"Wow..." Dave whispered to himself as he entered the dining room. It looked like his father was hosting a feast—so many dishes were laid out on the long dining table.
"Oh, son! You're here. "Come, come, join me," Mr. Jorge said warmly as he noticed Dave's presence.
Dave didn't hesitate. He walked over and sat down beside his father.
"Good morning, Dad," Diava greeted politely, noticing the odd look on his father's face as he sat beside him.
"What's wrong, Dad?" he asked, puzzled by the strange expression Mr Jorge had just given him.
Mr. Jorge sighed. "Son, why are you still wearing those old, saggy clothes? As the heir to Wayne Enterprises, you shouldn't be walking around looking like that. I mean you look absolutely ridiculous."
"I know, Dad," Dave replied sheepishly. "I couldn't find any clothes in my drawer, so I just wore them, not like I had a choice."
Jorge shook his head. "In that case, Danny should take you to the mall today. Get yourself some proper clothes—good ones."
Dave's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Of course," Jorge said, giving a small smile. "You need to look like a true Wayne heir."
And by the way, Son, I have good news. My lawyers have completed the paperwork—everything under the Wayne family is now in your name. "I'd like you to visit one of our top establishments and show your face as the grand CEO of Wayne Enterprises."
"Uh… uh…"
Dave almost choked on his food when he heard what his father had just said. He quickly reached for a glass of water and drank.
"Are you okay, son?" Mr. Jorge asked with concern.
"Yes, Dad, I'm fine," Dave replied, though his face showed a mix of shock and disbelief.
Mr. Jorge noticed the strange look on his son's face.
"What's wrong, son?"
"I'm sorry, Dad… it's just that all of this is happening so fast," Dave admitted.
Mr. Jorge let out a soft laugh and placed a comforting hand on Dave's shoulder.
"Don't worry. Everything is going to be okay. You don't need to be scared. It's your responsibility now—to become the next heir to Wayne Enterprises."
A few minutes passed before Mr. Jorge rolled his wheelchair back.
"Alright, it's time for me to head out."
"Where are you going, Dad?" Diava asked, curious about the sudden departure.
"Oh, son, I have an appointment with my doctor. I might stay a little bit long. When I'm back, we'll talk more, alright?", and go with Danny to get you some good clothes.
"Okay, Dad."
As Dave was about to put another spoonful of food into his mouth, his cheap Nokia phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a text message from Jennifer Lawrence. It included the location and time of the college reunion party, which is tonight.
Dave didn't know Danny had been standing silently behind him. Danny suddenly spoke, startling him.
"If I may, young master—"
"Jesus Christ!" Diava shouted in surprise.
"Sorry, young master, I didn't mean to startle you," Danny apologized quickly.
"Oh no, it's fine. "I didn't realize you were right behind me," Diava replied, catching his breath. "What were you saying?"
Should I get the car ready for shopping?
Dave smiled at Danny.
"That would be nice. So, are we going now?"
"If you'd like to go now, that's perfectly fine," Danny answered.
"Great! Let me just tidy up the dishes and—"
"No, no, young master," Danny interrupted gently. We have maids for that. You can leave it to them—they'll take care of everything.
Dave paused, surprised. Back at the Lapis home, they would always force him to wash the dishes despite them having maids, so it became a habit stuck to him without him knowing it.
Oh… really? "If that's the case, then I guess we can go now," Dave said with a smile on his face, remembering that this is not the Lapis home where dey makes him do the ditches.
Okay, young master. "Let me get the car ready," Danny said with a nod.
A short while later, he pulled the sleek black Rolls-Royce car up to the front entrance. Dave stepped outside, still feeling a little awkward about being treated like someone important. He opened the passenger door and got in.
Danny started the car without a word, and they drove off to the mall.
They arrived at Crusline Mall — one of the largest and most luxurious malls in the city. Known for its high-end stores and designer boutiques, it was a place where the wealthy often came to shop for expensive stuff. And this was Dave's first time actually visiting a mall.
"Wow... it's nice," Dave said, wide-eyed as they pulled up to the grand entrance.
"Yes, young master," Danny replied with a polite nod. "In fact, this mall is one of the many properties owned by the Wayne family."
"What do you mean the Wayne family own this?" Dave asked, surprised.
"sorry, young master. I mean you own this."
"What do you mean by me?" Dave asked, puzzled.
Danny glanced at Dave with a knowing smile. "Hasn't the master informed you yet? You are now the grand CEO of Wayne Enterprises."
Dave's eyes widened as the memory came back. "Oh... you mean that? Yes, he did mention something about it. Oh my god—are you trying to tell me I actually own this place?"
"Yes, young master," Danny replied with a respectful bow. "This is just a small fraction of what the Wayne family has accommodated over the years."
"Wow... that's incredible. "Okay, I'm heading in now," Dave said, reaching for the car door.
"Wait, young master," Danny stopped him gently. "Let me inform the mall manager of your arrival."
Dave paused, his hand on the door handle. "No, no—please don't. I don't want to draw any attention. If you tell the manager I'm here, it'll just create a scene."
He pointed toward a nearby parking spot. "You just park over there and wait for me. I'll swoop in, grab what I need, and be out in no time. I won't stay long."
Danny hesitated but nodded respectfully. "Okay, young master. If you say so."
He got out of the car and walked toward the mall entrance. The glass doors slid open with a soft whoosh as he stepped inside.
The security man standing outside immediately noticed how differently Diava was dressed—his appearance looking unkempt, his clothes worn and tattered, likely the security guard assumed he might be a beggar. He considered stopping Dave but decided not to; the boy had already entered.
With a shrug, the guard looked away, not wanting to bother himself. If the beggar tries to steal anything or cause trouble, he thought, the guards inside will beat him up and throw him outside themselves. So it's not my problem anymore.