The Billionaire Who Saved Me

As usual, when Garrett and Norah set foot at the party, several pairs of eyes immediately turned towards them. Some admired Garrett’s handsomeness, that was evident. However, there were also those who looked down on his mother, which could not be denied. Both Garrett and Norah did not really care about it, but it still had an impact, especially on Garrett.

Norah gave several reassuring pats on Garrett’s hand, a firm place where she landed her hand, allowing her son to lead them where they would go.

“What a lively party,” Norah praised. “Don’t you think so?”

Garrett did not pay much attention to the party itself. But he nodded, providing his brief comment.

“Yes, it’s a lively party. Especially considering the number of guests invited.”

Norah smiled faintly. At least she felt that her son still had a bit of humor that night, which was a good sign.

“Do you know, if I’m not mistaken… my friend is also invited to this party.”

While walking, Garrett glanced briefly at his mother, who appeared to be smiling at a guest she happened to be chatting with.

“Don’t tell me if you want to introduce me to her daughter.”

The guess was right. As Garrett observed, Norah burst into laughter upon hearing that. He groaned slightly.

“As I told you, Garrett, there’s no harm in getting to know someone. You just need to give it a try. Who knows…”Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

“Who knows we’re not compatible.”

Norah laughed again. “Who knows you are.”

When it came to matters of women, Garrett knew. A middle-aged woman with only one son would be enthusiastic about finding him a partner, and Norah was no exception.

“Her name is Maudy. She’s a nice girl, and her parents are equally nice.”

Reluctantly, but Garrett’s mind was spinning. It seemed like he recognized that name. And he frowned.

“Isn’t she getting close to Axel?”

Norah’s eyes widened. “Really?” she asked incredulously. “Oh, but wait. Do you know Maudy?”

Garrett rolled his eyes lazily. But he chuckled too. Because somehow, he could use this situation.

“Isn’t this enough to prove to you that it’s not the right time for me to be in a relationship with anyone? Uh… just look. The woman you want to introduce me to, I already know her. Even more than that. I know she’s currently getting close to someone else.”

“I don’t know that you know her. And besides… even if she’s close to another man, it doesn’t mean they’re meant to be.”

“A true man wouldn’t approach a woman who’s already approached by another man, Mom,” Garrett whispered right into his mother’s ear. “It’s embarrassing for me.”

However, for this matter, it seemed that Norah had similar thoughts. What Garrett said was indeed correct. It was an unethical move.

“So… instead of discussing women, let’s talk about something else.”

Norah glanced at him. “Like what?”

“Come with me to greet those people over there, Mom.”

Norah shifted her focus. To the point indicated by Garrett. Where several middle-aged men were gathered. And of course, they were not just ordinary men.

“Alright.”

A broad smile on Garrett’s face was more than enough to prove that he felt relieved. Freed from the conversation about women, something that made him truly uncomfortable.

Greeting the party guests, Garrett and Norah shook hands alternately. They initiated the conversation with casual opening questions, asking about each other’s well-being, current activities, and other less important topics.

“Property investment is indeed quite promising. It’s no wonder that the business is getting more exciting over time,” one of the guests remarked.

It did not take long before the casual opening shifted. This time, they touched on the hot topics that were currently happening, including the phenomenon of endless developments.

For that, Garrett nodded, as it was evident that this was his perspective when he tried to establish his residential real estate company a few years ago. It could not be compared to other companies that had already ventured into this field, but at least Garrett had reaped the rewards of his decision.

Real estate indeed had a bright future, especially when it came to housing for the community. It could be said that everyone needed a place to live.

Starting with Garrett’s idea to buy one house and refurbish it, he took the first step in his venture. He made his first sales profit even before completing his studies, igniting his youthful spirit, and driving him to achieve more. Eventually, after years of hard work, Garrett proudly carried the name of Apex Builders and Co. with him.

“I saw it yesterday. It happened to pass by. Its name is Panorama Residence, right?” one of the guests inquired.

“Exactly, Sir,” Garrett eagerly told the story about the apartment building.

“Actually, it’s intended for the upper-middle class, but I believe its price is still within reach for others,” Garrett explained with enthusiasm. “With its strategic location, connected to the Valas Hotel and townhouses, Panorama Residence is the only apartment complex that has connectivity to a four-star hotel. Truly a luxurious complex. It can be said that this building has great investment value for the future.”

Garrett’s explanation was met with nods from the audience. They were aware of the future potential of such a residential property.

“The location is well chosen. Not many people can secure such a strategic place like that,” praised a middle-aged man named Kenneth Brown, making Garrett even more confident. Perhaps because he knew that his success in his work was the only chance for him to be respected.

“Tell me, is your apartment priced as crazy as the next-door competitor?”

This time, the conversation was interspersed with laughter as Yale Gonzales asked out of curiosity. The man, whose mustache had started to turn white, chuckled when he found the laughter directed at him.

“Hey! Don’t get it wrong. We invest to seek profits,” Yale said without any hint of offense on his face. “Just imagine, next door, for an area of just eighteen square meters, the price is already high. And what about this? With such a strategic location?”

“Don’t worry, Sir. It’s not as crazy as that. Even if the price is the same, I’m sure it’s worth it considering the location and the promises for the future,” Garrett replied confidently.

Garrett knew the right way to do business because when he mentioned how strategic the location of the apartment was, there was no argument he received. It was an absolute aspect that could not be ignored by anyone.

“It seems like you’re really suited to be a builder, Garrett.”

The previously warm and enthusiastic conversation suddenly disappeared. Almost simultaneously, without any command, Garrett and the others turned their attention to a middle-aged woman who seemed to approach them.

“Aunt Farrah.”

Garrett addressed the woman, and an entirely different aura enveloped him. This caused the other men present to exchange glances, sensing the discomfort that was beginning to arise.

Dressed in a luxurious gown designed by a famous designer, Farrah Isabella Moralez walked gracefully, heading towards Garrett and his mother, both of whom were unaware that she would be at the party. Judging from their spontaneous reactions, one could immediately conclude that the three of them were not on good terms.

Of course, everyone knew that Farrah, Garrett’s late father’s sister, was the most opposed to Allan and Norah’s relationship. And now, even after her brother’s passing, she still showed her disapproval, as evidenced that night. From the arrogant smile she gave to the condescending gaze she projected; it nearly took Norah’s breath away.

“How are you, Norah?”

Garrett noticed the immediate change in his mother’s demeanor. Her face tensed, although she tried to maintain composure, and she smiled back politely.

“I’m doing well,” Norah replied. “And how about you?”

Farrah gracefully nodded her head, her movements as elegant as her fingertip tracing the rim of the half-filled glass she held. The liquid inside swirled gently.

“I’m doing well. It’s been a while, but you seem brighter.”

“Thank you.”

Garrett realized that his mother was feeling uncomfortable, so he quickly acted. He held Norah’s hand and planned to leave.

“I’m sorry, Aunt, but it seems we have to go. There’s something we need to attend to.”

Farrah would not allow it. She openly blocked Garrett and Norah’s path.

“I won’t take long, Garrett. Don’t worry,” Farrah said, looking down at the hands in front of her chest. “I don’t intend to talk with both of you for long either.”

Norah quickly grasped Garrett’s hand, attempting to keep her son in control in front of everyone. She was certain that some eyes were now on them.

“Garrett.”

Norah whispered his name, causing him to take a deep breath. He needed to compose himself. He did not want to cause a scene at someone else’s party. It would be embarrassing.

Farrah closed the gap and positioned herself in front of them. Though they had slightly moved away from the center of the party, it did not mean they were not drawing attention.

“I know you met with Nelson.”

Garrett had already guessed it. This was probably the reason Farrah approached them. And if he wanted to be suspicious, he was sure Farrah had no business at a gathering of real estate company owners other than to deliberately cross paths with them.

“Aunt,” Garrett spoke gently. He did not want the conversation to linger any longer. Garrett was never a patient man. “Just like before, you don’t need to worry. I have no intention of taking a single cent from this family.”

Farrah squinted her eyes, ignoring the impropriety of discussing such a private matter in public. She even accused him, “Do you think I’ll believe that? It’s clear that until the power of attorney falls into Ariel’s hands, I won’t believe you.”

“If that’s the case, tell Ariel to meet with Nelson.”

Farrah stared at Garrett, as if assessing the seriousness of his words.

“Meet with Nelson,” Garrett continued. “Tell him that I’m donating the inheritance to him.”

Farrah’s face turned red, and her eyes widened. Norah was equally surprised. She did not expect Garrett to say such a thing.

“So … I hope you don’t bother us anymore. After all, without that inheritance, Mama and I can still live decently.”

Farrah’s face was not just red anymore; it was beetroot red. Her eyes were bulging, and so were Norah’s. They could not believe Garrett said such a thing.

“I think I’ve had enough of all this,” Garrett said. “I didn’t do anything, but I was humiliated in front of colleagues.”

However, if Garrett thought that Farrah’s actions earlier were intended to humiliate him, he was mistaken. Because, according to Farrah, what she did could not be considered as humiliation compared to what she would do next.

The glass in Farrah’s hand was raised, moving dramatically above Norah’s head, and the attention of the party guests became unbearable.

*