Chapter 259
Since returning from the entertainment center, Cormac had seemed off. He worked only ten hours a day when he usually desired fifteen, and he often came home late at night.
By the time he returned, he was so exhausted that he collapsed on the couch, falling into a deep sleep. It was as if he were a spinning top that never stopped, except when he slept. Meanwhile, Aurora felt an increasing sense of guilt. She regretted dragging him to the entertainment center. If they hadn’t gone, maybe Cormac wouldn’t be so unhappy now.
One morning, after making breakfast for Aurora, Cormac sighed and said, “Now that you’re on break, I still hope you’ll learn some new skills. Self-study isn’t the same as learning from a teacher. Don’t think about getting a part-time job—you’re still young, and you don’t need to.”
Aurora, who would have protested fiercely before, kept quiet. She didn’t want to upset him, especially since Cormac seemed to be in such a fragile mood.
“Okay, I’ll listen to you, Uncle,” Aurora said after a moment’s thought. “Then I’ll learn to paint. I quite like painting.”
“Good,” Cormac said with a faint smile. “And add swimming to that list. It’s a necessary survival skill these days, and you can’t learn it at school.”
Aurora hesitated, her voice tinged with reluctance. “But if I learn both painting and swimming, it’ll cost a lot of money. I don’t want you to be so tired from working.”
Cormac ruffled her hair affectionately. “Don’t worry about the money. As long as you learn well, it’ll be worth it.”
Aurora thought for a moment before nodding, her resolve firming. “Okay, I’ll study hard, I promise.”
“I believe in you,” Cormac said, his voice soft but proud. “Alright, be good and stay home today. I’ve got to go to work.”
Aurora nodded, her expression serious. “Please come back earlier. My dad worked himself into the ground and got sick. I don’t want you to end up like that. Can you come back before dinner? I’ll make dinner and wait for you.”
How could Cormac refuse when she said that? He smiled, his heart softening. “Okay, I’ll be back by dinner.”
With that, Cormac headed out to the docks to unload goods. He had to work extra during the day if he wanted to make enough to cover the lessons Aurora needed. It was a long day, but he kept his promise to return early.
Just then, the supervisor called out to him. “Cormac, you’re in luck. A great opportunity’s come your way.”
Cormac, who had been lost in thought, chuckled bitterly. “Don’t tease me. What good opportunity could there be? I don’t have time for jokes—I need to get back to work.”
The supervisor, however, quickly grabbed his arm, looking serious. “I’m not kidding. A wealthy man needs a temporary driver. His regular driver had an emergency, and he’s asked for someone young and good-looking. Look around the dock—it’s full of rough-looking guys. But you… you look decent. You’re the only one who fits the bill.”
Cormac raised an eyebrow. “A wealthy man needs a driver? And he couldn’t find one elsewhere? Don’t pull my leg. I’ve been rich before, and this doesn’t make sense.”
The supervisor shook his head, not fazed by Cormac’s skepticism. “The guy’s from out of town. Just got to Arizona, only brought one driver with him, and said today’s job was really important. He needs someone impressive. It’s $3,000 for one day. If you don’t want it, I’ll find someone else.”
“Wait, $3,000 for one day as a driver? Money doesn’t come that easily,” Cormac replied, still doubtful.
The supervisor rolled his eyes. “I told you, this guy is loaded. You think $3,000 is a lot? To him, it’s nothing. Haven’t you heard of ‘fools with money’?”
The phrase struck Cormac, and his thoughts flickered back to when he had been wealthy. Wasn’t he once a fool with money? $3,000 seemed so small back then.
“Is it really $3,000?” Cormac asked, now more curious.
“Absolutely, $3,000,” the supervisor confirmed.
Cormac thought for a moment. That much money would help pay for Aurora’s lessons. Finally, he agreed. “Alright, I’ll take the job. But if I don’t get paid the full $3,000, I’ll come looking for you.”
The supervisor laughed. “Don’t worry. If you don’t get it, I’ll cover your wages.”
Cormac nodded and put on the suit and tie he hadn’t worn in ages. The middleman handed him the car keys, and Cormac got into the Bentley, noticing just how luxurious it was.
“Go to the Lulan Hotel to pick up the boss. He’ll tell you where to go next,” the middleman instructed.
“Got it,” Cormac replied, starting the car and heading to the hotel.
Meanwhile, Richard received a call. “Richard, it’s done.”
“Good job. I’ll have my assistant send you the fee,” Richard replied smoothly.
“Thank you, Richard,” the middleman said gratefully.
After hanging up, Richard sneered. “So the so-called rich heir was fooled for just $3,000. How could a man so desperate for money not have ulterior motives toward Rowena?”
Cormac had already arrived at the Lulan Hotel. Richard’s assistant came over and gave him instructions. “The boss and his wife will be down shortly. Be sharp.”
“Okay,” Cormac said, adjusting himself.
The assistant opened the back door for the couple. As Cormac looked toward the hotel entrance, his heart stopped. There, walking out of the hotel, was Rowena, holding Richard’s arm.
It felt like lightning struck him, and for a moment, he wanted to run. But it was too late.
Richard helped Rowena into the car, and as they did, he deliberately raised his voice. “Isn’t this Rowena’s senior, Cormac?” he said, a mocking edge to his tone. “My driver had an emergency today, and my assistant knew someone at the dock who found me a temporary driver. How surprising that it’s Rowena’s senior, Cormac!”
Rowena’s heart sank. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Cormac? How could he be here? Wasn’t he a rich heir? What dock? What temporary driver?