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.

held back my irritation and asked, "Joshua,

"Caught you! Pretending to be rich every day, and you don't even know the Imperia Manor? There's only one Imperia Manor in the Welsington City.

The others laughed too.

I guess William

like a local park or

search it up online! Even Wikipedia has it. Honestly, I'm embarrassed by your intelligence. Either your brain's broken, or your ears

starting to think there was something wrong with my ears too, because Imperia Manor was

a graduation gift, Mom transferred ownership of the manor to me. I rarely stayed there, so I

It was ridiculous!

it, Joshua dropped another bombshell. "And tomorrow night, I'm taking my V8 Koenigsegg out to give you guys a ride. We'll

that a luxury car that only appears

least 20 million! Joshua, I thought you were just rich, but now I think

can I get a ride too? I've never seen

was even more confused. Wasn't

started, Mom had someone bring it to the manor

take my girlfriend for a ride

one.

considered taking Lina for a drive, but it felt

as quiet and modest as her

had it become Joshua's

phone, intending to call Vincent outside

before I could

now you're just going to walk

and admit who you

are.

consider

chance," Joshua said.

even bother responding

Having him at the party

probably sneak into the manor, take pictures, and post them on social media, pretending it's

back and was about to call Vincent

news! To celebrate your recent win, I'm coming to Welsington City to

Manor? You didn't rent it out

she heard my words. "What are you talking about? That's your manor! Why would we ever rent it out? Besides,