Chapter 49 What a Tangled Web We Weave

Curtis took a black card from his wallet. Bemused, Sabrina watched him pointing the card at her. "There are various coupons in it. The company's the one footing the bill if you use it," he explained. "Sometimes I use it whenever I'm out eating with the clients, but you can have it now." Sabrina could not bring herself to accept it. This was akin to embezzling company funds for her private life! "What? That's not… I'm not keeping that! You keep it! What are you supposed to use if I take it?" she protested. "And V-Victor is sitting right there! He's here because HQ was investigating our branch's embezzlement scandal, and now you're just going to hand your card to me for personal use?" Curtis was speechless. Even Victor and Marcus were helpless. They all knew what that card really was—Curtis had so much money in his bank account that he would not mind Sabrina spending it however she liked. When Marcus first heard of Curtis' marriage, his first thought was that whoever that wife was, she had to be a golddigger. Then, he heard about Curtis hiding his real identity as a billionaire and thought it was an interesting ruse. Now, though, it turned out Sabrina believed Curstis' pretension as an everyday salaryman hook, line, and sinker. Not gonna lie. This all looked so damn amusing! Victor, meanwhile, felt bad for his friend's dilemma. 'What a tangled web we weave when we first practice to deceive,' so went the adage… Curtis had only wanted to invite Sabrina to lunch. He had no other idea on how to pay for it without exposing himself, so he came up with the bank card lie. Unfortunately, Sabrina opposed it so earnestly, he could not help but think back on what his grandfather told him. Daniel had been adamant that if Curtis spent more time with her, he would gradually realize he was a kindhearted young woman who harbored no ulterior motives. Perhaps his grandfather had a point after all. Maybe she was never the kind who married him for money. Maybe he could tell her the truth, and she would treat him the same as she did right now. …That was all his thoughts, though. Curtis had no way of knowing for sure that this was how Sabrina was like. Maybe she would change her tune once she knew his real identity. He decided to shoot Victor with a matter-of-fact expression. That guy was his "boss," right? So why not toss the ball in his court? Victor squirmed in his seat. "Uh… Right, this card. Uh-hem. See, we use them for our clients, but we also treat it as… an employee reward! Curtis has contributed so much to our company that he deserves to use this card as a reward! This is not against company policies, Sabrina. It's all right!" God, Victor was in love with himself for how quick-witted he was! "Urgh. So your company is really as generous as they say," Marcus suddenly grumbled. "I really wish I could join you guys instead of inheriting my parents' stupid business." Curtis and Victor froze. Jeez, what was this guy onto now?! Sabrina turned to him in bewilderment. This problematic friend of theirs was actually one of the wealthy class?! But he was so… normal. He mingled with common folks like normal! "May I ask? What's your family's business?" she questioned. Victor and Curtis nailed their eyes on Marcus expectantly. If this guy said anything that ruined the entire ruse, he was not going to leave this restaurant in one piece. "My parents own a shipping company!" Marcus chirped. "I know what you're thinking. 'God, does that mean he's rich?' Bingo! I am! I'm way, way more endowed than my two broke-ass friends over here! Ha ha ha!" Victor rolled his eyes while Curtis stayed quiet. "Oh wow, that actually sounds really cool! Which company is it? I'll be sure to support it the next time I need something delivered!" Sabrina replied cheerily. Honestly, Marcus would have believed that Sabrina was trying to test him if he was not sure that she was as trusting as she sounded. "It's.. The Delivery Squawk! Ever heard of it?" Welp, that was one company he had to purchase now. It was that, or his lie would unravel. Sabrina nodded. The shipping company had a pretty memorable name along with its squirrel logo. They were quick on their deliveries but had a problem with keeping goods in their best condition. "Hmm… With all due respect, I wonder if your company has ever considered upgrading your warehouse facilities and delivery procedures," she said matter-of-factly. "I imagine it will be quite the cost for the company to handle if delivery goods are routinely destroyed." Victor and Curtis suppressed laughter while Marcus froze. "R-Right! I see, I see! Thank you for bringing this issue up to our attention, dear valuable customer!" he blabbered. "I shall… check on this and make sure we upgrade our service to better serve you! A-And other customers!" Sabrina had not expected her idea to be so enthusiastically received by the "future CEO", but it was honestly rather gratifying to be heard. She smiled. "Ooh, I'm warming up to your friend, Curtis!" 'Wish you could be as warm as they are, too,' she added to herself. She could not see how Curtis managed to be so aloof despite the kind of company he kept. In the end, Sabrina accepted the card. When it was over, Marcus suggested driving Sabrina and Curtis to the office. Victor was the only one aware enough to roll his eyes. Dude did not even drive his own damn car, much less talk about fetching others! "No. That is unnecessary. I'm not going to the office today!" Curtis replied curtly.