The Undercover Billionaire

Chapter 1: The Spoiled Billionaire

I stirred from my slumber to the sight of sunlight blinding me from a distance, and instantly I knew what had happened. I hesitantly lifted one eyelid open to see the bright sun rays peeking through a small sliver of open space behind my dark blue curtains.

“Ugh! Not again! I told Isabelle to always keep my curtains fully shut!” I muttered under my breath before I threw my covers open with a disappointed grunt.

I despised being awakened by the sun, especially after I had a long, late night. We hosted a dinner party the night before for some high-profile business clients, and once Mr. Davis started talking about his recent trip to Russia, dinner went on later than usual. Plus, I may have had a little too much to drink to endure Mr. Davis’s long and tortuous experience.

I reluctantly dragged myself off my bed and slipped my cold feet into my silk velvet slippers before heading towards the window. I pushed the curtains open and shielded my eyes with my arm from the piercing sunlight. As my eyes slowly adjusted to the light, my gaze fell upon the familiar sight outside my window.

Carter Grounds.

The miles and miles of green, luscious forest separated me from my view of the outside world. It had been that way for as long as I could remember. We lived in a magnificent mansion located deep in the forest, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the usual London life, much to my displeasure. But no one dared to disagree with Michael Carter.

I pulled myself away from the window and headed to the couch in the next room. I flipped the remote to the news channel and put my feet up on the coffee table, busying myself with scrolling through my phone.

“Isabelle, bring me my coffee.” I pressed the buzzer on the intercom that was lying on the side table.

“Right away, Mr. Carter,” she said hurriedly before the line went dead.

A few minutes later, Isabelle delicately laid down a silver tray with my coffee on the table in front of me, careful to not drop or spill it.

“Is there anything else, Mr. Carter?” Isabelle politely retreated away from the couch with fear in her eyes.

“Yes. I’ve told you repetitively to make sure my curtains are completely closed so that no light sneaks in. I woke up blinded by the sunlight today. Is this going to be a problem again?!” I demanded angrily, glaring at her.

The timid lady looked down in submission, “I am so sorry. I thought I did it right. Maybe the wind pu—”

“I don’t want to hear your excuses! Make sure it doesn’t happen again or else I will have to take severe action against you. Do you understand?” I warned her with an aura of command.

“Yes. Mr. Carter. I apologize. It will not happen again,” she replied humbly, lowering her gaze and slowly backing away towards the door, desperately trying to run for her life.

I shook my head dismissively before turning my attention back to the television in front of me. An hour went past, and I finally took my sweet time to get ready for the office. I strolled into my majestic bathroom as it filled with soft music. After a long, hot shower, I made my way to my walk-in closet, running my fingers through the wide array of various expensive branded clothes and shoes.

I picked out a crisp white, long-sleeved Egyptian cotton shirt to pair with my dark blue cashmere suit. I selected a pair of dress shoes out of the countless shiny shoes displayed before me and stood in front of my full-sized mirror as I put on my cufflinks. Glancing at my expensive reflection looking back at me, I wondered if there was a soul inside of me anymore.

Who cares anyway? I have everything I could ever want and everything I desire is available to me at the snap of a finger.

My name is Daniel Carter, and I’m the sole heir to Michael Carter. He is the same Michael Carter renowned to be the prestigious founder and CEO of Carter Industries, a famous Fortune 500 company based in the heart of London. I, on the other hand, was just his 27-year-old billionaire son, who was still living with him against my wishes and working for his company as a junior director.

Fear not! One day, I’ll be on the top too, and no one will restrict me from doing anything I want then.

I ran gel through my wavy brown hair as I reminisced about the touch of my mother’s hand running through my hair when I was a little boy. It had been two decades since I lost my dear mother, but the feeling of her hand holding mine was still fresh in my mind and heart.

I tugged at my suit confidently and brushed back a loose strand of my chestnut hair before heading out of my suite towards the long, winding staircase. The sound of my shoes clicking against the marble staircase sent shivers down the spine of the servants. I smirked to myself as I watched them scrambling away from my sight in panic and fear.

I dismissed their behavior like I do every single morning, heading towards the dining hall. Max pulled out a chair for me and I took my seat at the huge sandalwood table in anticipation of my breakfast.

I pulled out my phone and scrolled through the news while another servant placed my breakfast in front of me. Without taking my eyes off my screen, I took a big bite of my scrambled eggs, only to immediately spit it out in disgust.

Ew! What on earth?!

“What is this nonsense?! Why are there ham pieces in my eggs?!” I slammed my fork down against the glass plate, sending its echo ringing through the empty dining hall.

“I’m sorry, Master Daniel. It’s the new chef. He didn’t know. I will deal with him accordingly. I’ll bring a fresh plate right out,” Max said, repetitively bowing his head down apologetically.

I waved my hand dismissively at him, and I watched Max disappear into the kitchen hurriedly. I turned my attention back towards my phone to see Carter Industries mentioned in the news yet again.

New Possible Acquisition for Carter Industries?

My eyes drifted to my father’s empty chair across the long table. He was always more of a businessman than a father. We lived in the same house, and yet we spoke no more than 10 words to each other in a week. He never bothered asking about me and my well-being, nor did he call or text me.

To him, all the servants were taking good care of me, so he didn’t have to bother himself with me when he could focus his attention on the company instead.

I’ve gotten used to it by now.

I had just taken the first bite of my fresh scrambled eggs when my phone vibrated in my hand. I nearly spat out my food again, but this time because of the surprising picture that had appeared on my phone screen.

It was none other than Michael Carter. My dad was calling me personally, something he had never done for as long as I could remember since he always ordered someone else to relay his message.

But not this time. Why?