He owned apartments overlooking the Chao Phraya River, traveled on private aircraft, and employed assistants whose entire jobs consisted of ensuring that he never needed to wait for anything.
Tonight, he was celebrating what he believed would be the most profitable transaction of his career.
The woman beside his chair had no visible knowledge of that.
At least, that was what he assumed.
The billionaire pointed toward the cash.
“Go ahead. Say something in Thai.”
The waitress lowered her eyes respectfully.
“Would you like me to refill your glass first, sir?”
The surrounding businessmen laughed louder.
The billionaire slapped the table lightly.
“See? She doesn't understand.”
He turned toward the man sitting to his right.
Then he switched languages.
“เธอฟังภาษาไทยไม่ออกหรอก ดูสิว่าเธองงแค่ไหน”
She doesn't understand Thai. Look how confused she is.
A few men chuckled.
The waitress's expression did not change.
She adjusted the champagne bottle slightly, maintaining a respectful posture.
The billionaire leaned toward his companions.
“People put on traditional clothes and think that makes them part of the culture.”
He gestured toward the beautiful royal-blue silk.
“It's a costume to her.”
His companions exchanged knowing smiles.
One of them, a wealthy property developer in his early fifties, glanced toward the waitress and replied in Thai.
“คืนนี้เราคงไม่มีใครมาขัดขวางแล้ว”
I doubt anyone will interfere with us tonight.
The billionaire smiled.
“Exactly.”
Then he lowered his voice and said something much more important.
“คืนนี้เราจะปลอมลายเซ็นของทายาท แล้วโอนสิทธิ์ควบคุมก่อนเที่ยงคืน”
Tonight we'll forge the heir's signature and transfer control before midnight.
The woman standing beside him felt her heart strike violently against her ribs.
But her face remained composed.
The billionaire continued.
“The lawyers have already prepared the documents. The bank is expecting confirmation. Once the transfer is registered, the hotels will be ours before that girl even understands what happened.”
The developer glanced toward the waitress.
“Are you certain she understands nothing?”
The billionaire laughed.
“Look at her.”
He pushed the cash closer.
“She's standing here waiting for a tip.”
Another businessman spoke quietly.
“What about the founder's daughter?”
The billionaire waved one hand dismissively.
“She's in America somewhere. She won't appear before midnight.”
The men relaxed.