, the conversation turned back to the plans for the coming days.

"Ronnie," Vere began, taking a sip of his coffee. "I’m going to need you to handle things here while I’m gone. You know what to do with the mansion, and you can take care of the meetings with Mr. James for now."

Ronnie nodded, understanding the gravity of Vere's words. "Of course, Mr. Wayne. I’ve got it covered."

Vere paused for a moment, his mind still processing the decisions ahead. "I just need some time away to think things through. I’ll go on vacation and clear my head before the next big meeting. Maybe that will help me figure out my next steps."

Ronnie smiled. "Sounds like a good plan. You deserve it. Take the time you need."

"Thanks, Ronnie," Vere replied. "I’ll call Olivia and let her know I’ll be taking some time off. I need a little space, you know?"

"Yeah, I get it," Ronnie said with a knowing smile. "Take care of yourself. I’ve got this handled here."

Vere stood up from the table and walked over to the poolside, reaching for his phone. He knew he had to talk to Olivia; she had been a steady presence in his life, and her support meant a lot. Taking a deep breath, he dialed her number.

The phone rang for a few moments before Olivia answered. "Hey, Wayne, what’s up?" she greeted him with her usual cheerful tone.

"Hey, good morning, Olivia," Vere said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I hope I’m not calling too early."

"No, no, it’s fine. Good morning to you too," Olivia responded, a slight hint of curiosity in her voice. "What’s going on? Is there something wrong?"

Vere paused, choosing his words carefully. "No, nothing’s wrong. I just... I wanted to let you know that I’m going to take some time off. I need a little break to clear my mind. Things have been bothering me lately, and I think a vacation will help me get some perspective before my meeting with Mr. James."

Olivia’s voice softened, understanding the weight of his words. "I get it, Wayne. You’ve been working hard. You need this. How long are you planning to take off?"

Vere let out a small laugh, the tension in his voice easing. "I’m not sure yet. A few days, maybe more. I just need to disconnect for a bit."

"Haha, well, if that’s what you need, then go for it," Olivia said, her tone encouraging. "You don’t need to ask for permission, Wayne. I told you before you can do whatever you want. It’s your decision."

Vere felt a sense of relief wash over him as he listened to Olivia’s reassuring words. "Thanks so much, Olivia. You have no idea how much that means to me."

Olivia smiled on the other end of the line. "Of course. Go enjoy yourself, and take the time you need. I’ll be here if you need anything. Just let me know how your vacation goes, okay?"

"I will. Thanks again, Olivia," Vere replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "I’ll let you know how it goes. Take care."

"Have a safe trip," Olivia said warmly, before ending the call.

Vere stood there for a moment, staring out at the pool. He felt lighter, as if a burden had been lifted off his shoulders. It was time to take a step back, to focus on himself for a while. And maybe, just maybe, he would come back with a clearer mind and a better sense of direction. With a final glance at his phone, he turned and headed back into the mansion, ready to prepare for the next chapter of his journey.

"Ronnie," Vere called out as he entered the room. "I’m heading to Italy tomorrow. Can you handle the flight arrangements for me?"

Ronnie, clearly confused, furrowed his brows. "Not to Zermatt?" he asked.

"Yeah, you heard me right. I’ll be going to Italy," Vere answered.

"Got it, Mr. Wayne," Ronnie replied with a nod. "You just focus on clearing your mind. I’ll take care of everything else."

Vere smiled, feeling a sense of calm settle over him. For the first time in a long while, he was at peace with his decision. As he prepared for his trip, he knew this was exactly what he needed to regain control of his life.