Riches in Disguise

Chapter 10

Sophia? The name rang a bell, but I couldn't quite place it.

"No need for that, I'll make my way there myself," I told her.

There were already too many rumors flying around about me being some kept man by a sugar mommy. If another flashy car showed up for me, driven by a female chauffeur who wasn't even the same one as last time, people would have even wilder things to say.

I hailed a cab and headed straight to the estate. As I approached the gate, I noticed a group of familiar faces standing by the roadside-they were Joshua and his crew.

Joshua spotted me first and let out a mocking laugh. "William? What, did you change your mind and come to beg me to let you in?"

Lina frowned, her expression full of disdain. "William, please have some self- respect."

I wasn't in the mood to argue, so I walked straight toward the entrance.

Zack's voice called out from behind, "Wait, is William trying to sneak in by pretending to be Joshua's roommate?"

"How can he be so shameless? Unbelievable!"

I was speechless after hearing that. I needed to use Joshua's name to get into my manor? What kind of backward logic was that?

Without a word, I pulled out my keycard and swiped it at the gate.

This card was one of only three in existence-one for me, one for my mom, and one for Sophia, Vincent's daughter.

I was curious about how Joshua had gotten in, so I lingered near the gate to find out.

About ten minutes later, the gate opened again, and I saw clearly that Joshua was holding a keycard! He had swiped his way in!

I was stunned. Where did he get that card from? Could it be that after I stopped financially supporting Joshua, Mom secretly stepped in again?

As I stood there, lost in thought, Joshua and his group approached me.

"Well, I didn't expect that you made it inside. But let me guess you're working as part of the staff for tonight's event, right?"

and classmates behind him. "This manor is usually empty, so we had to hire temporary staff like chefs, waiters, and other

who work hard

was just making a guess,

what I said, he looked sternly at me. "William, let's be clear-we don't look down on hard work. We

thing, but being

scoffed. "I am fake? Isn't

finish, my phone buzzed, and I saw it was Mom calling.

before stepping away

As soon as she saw me, she

me you not only came in first but completely dominated the competition. Dad couldn't stop bragging about you at his

Dad was happy, that was all that mattered. I couldn't care less what others

impressive, Mom. I had a lot of help from some top talents. Without them, my project

their help, I would've still won-just not by such a large

arm with mine as we walked. "Anyway, I've arranged three separate party areas

for all the top industry people from

one is for your

is in the front courtyard, which Sophia is in charge of. It's for

to the industry bigwigs first, then you can handle the younger crowd on your

Mom looked old?

aged incredible for her

much so

was an actress I'd

the winery, where Mom proudly introduced me to everyone, singing

were gracious enough to indulge her, and before long,

and red wine, Mom excused herself, claiming

I wandered around the stables, greeted a

I heard Joshua's voice ring out. "Don't worry, guys! I'm bringing out

attention. I wanted to see

resembling Mom's Koenigsegg pulled