All Chapters of The Intelligence Edge: From Zero to Billionaire: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

"I'm fine," Emma shrugged. "It's actually you who's putting me in a bad mood right now, lecturing me in that overly paternal tone."The words overly paternal hit Shawn like a red-hot needle, stabbing sharply at his pride.He couldn't hold it in any longer.Shawn slammed his foot down on the accelerator. The engine of the Mercedes S-Class roared to life, and the car shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.The sudden surge pressed Emma back in her seat. She yelped instinctively, gripping the overhead handle for dear life.Once steady, she lifted her gaze to the face twisted with anger beside her and rolled her eyes in exasperation."I wasn't even planning to come to this banquet tonight," she said, irritation lacing her voice. "It was my dad who told me to come, to check you out on his behalf."Then, her expression split into a brilliant, almost mischievous smile, as if she'd been granted a small victory."Let's see if you're really cut out to be my brother-in-law. I'll b

Katie's eyes rolled so hard she could barely keep them in her sockets, and she kicked the sofa with her uninjured foot."What's wrong with you? Why are you going against us? Have we wronged you or something? What kind of spell did Chris put you under? How could you let a few hundred thousand sway you?"She jabbed a finger at Emma's nose, exasperation and disbelief written all over her face. "I swear, you're just like those fools who listen to a few sweet words by the salespeople over the phone and buy a pile of useless health supplements!"Just wait! When your money goes down the drain, I want to see you hiding under your blanket and crying!"Emma's head spun under the barrage of insults, but she still held her chin high. "Anyway, most of the money I invested came from what Chris helped me earn last time. Even if it's all lost, I won't feel a thing!""You—!" Katie was so furious she almost couldn't catch her breath. She threw up her hands in exasperation and turned to her brother,

Chris picked up a slice of watermelon and bit into it. Juice ran down his chin, sweet enough to warm his heart, but the words he spoke carried a sharp edge."Dad, from now on, let's just consider these so-called relatives as if they don't exist."His gaze was calm, but his tone left no room for argument."They're distant connections at best—most of them five generations removed. Why keep them around? Just to give ourselves headaches?"Laura hesitated, frowning slightly. "That may be true, but you know... it's complicated—social graces, obligations..."Chris cut her off, turning his attention to his father instead. His voice grew serious."Dad, there's one thing I worry about. I'm afraid you and Mom won't want to lose face. That those people outside will point fingers, whispering that as soon as our family has a little money, we forget our relatives and look down on the poor ones."He locked eyes with his father. "I know Mom—she has a soft heart. And you? You've always loved show

The moment those words left Chris's mouth, the air in the living room seemed to freeze.George's hand, still holding his thermos cup, stiffened midair. He hadn't expected his son to blurt out something like that.But once Chris started, it was as if a dam had burst. His tone brimmed with a confidence that brooked no doubt."Give me one week." He raised a single finger. "In just seven days, I'll have enough money to buy us a brand-new house. It's only one week—how much could it cost us?""And renting?" Chris pressed on. "Every rental outside requires at least a three-month lease. Add it up, and it's not that different from staying in a hotel."The best part? Hotels are convenient. Whenever we want to leave, we just pack up and walk away."George sat there, stunned by his son's rapid-fire reasoning. His head buzzed, but all he could latch onto was the most outrageous part."One week... to buy a house?"He stared hard at Chris, eyes wide with shock and suspicion. "From the way you

Yeah! Chris actually made a damn good point.If they were going to stay in a presidential suite, how ridiculous would it be to show up dressed like country bumpkins? That kind of humiliation was something they couldn't afford.George was the first to recover. He cleared his throat, forcing a solemn expression as he spoke with deliberate gravity."Mm. Chris has thought this through."Laura quickly followed, smiling as she folded the clothes back into the wardrobe, one by one."Alright, alright! We'll do as Chris says! Let's experience it for ourselves—see what life is like for the wealthy!"In the end, the family of three packed nothing more than a small backpack. Inside were just three sets of underwear and a few toiletries.Carrying that tiny bag, which had nothing to do with the word "moving," George and Laura felt oddly empty-handed, yet at the same time tingling with a strange, exhilarating anticipation.To avoid being ambushed again by their relentless relatives, the three