The Secretly Rich Man

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 311

Gerald was able to let off a lot of steam there. He’d never felt so good before.

However, he realized that things could get very complicated from here on out. Although he’d lived a modest life thus far, he at least understood this much.

Therefore, he decided he’d take this matter a little further. At the next opportunity, he’d have to sit down with Zack Lyle and Michael Zeke to discuss what had happened here.

He thanked Aiden and Elena for rushing over to his side before dismissing them.

The events of the day had left Queta frightened and humiliated. She was down in the dumps. Even her clothes had been ripped and torn by Liara’s gang. It broke Gerald’s heart to see her like this.

Ultimately, it was his fault that this tragedy had to occur and that Queta had been dragged into it.

“Come on, I’m buying you new clothes!” Gerald declared cheerfully.

“No…I’m fine like this, Gerald!” Queta bowed her head.

“I insist. No matter what, I had gotten you into this mess. Anyway, it’s your birthday!” Dragging her along by the hand, he pulled her onto his car and brought her to a fancy clothing emporium filled with high-quality high-fashion items.

Gerald bought two outfits for Queta all the while coaxing and consoling her. He promised something like today would never happen again.

He paid for the clothes, but just as they were about to leave…

“Gerald, is that you?” A clear, feminine voice called out to him. The tone was laced with unexpected delight.

He turned to look. It was Naomi Milton. “Naomi!”

Naomi also had three other girls with her: Felicity Nelson, Yvonne Dunn, and Cassandra McGregor!

Well, it didn’t surprise Gerald to see Naomi running with these girls. After all, there’d been that thing at Emperor Karaoke Bar a couple days back. That time, everyone had lost their minds, except for Naomi, who’d remained calm and advised Felicity to moderation and she’d been right: Jake had proven to be no trifle.

In that way, Naomi had also proven herself to be a voice of patience—something which Felicity felt she had a need for.

As for Yvonne, well…it wasn’t as though Felicity wasn’t aware that the girl mainly sought to benefit from her recent popularity. This was made especially obvious by how uncomfortable she was about Naomi joining their clique.

Naomi informed Gerald that the afternoon following that incident, Felicity had invited her to help out around her workplace.

As for right now…naturally, both Felicity and Cassandra spotted Gerald too, but neither one offered him greetings.

They only glanced at him, then began examining Queta, who was beside him.

“Gerald, who’s this? What a beauty! Won’t you introduce her to us?” Naomi cajoled teasingly.

Gerald handled the introductions. “This is my good friend, Queta Smith. Queta, this is Naomi Milton, that bro I’m always telling you about. She’s a real man among men!”

“Pleased to meet you!” Although in low spirits at the moment, having met the Naomi that Gerald had told her so much about, she was delighted to shake hands.

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 312

It had barely been an hour since that catastrophe.

Gerald didn’t want to talk about it in front of Felicity and the rest, so after greeting Naomi, he hurried Queta away.

“Hot d*mn, holy cow!” Yvonne exclaimed in frustration. “That Gerald has some guts, huh? Felicity and the counselor are both here, but he didn’t even say a quick hello to them? You ladies saw it, too! He completely ignored us!”

To herself, Yvonne thought about how someone like Gerald ought to show someone like her only the utmost courtesy and always mind his manners.

Instead, he’d snubbed them! Yvonne wouldn’t stand for it.

Neither Felicity nor Cassandra could believe how Gerald had treated them, either.

They hadn’t greeted him, but he hadn’t greeted them, either. He’d grown some balls.

“Hmph! Loser! I couldn’t care less!” Felicity huffed.

“Alright, alright…leave Gerald alone, now.” Naomi tried to salvage the situation. “I noticed he was in a bad mood just now. Something’s probably happened and he was too preoccupied to say hi, that’s all.”

“You don’t have to defend that person, Naomi. He’s free to do as he pleases. Hmph! Anyway, we’re going to Wayfair Mountain Entertainment later—we’d best hurry home and try on our new clothes! Isn’t that right, Felicity?”

Remembering that they’d be making a trip to that wonderful Wayfair Mountain Entertainment as soon as today, nothing could bring Yvonne down right now.

Felicity’s company superiors were having a friendly gathering at the villa. Since their top personality Felicity was one of Mayberry’s own, she was naturally entitled to bring a few guests along.

Now that Exceptional Live had risen to become a national-level media platform, they were worth a lot more these days. That meant better company vacations in nicer spots!

Suddenly, Naomi’s phone rang. She took the call, grunted in acknowledgement a couple of times, and then hung up.

Anxiously, she reported, “Felicity, that was the car rental service. Their driver has just left on urgent business and all their other drivers are at some wedding function, so there isn’t anyone to drive the Mercedes-Benz G-500 we reserved! They’ve asked if we’d be able to find our own driver!”

“What! The driver dumped us? D*mn it! It’s just one thing after another…” Felicity was fuming. “How am I supposed to find a driver last-minute to take us there? Anyway, I always hand-pick my drivers—they have to be good-looking! Every detail counts when going for an event like this!”

Really! Why did everything have to be so complicated?

“That’s right! Among us, only the counselor can drive, but as she’s going as a guest of honor, that’s out of the question!” Yvonne squealed. “Anyway, we can’t ask the counselor to serve as our driver!”

“Oh, I’ve just remembered that Gerald has a driving licence! He could do it!” Naomi exclaimed. “Shall we ask him to be our driver, then? He’s even been to that villa before!”

The truth was that Naomi was serving a personal agenda of her own here.

Previously, Gerald had really borne the appearance of someone who’d suddenly struck it rich, indulging in luxuries left and right. After a while, however, he’d gone right back to ground.

His classmates believed that he’d splurged it all away, and that was the end of it.

However, that brief period in the limelight had also left Gerald with a nasty preoccupation with appearances.

Naomi hadn’t failed to notice this.

She was asking him to be their driver now because she knew that Felicity had commissioned their previous driver for nearly a thousand dollars.

A thousand bucks for an afternoon’s work. It was a lovely arrangement.

Yvonne was the first to protest. “No, no way! Naomi, didn’t you hear what Felicity said? We need a good-looking driver, not some crass dork like Gerald! Forget about it!”

Felicity, however, arched one eyebrow and murmured, “Hmm…I actually think Naomi’s suggestion has some merit. Crass and dorky though he may be, Gerald has a certain innocence about him which is rather refreshing. Mm-hmm…our old dorm-mate Xavia wasn’t entirely without taste. I’ll just need to give him a bit of a makeover and he might even do very well as our driver!”

“Okay. Let’s give him a shot, then! He can drive, after all!” Cassandra raised no disagreement.

“Alright. Naomi, give Gerald a call. Tell him I’d like him to be our driver!”

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 313

“Gerald, are you busy later?” Naomi asked, when Gerald took her call.

“Who, me? No, I’m not busy!” He was sending Queta back to campus. Once she was in class, he’d obviously be free.

“Oh. I’ve found you some side income. A thousand bucks for a day’s work. It’s a simple job: Felicity needs a driver. I know you’re not hurting for money these days, but a little extra scratch never hurts, right? What do you say?” Naomi presented the proposal delicately.

She knew he’d just about used up his windfall already, but she spoke with tact nevertheless as she was also aware that Gerald had become an image-conscious person. He’d even developed a taste for fine clothes!

But for all that, he was still a bro and nothing had changed that between them.

Honestly, when Felicity’s name came up, Gerald had wanted to decline—not least because he knew Yvonne and Cassandra would probably also be involved. It would be a madhouse, being caught between those chattering hens.

Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to turn down Naomi’s goodwill.

After a slight pause, Gerald nodded his head and agreed after all. It was all for Naomi’s sake.

“Alright! First, I’ll need you to get back here. We’re going to buy you some things and dress you up!” Naomi laughed happily over the phone.

Gerald sighed in exasperation and turned the car around.

As the girls’ captive, he was given an expensive suit and a pair of leather shoes, all of which he had to put on right away.

It had to be said that Felicity, despite her aloofness towards him all this while, had to admit to being a little smitten when she saw Gerald in those handsome clothes. She almost complimented him, even…

But then she saw him carefully folding up his old clothes, as though intending to take them with him.

Oh, dear…still just a loser, after all.

“These are fine clothes. Don’t wear them out in a hurry, Gerald! Between the cost of this outfit and some spending money for you as our driver, you’re getting well over a thousand bucks out of this!” Cassandra remarked with arms folded.

“Yes, I see.” Gerald could only smile and nod.

“Oh? Gerald, is that your new phone?” Naomi had just now spotted what he held in his hand.

He nodded. “Yup! Just got it a few days ago!”

“Whoa, that looks pretty sweet! Pass it here!” Yvonne peered at the device, her interest piqued. Without waiting for permission, she reached over and snatched it away.

One look at it, and she squealed. “My gosh…Felicity, Cassandra, look at this! This is the latest model, new on the market…it goes for over four thousand bucks! Gerald, is this yours?”

As a matter of fact, the most expensive smartphone she’d ever owned, she’d paid for it by installments, to a total of one thousand dollars.

Gerald, the poor man of their class, used a phone worth four times as much?

“No kidding!” Felicity gasped when she saw it, in spite of herself.

“Gerald, I don’t know when you’ve become such a show-off—but for a guy like you to buy a phone like this, what were you thinking? Felicity is at the top of her game right now and her phone only costs half as much! You’re just a student with no steady income, so how can you splurge like this? How many times must I tell you?” This came from Cassandra, the counselor.

It was as though someone had stepped on her tail.

Only a moment ago, she’d been lecturing Gerald about a set of clothes worth a few hundred bucks…and then he’d whipped out this four-thousand-dollar phone! Where did that leave her?

“Exactly! Why did you get something so expensive? Were you trying to impress some rich kids? Ahh…some people simply don’t have class. Don’t you know, Gerald? Only poor people go for things like this, people with money just buy the cheaper models!” Having suffered some affront from this, Yvonne eagerly joined in the harassment.

Gerald Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter 314

“Yes. You’re right. Of course.” Gerald just nodded away compliantly.

There was no point in arguing. He’d let them talk.

Next, they brought him to the car rental company, where they collected the Mercedes-Benz, and set out for Wayfair Mountain Entertainment.

Now they were back on track.

Gerald had to open the door politely for Felicity to step out from the car. The other girls followed after and they were all greeted warmly by the staff at the villa.

Why was the villa showing such consideration for Exceptional Live?

It was simple: though neither Exceptional Live nor that upcoming Yorknorth Mountain event was that big a deal, the sponsors behind them were. Ultimately, Michael Zeke was trying to put on a show to impress Gerald Crawford.

As she posed for the photographers, Felicity turned and muttered under her breath to Gerald, who had been about to follow them inside, “Very good, Gerald. Now take the car to the parking lot and wait for us there. You’d best stay clear of the event proper, lest you blow your own cover and embarrass us all! Regarding dinner, you can buy yourself some bread if you get hungry—it’s not like they’re serving the kind of food you’re used to eating.”

Clearly, she thought he was likely to say something that might embarrass her.

Unbelievable! One day, she’d get her just desserts!

Gerald had had it up to here with Felicity. He had his pride too, for crying out loud! Couldn’t she show him at least a little respect?

but comply and bring the car to the parking

couldn’t reveal his true identity, one way or the

just hang around here like

already decided that while he was here, he’d seek out Zack Lyle and Michael Zeke to discuss about Rye

a newspaper. When he saw Gerald, he shot to his feet, caught

Zack hurried

in turn shared what they knew about Rye

Rye Group pre-dated all their other organizations and

region, they were big shots. As business continued to grow, Henry

businesses they conducted, some of the things they did…well, Gerald had some first-hand experience. One example would be when Chad and Danny Xanders attacked William Rye, and then the Xander family vanished overnight. Then there was Damien Rye, who commanded his own private army of

vast network of people who served them, as well

begets prosperity,

Then his phone rang. It was his elder sister Jessica, whom

are you up

dinner with Zack Lyle and Michael Zeke!” Gerald answered brightly, deciding that Jessica didn’t need to know about all this. At the end of the day, she was grooming him to eventually take over the whole Mayberry Commercial Street. If he went running to his sister for help with every little thing, what sort of worth would he

be paying a visit to Mayberry in three days’ time and I want to see my precious baby brother.

“Oh? You’re coming here?”

have some earth-shattering news to deliver to you,

Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible

“What’s the big news?”

when she and both his parents had gone abroad to work off some debts, and how

course, that was just a story they’d made up to

tell you! Alright,

doot…With that, Jessica had

Michael Zeke were turning pale. “Mr Crawford? Will Director

right!” Gerald replied. “Three days from now!

though they were going to be ill. They must be

had dinner with them and talked about simpler

four hours crawled

you, Gerald?” Felicity just called him

checked the time. Whoops, it was

make too much noise. Remembering that time when some celebrity starlet was trying to sneak a dip in the baths, and

grand

bring the car around right away!” Hanging up, he fetched the car and picked up Felicity and friends, who were ready to leave

you? When the party’s about to finish, have the car ready nearby! Instead,

inside there, so how was I to know when the party would be ending?” Gerald

for that, you’re only getting half pay tonight!” Yvonne

what an utter failure

by at the entrance, but where had hers been? Even when she’d walked all the way out to the car, the man himself had been nowhere in sight. The shame

ladies off at our campus and then

campus? Forget that!” Yvonne snapped. “We haven’t had enough fun yet tonight—we want to head to Emperor so we can sing all night long. Am

evening already, and they’d gotten to see Wayfair

asked for her

her heart belonged to Ordinary

she’d felt very

Karaoke, then return the car!” Cassandra said

was nothing for it but to do as he’d been told before finally driving himself back to

think? A guy like Gerald—what kind of woman would be

their own private room, the girls were drinking and chatting

want of a better topic of conversation, their

himself a girlfriend. Even if he gets married one day, it won’t be to any great beauty, and even if she is, she’ll most likely be used goods. The reasons are simple—one, he’s dead broke; and

aware of this, but…she’s a radio DJ and she’s really pretty!” Naomi didn’t feel comfortable listening to them insult

she broached another topic. “Oh,

me. Three, um…someone from an influential family. Four, someone nice. Five, willing to

heavens, couldn’t you just say that you’re looking for someone like

Novel (Invisible or Poorest)

Yvonne burst into laughter.

slightly awkwardly. The truth was, that

you counselor, what kind of future husband are

Yvonne repeated her question.

someone humble. A solemn and mature man who is sensible as well as knowledgeable. Not to sound overly materialistic, but he should

ended her explanation

laughter escaped Yvonne’s mouth. “So what you’re saying is that you’re looking for someone like Ordinary Man. After all, he’s just a regular person who’s a bit more sensible and solemn. Speaking of which,

“Definitely not ugly!”

“Far from ugly!”

and Felicity yelled in unison after

an odd

too nervous. Felicity could tell

Ordinary Man’s contact information. It was to allow Cassandra to help investigate which class Ordinary Man

then she didn’t think much about

more Felicity thought about it,

Could Cassandra have fallen in love with Ordinary Man as

the most selfish

of outstanding and rich. After all, he was able to allow people from Exceptional Live to host a social gathering

Man’s

say no to

have been a little too careless…’ thought

anything after their answer, and the situation itself became

moment, the private room’s

me… Is Miss

who had a

me. Is there something I can help with?”

meal at Homeland Kitchen. A feast has been

“Ah, I see.”

she found no problem with it. Flynn respected her and he was

Gerald’s subordinate and he definitely knew that she had a good relationship

Cassandra realized she had yet

know how to find her? She considered the fact that it could

about it for a while, Cassandra eventually

led straight to his

just go. Homeland Kitchen isn’t too far off from here. It wouldn’t be wise to make

nodded in response. “That’s true. Alright, start up the engine, and let’s be on our way.” The driver

Rolls-Royce was parked right outside the

long before they were on their

Commercial Street but from where they currently were, it would only take them

In fact, he drove on and on till Mayberry Commercial Street could barely be seen anymore. They were headed

passed

been sitting next to the driver all this

has just established

he said that, a faint smile formed briefly on his

Secretly Rich Man Novel (Invisible or Poorest) Chapter

When was it established?

Cassandra’s head began to grind. Something about all of this

that Flynn wanted to treat

After all, she saw

that, they just went along with

were now going west of the city, more and more alarms in Cassandra’s head were going

was a factory zone. Very few entertainment centers would be there. Why would anyone consider establishing a Homeland Kitchen branch

there’s quite the prodigy at cooking. Mr. Lexington’s told me that he’s hosting this feast with you in mind since he wasn’t able to serve you well at the

didn’t Mr. Lexington notify

ask Flynn yourself once you reach the

address Mr. Lexington by

observed the driver, the less Cassandra trusted his

the driver

long after, he took a turn and entered the highway, west of

abundance of factories, there weren’t many cars on the road.

the road, the more Cassandra felt that there was

well… Can we postpone this? I think I’m going to be sick. Please

afraid I

car in the first place if he had only specified

back, he had accelerated while driving down Mayberry Commercial Street too. They weren’t able to react quickly enough to ask him

driver looked from left to right, averting

only served to

down and have

the car immediately!” shouted

can’t do that or we’ll crash with the car behind us. Besides, Mr. Lexington’s

I’m calling him now!” sneered Cassandra

heard through the phone was

it keep

of a sudden, a

driver had turned the steering wheel abruptly to make a sharp turn. The

out after being violently thrown

you?!” roared Cassandra who was both in anger and fear at the same

the driver simply

before saying, “Copy that. They’re in the car now along with two other young beauties. We’re about to

had been sitting next to the driver the entire time and she bore a look of terror on

car slowed down soon enough. It would appear that their

that scenes like this were only present in

car I said!” Yvonne screamed, almost like a mad

feel it, but she felt a

the spot, as the slap she

the driver

had been tailing them for a while now. From the building, emerged three

out of the car,

all

was a premeditated

while they were still

and snatched her phone. It took less than a second for him to smash it on the ground,

tight slap from him

dare you make that call! Third Brother, do you usually work this sloppily? Retrieve

your phones

attempted to hide her phone as a few bodyguards rushed toward them. However, her attempt was futile and in the end, her phone was snatched

Crawford:The Secretly Rich Man Novel

while we wait for the boss’s next order!”

and the others were then dragged into the building before being tied to

get to have some fun with them too!” A guard

sure the boss receives a warm welcome first! You three remain upstairs to stand guard over them. Until the boss arrives, suppress your

subordinates nodded respectfully as the

the three men decided

How about you Felicity?” whispered Cassandra, her face as white

press the call button… What should we do, Counselor? I’m an internet celebrity! This is no way to treat such a person!” cried Felicity as she

slap earlier. She

cold a girl she was, anyone would be frightened half to death if

whether I managed to get the call across… But it seemed like it did. However, I only managed to shout for a brief moment…” Compared to the others, Naomi was still relatively calm though her breaths were

this life or death situation, the recipient of that call could be the miracle they needed

still university students, their minds were fickle and bore ample

caught on that something was going very wrong. During the moment the guard had slapped Yvonne and while he was giving death glares toward Cassandra, Naomi

had been the first to act. Long before the car had driven off the slope, Naomi was

would be from Flynn in this situation, even though