Gold Behind the Curtain

Fresh out of college, Clara Stewart asked me to take on a $500,000 mortgage for her.

When I refused, she turned around and bought an $800,000 villa in full, for another guy.

Holding up the property deed, she told me:

"Jayden, the truth is, I'm actually rich. I've been pretending to be poor to test you. Unfortunately, you failed. I'm disappointed in you. Let's break up."

I simply smiled and walked away without a second thought.

The irony? I'm the son of the richest man in the country.

I was pretending to be broke, too.

Fast forward four years, we met again at the National Wealth Summit.

Clara had just barely made it into the top 50 on the list, clinging to the arm of Henry Brown as they entered.

She spotted me in simple clothes with no visible brand, holding a child in one arm and the keys to a Porsche Cayenne in the other.

Thinking I was someone's driver, she sneered:

"Jayden, you really went all out just to see me again? Let's be real, you're just a driver now, and I'm on the wealth list. We live in completely different worlds. Don't waste your time fantasizing."

I did not bother replying.

Honestly, I was only there because my billionaire dad insisted.

I had finally cleared a day to spend with my son and now I had to waste it on that.

Clara Stewart strutted into the waiting hall, her arm linked with Henry Brown, who was decked out in a sharp suit.

As they breezed past the side room, Clara's gaze landed on me, tucked away in the corner.

Today was supposed to be my day off, a rare chance to spend time with my son. However, my father, Jim Lawrence, had roped me into attending the Wealth Summit.

With my wife out of town, I had no choice but to bring my kid along, planning to duck out after a brief appearance once the meeting kicked off.

I was dressed down in comfy clothes, jingling the Cayenne keys to keep my son entertained.

To Clara, I must have looked like a hot mess, playing chauffeur and babysitter all at once. She made a beeline for me, her voice dripping with scorn as she said, "Jayden, look at you, running errands for others. You're nothing without me.

"What a shame that you couldn't pass my test. You could've been the one by my side."

She squeezed Henry's hand as she went on. "However, hey, I should thank you. You made it possible for me to find someone who really loves me."

Henry flashed her a soft, reassuring smile. "Jayden's probably kicking himself now; poor guy can't spot a good thing when he sees it.

"He got what he deserved, though. No surprise he's ended up this way."

He turned to a staff member walking by.

"We've got VIPs here today. How can you let just anyone in? What if there's trouble? Are you ready to handle that?