Once Despised, Bastard Billionaire

It was a busy night in the Contreal city mall of Heralzia, Logan was returning from his laundry job.

Since childhood, Logan Reed had consistently worked hard to make ends meet. As a laundry attendant, his days were spent dashing from one place to another, picking up dirty clothes, and delivering the freshly washed ones to various businesses and individuals across Contreal.

No matter how hard he toiled, his earnings remained insufficient to take care of himself and his mother.

Even though he knew that his wife, Zora, was the second child of The Bennett Family, one of the wealthiest and most successful families in Heralzia, he didn't want to rely on her for financial support.

A feeling of happiness and excitement enveloped him as he walked out of the mall.

The reason for his excitement was a packaged parcel he held in his hand, which contained a beautiful flower vase he had saved up for months to buy for his mother-in-law, Madame Ruthie Bennett.

Even though it was very cheap, he hoped he could impress Zora's siblings by buying their mother a birthday gift.

''Huh, I'm tired of Blake and Ings hating on me. I hope they are impressed when they sees this vase because I've worked hard enough to get it.'' He muttered.

Since the mall was just a stone's throw from the popular estate of the Bennett family, Logan was just some seconds away from getting to the main gate.

The loud music noise from the spacious residence would easily give a stranger the impression that a large ceremony is being held in the estate.

On getting to the estate's main gate, he took a deep breath before clicking the bell.

''Please hold, I'm coming,'' The sound of the bell was replied by the security guard from inside the estate.

The security guard peeped through a small hole in the gate, his eyes scanning Logan's figure before joyfully opening the door.

Logan was accustomed to the guard's scrutinizing gaze, but he was never offended by it because of the guard's kind and welcoming gestures toward him.

Since joining the family, Cody, the guard, has consistently extended a warm welcome to him, unlike certain individuals within the Bennett family.

"Evening, Mr. Reed," the guard greeted, a genuine smile on his face.

"Hey there, Mr. Cody," Logan replied, returning the smile. He appreciated Cody's friendliness; it was a rare commodity in the Bennett estate.

As Logan stepped inside, Cody noticed the package in his hand and the gleam of happiness in his eyes. "What's got you grinning from ear to ear tonight, Sir?" Cody asked, genuinely curious.

Logan's lips curled into a wider smile as he was about to share his excitement, but before he could respond, a familiar voice interrupted from behind.

"Here we go again," Logan muttered under his breath, turning to see Ings approaching.

"Evening, Uncle Logan," Ings greeted, surprising Logan with a smile instead of the usual sarcastic remark.

''What! Ings has never called me uncle.'' Logan pondered to himself.

"Hey, Ings," Logan replied, eyebrows raised in astonishment. He couldn't remember the last time Ings had greeted him without a hint of mockery.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Logan couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this change in Ings' attitude.

"Grab" Suddenly! Ings slowly seized the package from Logan's grasp and looked up at him with a mischievous smile spread across his face.

Ings took a step closer, his eyes lighting up with curiosity. "Oh, did you buy Mother a gift?" he asked sheepishly, glancing at the package in his hands.

Logan nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yes, I did," he replied, feeling a surge of pride at the thought of the gift he had carefully chosen for Madame Ruthie.

Ings' eyes widened with interest, and he offered eagerly, "Let me help you take it inside.''

Logan hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to let Ings take the gift inside. He couldn't shake the feeling of distrust, wondering what Ings might do with the package.

"Why're you scared, Uncle Logan? Don't you trust your brother-in-law?" Ings asked sheepishly, holding the package in his hands.

Logan's heart skipped a beat as he processed Ings' words. It was the first time Ings had referred to himself as Logan's brother-in-law, and Logan wasn't sure whether to believe it or not, especially considering their rocky relationship in the past.

Ever since their father, Mr. Bill brought Logan into the fold of the Bennett family, 4 years ago and arranged a marriage between him and his daughter, Zora, only a select few within the family embraced him warmly.

Many of them including Zora's Elder brother and junior brother, Blake and Ings respectively, believed that Zora deserved a person of higher financial standing, more befitting of the esteemed Bennett family's standards, rather than a man of modest means like Logan who could barely feed himself and his mother.

''Could it be that Ings had stopped hating him? Was he finally accepting Logan as a part of the family?'' Logan wondered.

Logan looked into Ings' eyes, searching for any hint of deceit, but all he saw was sincerity and a glimmer of hope.

"Well, if you're offering to help, I suppose I can trust you this once," Logan said, a cautious smile playing on his lips.

Logan turned to look at Cody for any advice before handing Ings the package but the security guard maintained a neutral expression.

With a hesitant nod, Logan handed the package over to Ings, a small glimmer of hope flickering in his heart.

''Please be careful with it,'' Logan pleaded, as Ings took the package from him.

''Ok, Uncle, I will.'' Ings nodded and grinned triumphantly as he made his way towards the mansion.

''Trust is something that has to be earned and I will advise you not to let your guard down completely yet,'' Cody said, patting Logan's back as they both watched Ings disappear into the mansion.

''Mr.Cody, you shouldn't have left me on hang like that,'' Logan said, pain evident in his voice.

''Really?'' Cody chuckled at Logan's words. ''You expect me to talk in from of my employers? No man, that's the fastest way of asking for a sack letter.''

''I understand, sir. I think I have to leave now, the dinner party will kick off in a few minutes.'' Logan said, offering Cody a fist bump.

Cody returned the fist bump with a knowing smile. "Yeah, please do so before they tamper with your package in there,'' Cody advised, nodding towards the mansion.

Logan nodded thankfully, appreciating Cody's words of wisdom. With a final nod, he turned and headed towards the mansion, his heart pounding with anticipation and a hint of fear.

The Bennett family gatherings were always filled with tension and tonight was no exception as Logan couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over him as he approached the grand entrance.

Taking a deep breath, Logan straightened his shoulders and confidently pushed the ornate doors open.

Taking a deep breath, Logan straightened his shoulders and confidently pushed the ornate doors open, stepping into the luxurious dinner hall of the mansion.

The sound of chatter and laughter filled the air, mingling with the soft strains of classical Canadian music playing in the background.

Logan scanned the hall, his eyes landing on his mother-in-law, Madame Ruthie. She looked radiant in her elegant gown.

A smile lit up her face as she greeted the group of notable individuals who graced her 66th birthday dinner party.

Amongst the guests, who caught his attention was Bradley Lexington, the CEO of Xington Pharmaceutical Industry, a medics company in Sweden.

Bradley, being Blake's childhood friend had always dreamt of marrying Zora and with the help of Blake, he had managed to shoot some shots but Zora kept refusing his advances because of the genuine love she has for Logan.

''Huh, this fool is one of the reasons Blake and Ings hate me so much,'' Logan sighed. ''Tonight, when they see the gift, I hope I can successfully change their perception towards me and finally accept me as one of theirs.'' Logan hoped vividly.

Logan shifted his focus back to Madame Ruthie, his heart swelled with affection as he watched her, grateful for the opportunity to celebrate her birthday with her.

He knew how much she meant to Zora and the rest of the family, and he was determined to make this evening special for her.

Steeling himself, Logan wove his way through the crowd, offering polite smiles and greetings to those he passed.

As he approached Madame Ruthie, he felt a surge of nervous energy coursing through him, unsure of the right words he could say to wish her.

"Logan, darling!" Madame Ruthie exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with delight as she caught sight of him. "What a wonderful surprise! I thought you wouldn't make it here?" she said, looking a bit disappointed as she glanced at Logan's tattered clothes.

Logan notices her disappointment then forms a pretentious smile to cheer her up.

''I'm a bit disappointed in you, Logan. You should have told me you needed new clothes, what do you want our guests to think?'' She asked, her voice so low that it was almost impossible for a third party to hear.

''Ermm... I'm sorry ma'am, I didn't want to disturb you and I decided to wear the best T-shirt and pant I've got.'' Logan replied, feeling ashamed as he ran his fingers across his hair.

''Did you just say best? By the way, why didn't you tell Zora about it too?'' Madame Ruthie pressed further.

Taking a deep breath, Logan slowly lowered his head, his eyes fixed on the floor. ''Ma'am, even though I knew the fact that Zora would do always do anything to make me happy, I already vowed to myself never to be a burden to my wife and this family.'' He replied.

''It's okay,'' someone said from behind.

With uncalculated swiftness, Logan and Madame Ruthie simultaneously turned to look at the person.

Logan was dumbfounded at the sight of Zora, his legs shivered as he felt butterflies in his stomach.

Zora stood before them, radiating elegance and grace. Her gown flowed around her like a waterfall of silk, highlighting her slender figure and drawing attention to her delicate features.

Her hair was intricately arranged in a combination of curls and twists, adorned with a single shimmering hairpin that caught the light and sparkled like a star in the night sky.

Her warm mahogany eyes sparkled kindly as she gazed at Logan. Her soft smile exuded understanding and affection.

"Logan dearie, don't worry about those insignificant issues," Zora said firmly. "What's important is that you're here with us, celebrating my mother's birthday."

Logan's heart was filled with love and gratitude for the remarkable woman who had captured his heart, and he felt a sense of relief that he had found someone so special.

Zora extended her hand towards Logan's and said, "Would you like to join the festivities with me?" Her touch sent a pleasant tingling sensation through him.

Logan turned to look at Madame Ruthie and she nodded, giving him a go-ahead.

''Yeah...yeah, why not?'' Logan muttered few words as they walked side by side into the heart of the celebration.

Logan couldn't help but marvel at the elegance and poise with which Zora carried herself while the fragrance of her expensive perfume enveloped his senses.

After some minutes of chit-chatting, Mr. Bill Bennett, Logan's father-in-law announced that everyone should take their seats around the huge dining table, Logan and Zora found themselves sitting beside each other, their closeness a comfort amidst the grandeur of the occasion.

"Logan, dear, hope you managed to get a gift for mother?" Zora whispered, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Logan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes, although it's quite small. It's a $17 Flower vase, she doesn't even know about it yet.'' Logan replied.

Zora's eyes widened on hearing the amount of the vase. ''17 dollars? Logan, how did you manage to get that amount of money?'' Zora whispered.

Zora was anxious about how Logan got the huge amount of money because she knew Logan couldn't raise that amount of money from doing laundry.

''Calm down babe, I swear I didn't get that money through ugly means. I worked for it! I saved my income for months because I wanted to buy my mother-in-law a special gift.'' Logan explained.

''Then, where's it, hope you didn't leave it with anyone that might tamper with it?'' Zora asked, looking a bit stressed.

Logan slightly chuckled then he replied ''Oops, don't work yourself out. Ings and I are now on good terms, he offered to keep it for me.''

''Really?'' With her brow furrowed, Zora smirked. ''I don't know why, but I don't feel good about this.''

Logan carefully touched Zora's jaw, then slowly turned her head backward, his eyes scanning hers.

''You should feel good, babe. You should.'' Logan said as he noticed Bradley Lexington settled in a chair opposite him.

Bradley's eyes locked onto his with a mischievous grin. "Logan, old friend, fancy seeing you here with those good looking clothes," Bradley remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Logan tensed slightly, but he forced a polite smile. "Likewise, Mr.Lexington. Enjoying the moment?''

"Oh, immensely," Bradley replied, his gaze never leaving Logan's. "But I must say, I'm curious about the gift you've brought for Madame Ruthie.''

Logan's heart skipped a beat. He didn't tell Bradley about the gift and he wondered what mind games the CEO might be trying to play.

''I'm very sure Ings and Blake are the ones behind this, those guys might be trying to play games with me, I need to be extra careful.'' Logan thought to himself.

''I'm very sure Ings and Blake are the one behind this, those guys might be trying to play games with me, i need to be extra careful.'' Logan thought to himself.

Zora sensed Logan's discomfort and gently squeezed his hand under the table, offering him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Logan. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."

Logan returned her smile gratefully, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart. With Zora by his side, he hoped he could handle whatever challenges the evening might bring.

As the sumptuous dinner meal was served, Logan and Zora engaged in light conversation, savoring each bite and enjoying the company of their family and guests.

The ambiance of the dining hall was filled with laughter and the clinking of cutlery, adding to the festive atmosphere of Madame Ruthie's birthday celebration.

The butlers moved gracefully around the table, ensuring that every guest's plate was filled and every need was attended to with meticulous attention.

Logan couldn't help but notice the mischievous glint in Ings' eyes as he watched him eat, and he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to Ings' behavior than met the eye.

As dessert was served and the last traces of the delicious meal were savored, Ings cleared his throat, though he was the youngest amongst the Bennett family, his commanding presence still drew the attention of the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention," Ings announced, his voice carrying effortlessly across the room. "On behalf of my siblings, we appreciate everyone for finding time to celebrate this day with Mum. It's getting late, so I implore everyone to start presenting their gift to Mum.''

Logan's heart skipped a beat as he braced himself for what was to come. He and Zora exchanged nervous glances, silently reassuring each other.

Ings gestured towards Logan, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Uncle Logan, as my mum's amiable son-in-law, would you do us the honor of presenting your gift?" he asked, his tone polite but tinged with a hint of mischief as he pointed at the loads of packages on the table.

''Who is this dirty poor man? Why's he dressed like that? the son-in-law of the Bennett shouldn't be this poor-looking.''

Ings Words didn't take time in drawing the attention of the other guests, some of the guests mocked Logan's filthy appearance while the others anticipated his presentation.

Logan hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with apprehension. But then he remembered Zora's words of encouragement, and he squared his shoulders, hoping to be free of any trouble.

With a deep breath, Logan stood up from his seat, his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced around the room, meeting the expectant gazes of the guests, before fixing his eyes on Madame Ruthie, who sat at the head of the table, a warm smile on her face.

Slowly clearing his throat, he began, ''First and foremost, I would like to thank Ings for the opportunity to present this gift to Madame Ruthie," his voice remained calm and composed despite the inner turmoil he felt.

Madame Ruthie's warm gaze met his own, her eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of kindness. "Please, proceed, Logan," she encouraged, her voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd.

With a determined nod, Logan turned his attention back to the load of packages resting on the table.

Unable to reach them,he asked Ings to hand him his own package.

''Hey, Ings," Logan called out, "mind passing me my package? It seems just out of arm's reach.''

Feigning Innocence, Ings raised an eyebrow. "Why would I do that? I haven't even seen your gift or what it looks like," he quipped, his tone laced with subtle amusement.

Logan became more suspicious, feeling that Ings had a hidden motive behind his reluctance. "This is not the time for a joke, just pass it over, Ings," he insisted, his voice firm but tinged with caution.

Logan's gaze narrowed as he studied Ings, sensing a hidden agenda behind his playful demeanor. Before he could press further, Madame Ruthie intervened, her gentle voice breaking through the tension.

"Ings, dear, why don't you help Logan retrieve his gift? Let's keep the celebration flowing smoothly," she suggested with a warm smile, her words carrying the authority of a matriarch.

"Of course, Mum," Ings replied, his tone masking any hint of reluctance. With practiced ease, he reached for the load of packages and turned his gaze to Logan.'' Which one is yours, Uncle Logan,'' he asked,though his eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief

Again, Logan was taken aback by Ings Unexpected response.

Startled and irritated, Zora sprang to her feet, her gaze drilling into Logan's as she slammed her hands forcefully onto the dining table, her annoyance palpable to all the guests who witnessed the scene.

"Why are you bothering yourself, Logan? Why not just let Ings be and go choose your own gift from the table?" she asked, as whispers from the other guests echoed what she suggested.

Filled with deep embarrassment, Logan gritted his teeth as he slowly left his seat and made his way towards the piles of packages, his eyes fixed on Ings.

He silently wished he could glimpse into the future to uncover Ings' intentions. ''I wish I could see the future to know what you're up to, Ings.'' he thought to himself.

As Logan approached the table, his eyes scanned the array of beautifully wrapped gifts, each one more extravagant than the last. He couldn't help but feel a pang of insecurity as he ran his hands through the gifts on the table.

Ignoring the whispers and judgmental glances from the other guests, Logan's glimpse caught a package that looked like the one he bought then he reached out and grabbed the small, modestly wrapped package.

''Yeah, I got it.'' He muttered.

After some minutes of examining it, he concluded that the package was the one he bought. ''I found it.'' He exclaimed, his heart sinking as he felt the weight of his own inadequacy pressing down on him.

Logan was about to hand over the gift to Madame Ruthie when he suddenly noticed that the package was not heavy.

''Something tells me the vase is not in here, why is the package no more heavy?'' Logan thought as he continuously shake the package to be sure he's not day-dreaming.

''What're you waiting for, Logan? You already found the gift, then present it to your mother-in-law.'' Mr.Bill demanded.

Feeling disturbed and confused, Logan slowly raised his head in annoyance, his gaze literally piercing into Ings. '‎'The vase is not here, where did you put it? What have you done to the package? Bring out the vase before I lose my mind!'' Logan warned as his stern voice continues to attract attention.

Without a reply, Ings locked eyes with Logan, his silence speaking volumes.

"coughs"

All heads turned to Bradley, curiosity piqued, as he coughed to grab attention.

"Uh, sorry to interrupt," Bradley Lexington mumbled, getting up from his chair awkwardly as he walked over to Logan.

''Logan sir, is this not your package?'' Bradley inquired sheepishly, continuously tapping Logan's shoulder.

''Yeah, it is but...,'' Logan replied as Bradley cuts him short.

‎''A real man does not use the word "but" any opportunity he gets. Since you're sure that's your package, present it to your mother-in-law, it's getting late and the weather is also starting to get stormy.'' Bradley said as he went back to sit.

With a deep breath, Logan turned back to face the guests, the package held tightly in his grasp. He could feel the eyes of every guest boring into him.

Mustering his courage, Logan approached Madame Ruthie, his steps steady despite the turmoil raging inside him. He forced a smile onto his face, trying to hide the doubt that was about to engulf him.

"Madame, I... I hope you'll like this," Logan said softly, his voice barely audible above the murmur of the crowd.