The Billionaire Who Saved Me

It was clearly a new world for Elice and Norah. Coming to charity events and visiting orphanages had never been their activities before. So, it wasn’t surprising that they felt a little awkward at the moment.

Unlike her daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law, Daphne seemed so at ease. She greeted people there. She smiled at the caretakers. Laughing with the children. It was truly a sight Elice never expected to see. For someone who had been marginalized by Daphne’s category, Elice really didn’t think that the grandmother had a sense of humor as well.

“Let me introduce you. This is my daughter-in-law, Norah. And this is my granddaughter-in-law, Elice.”

Daphne led Norah and Elice to a woman who seemed to be almost the same age as herself. She smiled at Norah and Elice. They shook hands and hugged briefly.

“I am Pamela Hall. That’s what the kids here call me.”

It was Pamela. A woman who helped run the Harmony House orphanage.

“Nice to meet you,” Pamela said as she looked at Elice. “I saw your picture in the magazine. You’re even prettier in person.”

Elice blushed and thanked her as Daphne laughed.

“Not only beautiful. She’s smart too. You know that? She works at Metro.”

A small chuckle came from Pamela. Her eyes admired Elice. And when she shifted her gaze to Daphne.

“Of course. I have no doubt when it comes to the Morales family,” Pamela smiled. This time she showed her friendly attitude to Norah. “I saw the news about your son. You must be very proud of him.”

Norah smiled back. “All parents are proud of their children.”

“That is true. And I have a lot of pride here. Come.”

Pamela invited them on a tour. She showed them the condition of the orphanage and mentioned some recent developments. She also mentioned the children’s progress in school.

This was certainly a form of accountability that Pamela had to report. Regular activities were held every year. To inform all donors about the expenses of the orphanage. And it certainly wasn’t just this one orphanage that would receive visits from donors.

“I never thought there would be events like this.”

Intentionally or not, Elice spoke up. They were touring a new building. It was to be used for teen rooms. They needed a bigger space than before.

“To visit an orphanage? Or hold charity events? Or what?”

Elice turned around. Slightly surprised when she realized that Daphne had heard her words. But she nodded.

“Everything. I used to think that upper class people only spent their time shopping and vacationing.”

Daphne scoffed. “What you saw was Farrah and a few new rich people.”

She wasn’t the target, but Elice dared to swear that her cheeks immediately became hot when she heard Daphne’s words. That was because she realized that Daphne didn’t hesitate to speak her mind, even to her own biological daughter.

“Farrah and those people are too busy flaunting their wealth. It’s tacky. So don’t be surprised if we limit our social circle sometimes,” Daphne said, glancing at Elice. “And soon you should do the same. We’re not on the same level as them.”

Elice realized that she might come across as reserved. It wasn’t that she wanted to limit her social circle, but it was her character. Even at work, she rarely sat in the pantry just to gossip with her coworkers. And Elice wasn’t sure if that was a good thing. Because when Daphne mentioned levels, she herself doubted which level she was on.

“Instead of wasting time on useless things, look at this. There are lots of events and activities we can do. After all, you’re Garrett’s wife. Eventually you will replace me.”

This one statement from Daphne successfully stunned Elice. It left her momentarily speechless as Daphne instead raised her hand and waved to a friend across the room. A distant greeting that still felt warm.

“Later,” Daphne continued. “Our family will be cutting the ribbon as representatives of the donors. At the event next month. The dedication of the new orphanage. Normally, I would give the welcoming speech. But now it’s your turn.”

“Me?”

Daphne looked at Elice. “You’re Garrett’s wife, aren’t you?”

Elice couldn’t answer with any other word than. “Yes.”

*

When Dirk found out that a guest was visiting him that Saturday morning, he never expected it to be Garrett. a man who was currently the center of attention for many people due to the widespread news about him. From the fact that he was the heir to a fortune worth hundred million dollars, to being the new head of the largest coal company in Oceana, to his recent marriage. All of this information inevitably raised Garrett’s name everywhere. Virtually everyone knew the man. Including Dirk.

If possible, Dirk would surely refuse Garrett’s visit. If he could. But in reality, Garrett had a determination he hadn’t expected. The man decided to wait until Dirk met him.

Dirk gave in, and this was what happened. He and Garrett sat together in his office. With two glasses of tea accompanying the conversation.

In fact, accepting Garrett’s visit that morning had been fatal for Dirk. Without any small talk, Garrett immediately pressed him.

“I’ll get right to the point, sir. The reason for my visit to your house is related to the matter Mrs. Amber informed you of a few days ago,” Garrett said. “And since you failed to attend the promised meeting, I had no choice.”

Dirk took a deep breath, trying to calm himself under Garrett’s intimidating gaze and his words. But the longer it went on, the more powerless Dirk felt. Garrett was able to exert an invisible pressure that made him silently pray for any form of help that could get him out of this situation.

“So, I won’t beat around the bush, sir. I’ll get right to the point. The purpose of my visit here is…”

Perhaps this was the help Dirk had hoped for. An interruption that successfully cut Garrett off. It came from his phone, which was ringing from an incoming call.

Dirk glanced down at his phone lying on the table, not far from the teacup. His eyes widened as he read the name on the screen. Maybe this wasn’t the kind of help Dirk was looking for.