Honey, You're a Billionaire?

Elijah's words of approval carried none of the warmth one might expect. His face remained stony and devoid of joy.

As he patted Jonathan's arm, he added, "Then I'll be waiting for the grand wedding you're going to prepare!"

Even with their official registration, it all depended on Rose's satisfaction. If Jonathan couldn't provide her with lifelong happiness, Elijah would never consider their marriage valid. With that, he turned and walked away.

Jonathan remained rooted to the spot until Leonard approached, curiosity evident on his face. "Mr. Finch, what did Mr. Xanth say to you just now?"

He had observed the exchange from a distance. While Elijah had been smiling, there was an icy aura about him. It was colder than anything Leonard had ever seen from Jonathan. Jonathan glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Do you really want to know?"

Leonard nodded eagerly, waiting to hear the details. However, instead of satisfying his curiosity, Jonathan said, "Then go ask him yourself!", before walking away.

Leonard was left standing there, frozen in place from his curiosity.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

"Ask him myself? That was the legendary Elijah of Lerain Group! How would I ever get the chance to ask him anything? I'd only been lucky enough to see him today thanks to Mr. Finch-or rather, thanks to Mrs. Finch!" he thought. "Aren't you coming?" Jonathan called out from ahead, pulling Leonard out of his thoughts. The latter quickly caught up.

Finley had been waiting in the car for a while. When Jonathan got in, he asked, "Where to, Mr. Finch?"

"Home," Jonathan replied, the meaning clear to Finley.

"Got it, Mr. Finch," Finley said with a knowing smile.

The "home" referred to the new residence Jonathan and Rose would soon share. Although Rose wasn't with Jonathan now, Finley was certain it wouldn't be long before they returned together.

Shortly after their car pulled away, Jonathan's phone rang. The caller ID read "Grandma". Jonathan's brow furrowed, and he waited until just before the call was about to end before picking it up.

"Jonathan! What took you so long to answer? Where are you? I can't seem to find Elijah, nor can I see Clover or Rose. Where are you? Hurry up and take me to meet Elijah!" Eleanor's voice rang out impatiently.

She had been at the banquet, seeking an opportunity to meet Elijah. Mindful of her image, she hadn't been too forward, hoping Rose would notice and introduce them instead.

Unfortunately, Rose had been surrounded by socialites and noblewomen the entire evening. After all, as the star of that night's banquet, she was highly sought after. Unwilling to lower herself to initiate contact with Rose, Eleanor found herself unable to get close, and as the crowd grew, she struggled to catch even a glimpse of Rose.

She wasn't worried though. With Jonathan around, she knew there would still be an opportunity to meet Elijah.

Even if Elijah had already left, Jonathan could simply ask Rose to mention her to him. After all, Elijah had just reunited with his long-lost daughter. Surely, he would make time for them. Confident in her plan, Eleanor was caught off guard by Jonathan's indifferent response over the phone. "They've left."

Confused, she asked, "What do you mean they've left?"

"Everyone's gone home," Jonathan replied flatly.

"Elijah and Clover have both left? Even Rose is gone?" Now comprehending the situation, Eleanor remained unfazed. Even when Jonathan mentioned his own departure, she chose to ignore it. "It doesn't matter if you want to come back or not. Just tell Rose to come back with Mr. Xanth," she said, her tone firm and commanding.

Jonathan's brow furrowed. He knew his grandmother well. Practical and profit-driven, Eleanor was relentless in her pursuit of expanding their overseas empire.

Upon discovering Rose's identity as the Xanth family's daughter, she had been determined to exploit that connection.

He had expected this, but the growth of Finch Group was his responsibility, and he couldn't allow Eleanor to drag Rose into it.

"Jonathan..." Eleanor began, trying to push further, but before she could finish, Jonathan hung up.

The sudden dial tone left Eleanor momentarily speechless. She refused to believe Jonathan had hung up on her intentionally and quickly convinced herself it was merely a signal issue. Without hesitation, she redialed his number.

This time, Jonathan didn't answer her call. She tried multiple times, but the phone continued to ring without a response.

It didn't take long for Eleanor to understand the situation. Her years of experience made it impossible to dismiss this as a mere coincidence. As the realization set in, so did her anger. "Unbelievable!" Eleanor exclaimed in frustration, her hand trembling as she gripped her phone. She couldn't believe Jonathan was audacious enough to disregard her like this.

"Mrs. Finch Senior, I've heard that

Mr. Elijah, Mr. Clover, and Ms.

1.n

Shaffer have all left, along with most of the other guests. Everyone's. gone. Should we..." the assistant who had accompanied Eleanor to the banquet informed her.

Before her departure, Lizzie had entrusted Eleanor's assistant with the Lindisfarne Gospels calligraphy, a gift specifically prepared for Elijah. As Eleanor observed her assistant holding the gift, she couldn't help but feet irritated by the mere sight of it.

The words "everyone's gone" further fueled her frustration. "Since everyone's gone, then what are we still doing here? We're going back to the Finch Manor!" she snapped. Eleanor's irritation only intensified as she thought about the gift that had lost its purpose.

"And throw that damn thing away!" she ordered tersely.

The assistant was taken aback.

"Throw it away?" he thought. The calligraphy piece was an authentic original, valued at billions. Throwing it away seemed inconceivable.

Luckily, he didn't act on Eleanor's order. Upon entering the car, Eleanor appeared calmer. Gazing at the delicately packaged artwork, she paused thoughtfully before remarking, "Lizzie's birthday is approaching, isn't it?" Well-acquainted with the Finch family's birthdays, the assistant promptly confirmed, "Yes, Mrs. Finch Senior. Last year, during Mrs. Finch's birthday, Mr. Jonathan was absent from Regalia.

"With the Finch Group transitioning leadership, Mr. Cyrus wasn't in the mood for celebrations. I heard Mrs. Finch spent the evening alone, blowing out her birthday candles."

Unconcerned about Lizzie's previous solitary celebration, Eleanor focused on the opportunity at hand. Lizzie's upcoming birthday provided the perfect reason to invite Rose, ensuring Elijah's attendance as Rose's father. Eleanor's mind raced with possibilities, her spirits lifting as a plan began to form. "Keep that calligraphy piece safe," she instructed decisively. "I have a very special use for it soon."

After all, nothing fostered goodwill and strengthened relationships quite like giving someone exactly what they wanted.

"Yes, Mrs. Finch Senior," the assistant responded, cradling the boxed artwork as though it were an invaluable treasure.

Eleanor's voice continued to fill the car. "Have Cyrus come to the Finch Manor first thing tomorrow."

She was going to make full use of Lizzie's birthday banquet.

After a moment of contemplation, she added, "And tell Jonathan to bring Rose over tomorrow... No. Never mind. I'll visit Ms. Shaffer myself."

Considering Jonathan's attitude that day, Eleanor doubted he would follow her plans. She would personally handle the situation to ensure Rose's involvement. All she needed now was the right excuse.