Riches in Disguise

Travis immediately replied, "Ah, right! Friends! Since we're all friends now, can you bring me along? I want to be friends with beautiful women, too!"

I couldn't help but send him a few emojis. "Get lost! You can try to be friends, but it has to be up to them. I can't make that decision."

After sending that, I shut off my phone, choosing to ignore it.

These two women were benefiting from being around me. Many industry bigwigs were on my friend list, and they had made a good impression on these influential people.

But just then, I received a message from Lina.

"You finally made it public, William. I hope you and Charlotte stay together forever."

What?

I was stunned and immediately replied, "Don't overthink it. It's not what you think! Do you even know what 'The Brotherhood of the Iron Forest' means?"

Lina quickly responded, "Stop hiding it. I know Charlotte has been sticking to you lately. Since you refuse to accept me, it's fine if you're with my good friend instead."

It didn't matter how much I explained. Lina was convinced that something was going on between Charlotte and me.

Fine. She could think whatever she wanted.

After taking the photo, Gabrielle seemed much happier. She stood up and said, "I want to take a bath.

Ever since I ran away from home, I've never been able to relax during a bath-l always rush through it. Now that I'm finally home, I need to enjoy it. You two chat for a while."

With that, she grabbed a set of pajamas and went to the bathroom.

Suddenly, only Charlotte and I remained in the room.

Even though I had nothing to hide, it still felt awkward. I tried to make small talk. "I was planning to stay here for a few days, but I'll have to leave tonight. Otherwise, I'll drive them crazy, and staying here will drive me crazy too."

She immediately said, "If you don't have anywhere to stay, you can come to my place."noveldrama

"Forget it. Your parents aren't any better."

As soon as I said that, I realized it wasn't the best choice of words and quickly corrected myself. "What I meant is, your parents also get on my nerves."

"I know what you mean. You're probably thinking that like father, like daughter. They're my parents, after all."

She lowered her head, looking incredibly downcast.

To be honest, I hadn't thought that at all. But now that she mentioned it, it made sense! Birds of a feather flocked together.

"But I really am reflecting on myself. It's not because I know you might be rich that I'm acting like this. I really regret my past actions and words. I want to change. I know it's hard to believe just from my words, but I will prove it with my actions."

If I were still that first-year student, I would definitely have believed her.

These women have shown me so much this past year. They got angry easily. One moment, they scolded me, then, realizing I wasn't who they thought, they began flattering me. But as soon as they noticed their mistake, they went back to looking down on me.

Who knew if they actually meant it?

Some people couldn't even change their opinions about whether they like spicy food or not. How was I supposed to believe someone would change their beliefs after decades over something small?

Whoever believed it could go ahead. By the time Gabrielle finished her bath, I was ready to leave.

"Aren't you going to stay for the night?"

When she realized I was leaving, she looked quite disappointed. If I left, she would face this whole family's questioning and scolding alone. Just thinking about it made me feel sorry for her.

But staying wouldn't help. It would only buy her one more day.

I took her hand and encouraged her, "Gabrielle, you'll have to face it sooner or

later. You need to decide your life. I believe in you."