Riches in Disguise

Chapter 9

I bit my lip, clenching my fits without realizing it while trying to calm myself down.

Getting angry wouldn't help. I had to talk it out, hold on, and communicate.

After a moment, I finally calmed down.

After taking a deep breath, I tried to keep my voice steady. "Tom, I just wanted to ask if I could switch dorms. If it's possible, I'd appreciate your help. If not, that's fine too."

"Is that how you ask for help?" Tom's face was full of displeasure as he grumbled.

"And besides, you've been like this before. Your roommates haven't even complained about you. Now that you've won an award, you suddenly want to switch dorms? Isn't that a bit too much?" Tom asked.

I wanted to ask what he meant by "like this before", but I held my tongue. I had no intention of arguing over something so trivial, so I nodded. "Alright, if you don't want to help, that's fine. I'll head back to my dorm."

"Stop right there!" Tom said as he stood up in a huff.

"As your counselor, I'm saying this for your good. You don't have the life of a rich kid, but you sure have the attitude of one! You can just go back and wait for my updates. I'll see if I can switch things around for you in the next few days. If it works out, I'll let you know. I'm sure plenty of people are willing to move into Joshua's dorm."

Hearing this, I finally felt a little relieved. Even though Ton tended to favor the wealthy, he was not particularly biased.

I gave him a small bow before leaving his office.

Despite Zack and Louis constantly mocking me that night, I wasn't bothered at all. After all, I wouldn't be living with them much longer.

Just before I entered class the next day, I heard an uproar inside. It sounded like a full-on party. "Joshua! Seriously, can we all go?"

"Of course! I have invited not only you guys but lots of other people, including other alumni, Tom, and even some of the professors. Everyone can come."

"That's awesome! Do you think your place is big enough to hold all of us?"

Joshua laughed proudly. "Come on, it's Imperia Manor. It can fit a few hundred more people if we need it to."

I hadn't planned on paying any attention to their fawning over Joshua, but when I heard the words "Imperia Manor", I stopped in my tracks and stared at him.

Noticing my gaze, Joshua gave me a smug thumbs-down. "Don't even think about it, William. I'd invite a stray dog before I'd invite you."

Everyone around him burst out laughing, throwing mocking glances my way.

and asked, "Joshua, which Imperia Manor

you don't even know the Imperia Manor? There's only one Imperia Manor in the Welsington City. Which one do you think it

The others laughed too.

I guess

local park or something? There's

it up online! Even Wikipedia has it. Honestly, I'm embarrassed by your

there was something wrong with

rarely stayed there, so I had Vincent's family look after it. How on earth had it suddenly become a venue for

It was ridiculous!

another bombshell. "And tomorrow night, I'm taking my

a luxury car

even a second-hand one costs at least 20 million! Joshua, I thought you were just rich,

I've never seen

even more confused. Wasn't that

semester started, Mom had someone bring it to the manor

could use it to take my girlfriend for a ride if I ever

one.

had considered taking Lina for a drive,

modest as her wouldn't be into

it become

intending to call

me before I

this whole time, and now you're just going to walk

admit

are.

then I'll consider giving you

chance," Joshua said.

didn't even bother responding and

him at the party would just ruin

into the manor, take pictures,

in the back and was

got some great news! To celebrate your recent win, I'm coming to Welsington City to host a party at Imperia Manor. I'll invite many friends, and I want you to

Manor? You didn't rent it out for someone else's party, did

"What are you talking about? That's your manor! Why would we ever rent it out? Besides, we don't need