Chapter 4: A New World
"My son," his father said, "everything I told you was the truth. But I can't answer your questions now. I have something important to attend to. I must go."
"By the way," he continued, "I've sent you the family badge. Those managing our properties will recognize its significance. From now on, you're no longer poor. Get used to being a rich man."
Trevor's father hung up. The enormity of what had just happened hadn't yet sunk in. One minute he was poor; the next, a wealthy heir.
Staring at his bank account, displaying $100 million, he felt as if he were dreaming. "I don't have to live paycheck to paycheck anymore," he murmured, a wave of sadness and pity washing over him as he recalled the past. "From now on, I'll have abalone, ginseng, and lobster sandwiches!"
He frowned, correcting himself. "No. I have $100 million in allowance. Why would I eat bread every day? Poverty's ingrained in me, I guess. Well, I need to adapt to this rich life. I should have lobsterno, ten lobsters!"
Time flew by. That afternoon, the parcel arrived. Excitement bubbling, Trevor opened it to reveal a dark golden, redbud-shaped badge. Remembering his father's words, he recognized his family's symbol. He knew he must keep it safe.
His phone buzzed. A message from Bessie Taylor, his basketball coach: "Tomorrow's my 28th birthday. I've booked a room at the Marston Hotel at noon. Hope you can all make it." A voice message followed, urging him to attend.
Bessie, the beautiful basketball coach, had been the only kind person on the team. Everyone else had bullied or mocked him. She'd helped him find a part-time job, tutored him, and even lent him money for tuition when he couldn't afford it. He'd worked hard to repay her, forever grateful for her kindness. Besides his family, she was the only person who had ever shown him compassion.
"It's Miss Taylor's birthday. I should get her a gift," he mused, a smile curving his lips as he checked his bank balance. The next day, he took a taxi to Jork's most upscale shopping mall.
He browsed several stores before finding one he liked. Every item cost less than $100. He pondered, "I've never chosen a gift for a girl before. What should I get? That one's pretty, but a bit pricey." He held a doll and a crystal ball, unsure which to buy. He automatically calculated his bank balance, then stopped.
"Wait," he thought. "$100 million in my account. Why am I looking for a $100 gift? I need to break this habit."
He put the items back, reminding himself of his new reality. "Besides my family, Miss Taylor is the only person who's ever treated me well. I can't buy her a cheap gift. My benefactor deserves the best."
With this thought, he left the shop and headed to the luxury goods section. Dazzled by the opulent displays, he spent thirty minutes exploring, realizing for the first time how stunning these shops were. It felt like he'd stepped into a new world.