Riches in Disguise

Matthew proudly proposed, "I'll cover the meal while you guys pay for the cake. We'll wear William's knockoff designers and borrow Isabelle's car. Your sister will be treated like a princess."

I huffed, refraining from telling him that my clothes weren't knockoffs.

Still, I didn't bother explaining. Instead, I said, "Matthew, you're probably broke after always going on dates with Isabelle. Let me handle this instead. I've been working part-time these past few days and made a bit of money."

"No way!" Benjamin refused immediately. "You worked so hard for that money. How could I let you spend it on me? I-I'll just borrow some from others."

It was heartbreaking to hear that he needed to borrow money for a single meal.

I grabbed his arm. "It's fine, really. I'm not short on money, and I was planning to treat you guys to a meal anyway. I just have to account for your sister this time."

Benjamin was puzzled. "Treat us to a meal? Why?"

"Because..." I trailed off, trying to come up with a good excuse.

I saw Matthew out of the corner of my eye and chirped, "Because I felt bad for not taking good care of Isabelle. She was abducted that day and was traumatized. I've wanted to treat you guys to a meal as an apology."noveldrama

I shot Matthew a look, and he immediately chimed in, "Oh, that's what you mean? Then, yeah, you should. She was terrified and had nightmares for days afterward."

Benjamin didn't seem fully convinced. "Are you sure?"

I nodded earnestly.

"Well, all right then. Thanks, William."

I smiled and patted him on the shoulder reassuringly. "Anything for my friends."

After the lights were out, I lay in bed and made an online reservation for the best spot at Paviluxe Restaurant. I wanted to make sure Benjamin had a memorable birthday, and his sister was well taken care of.

Once I was done, I shot Lynn a text message.

"Everything has been taken care of, and The Dragonshade Society won't bother you. So stop worrying. If you trust me, I'd like to arrange a temporary place for you and Riley to stay. What do you think?"

Lynn replied very quickly. "It's fine. You've helped us enough, William. I can handle the rest myself."

Handle the rest? What else was there to deal with?

I hurriedly responded, "Don't do anything reckless. Just go about your life as usual. I promise you no one will trouble you."

"Thank you, William, but this is none of your business now. Please stay out of this."

What the hell, woman? How ungrateful!

Then again, I've already decided to lay low for a few days to let Oscar's death pass by. I would decide how to get rid of The Dragonshade Society once and for all when things have settled.

The next morning, I woke up to Matthew shaking me.

"Get up, William. Benjamin's sister is almost here. We've got to pick her up from the station."