The WealthTap System: Rising from Rags to Riches

Chapter 78 The Bait

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"Good morning guys." Chris walked and sat on the dining table which was already plattered with tantalizing, sizzling hot food that was cooked professionally by Janet. 

"She didn't come, huh?" Chris sighed looking at the table which was currently occupied by Arthur, Agatha, Janet, Alex, Max, and Cassie.

And at the mention of 'She', naturally, everyone figured out who Chris was talking about. Who could it be except the lady of the house, Catherine?

"Sis said she isn't feeling well. Aunt Agatha sent Sia to deliver the food and give sis company though." Cassie chimed in.

"I see, that is nice." Chris smiled at Agatha and then turned back to Cassie, "That's all fine and dandy, however, how the hell are you still here? Don't you have school? Skipping classes again?" Chris narrowed his eyes.

"B-Brother! How can you look at me like that! You know I am so diligent in my studies!" Cassie retorted with a cute pout.

"Diligent? Hah! Want me to spill how many times you have bunked school and skipped classes?" Chris smirked.

"Now now… no need for that ha ha…" Cassie quickly backed out from the fight, "Actually it is while school's holiday. I got a message, they were saying something bad happened to teacher Caster, therefore he couldn't come and the rest of the teachers are busy as well." 

"Ohh, how long will the holiday be?" Chris asked as his eyes narrowed dangerously. Just the mention of Caster's name was enough to fill Chris's heart in rage.

Especially when Cassie took the name so respectfully. Alas, Chris couldn't just say to her that the cause of all this mishap was her own teacher.

Who knows what effect that will take on the poor girl and she might also come to despise her own school.

Cassie was already not too attentive in her studies, if she gets to know the truth, she might even quit the studies as a whole! And that was something that Chris didn't want at all.

"They didn't say that… they just said it is a holiday. Uncertain of how long." Cassie's ears dropped as she slumped on her chair.

"Pfft, did you start liking the new school already? In just a day?" Chris chuckled and stroked her hair.

"Mhm! The students are nice there, and so are the teachers! Especially teacher Caster! He used to treat and teach us so nicely!" Cassie smiled innocently.

*Clang* *Crack*

Hearing her words, the fork in Chris's hands stabbed into the piece of meat kept in front of him. However, he had forgotten to control his strength, resulting in the ceramic plate getting cracked from the center while Chris tried to keep his anger hidden. 

"Brother?" Cassie yelped in surprise, jolting Chris out of his stupor.

"Ah… yes, sorry." Chris blinked in surprise, taking his hands away from the meat, and looked at the maid that was closest to him.

The maid quickly came ahead and cleaned the table while serving another plate for Chris.

"It is good you are enjoying school, Cass." Chris patted Cassie's head and went silent, not talking again during the remaining meal. What was in his mind? No one knew.

… 

"Brother, will sis even agree?" Cassie asked in a hesitant voice as the two of them stood in front of Cathy's room.

"She agrees or not, she is coming to the outing with us." Chris glared at the door and opened it directly.

"I am pretty sure mom taught us the manners, Chris. Learn how to knock on the door." Cathy looked at the new arrivals that entered her room, "And if you are here to convince me to go with you guys, give up." she scoffed.

'Ugh, she seems to be in a bad mood, just what we needed…' Chris sighed in his mind, "Who said we are here to convince you? Can't we just come here to talk to our dear sister?" Cassie nodded at his words.

"As if." 

"Now now, no need to be pissed, how was the food? 

"Meh," Cathy rolled her eyes and ignored him.

"Ah, Cathy actually, I wanted to show you a new cafe I just purchased."

"Oh, I see. Later." 

"I am thinking of putting it under your name, how about it?" I think you should take a look at

"No, give it to Cassie. I am useless."

"No, you are not! Anyone who disagrees is useless."

"I disagree." Cathy faked a smile.

"...sigh," Chris sighed, "Ah, I found out that today there are auditions for a famous TV drama! Would you like to join?"

Hearing that Cathy flinched, her facial expression changing as she debated in her mind.

After all, she might be traumatized and sad, however, she still loved her childhood dream, which was to be a very successful actor.

"Yes, sis! It is one of our favorite dramas! And brother told me many roles are up for grabs! Even the female supporting character!" Cassie chimed in excitedly.

"I- I see…" Cathy's voice lowered as her rejection of the family outing was slowly dissipating, "But how did you get auditions for such a renowned show? Many aspirants should be flocking to grab the role."

"They are. More than you can imagine. However, I have a friend who works in the film industry. She knows the director and allowed me entry to auditions." Chris smiled. 

"I see, but no need to waste the pass on me. You can give it to someone better. I will just end up wasting the opportunity."

'Since when did she become so self-deprecating…' Chris sighed in his mind, "Well, maybe you are right. But too bad, you are getting this opportunity anyways. So do your best!" he smiled and patted her shoulders. 

"...Whatever," Cathy replied with a roll of eyes and went silent again.

"So, it's decided now, you are coming with us then. Get ready, Sia will help you." Chris smiled and patted her.

"When did I agree to that? Just give me the address of the audition, I will go with Alex, you guys can drive another car and have fun." Cathy narrowed her eyes, "And also, Chris please give me the gift you were giving yesterday."

"Cath. You are coming with us." Chris shot back, "And also, yes, you all guys please go back. I have something important to discuss with Cath." 

"Ugh… fine, brother!" Cassie stomped her feet and pouted as she went out of the room, soon followed by Max, Arthur, and Agatha.

"Sir, should I leave as well?" Sia asked politely after noticing the tension in the air. 

"Yes, for a while." Chris smiled at her and then turned back to Cathy, "Now drop your cold act, what's up?"

"There was no act, Chris. And no, nothing is up, my mood is down in gutters." Cathy sighed, "Just give me the thing that will make me stronger…"

"Yes, it is for you only, but before that, there are more important things to know about it. So you don't end up revealing the truth and keep it hidden." Chris sat beside her and smiled.

"I am listening."

"Good. So first, you most probably already know of the pill I will give you, it's an awakening pill. I found it in the pocket of Vincent (the grey-haired man) and I sneakily took it." Chris smiled, "But since I am already C-Grade Awakened, I don't need it." 

"Vincent, huh? I see." 

"No need to feel repulsed Cath, that bastard is as dead as one can be. So, don't worry about that." Chris patted her and promised, "Let's get much more stronger so that any other 'Vincent' can not take advantage of us."

"Mhm…" Cathy managed to nod her head softly.

"Great! Now second thing. An awakening pill is a much desired and very rare commodity, how do you think will people react after seeing middle-class people like us casually popping one?" 

"Can't we just tell them that it came from Vincent? They would surely believe since he was a mysterious bastard and a B-Grade awakened." 

"Hmm, I was planning that you can fake an awakening in front of everyone. And it won't be unbelievable because many awakenings are caused by trauma and mental disbalance." Chris stroked his chin and muttered his thoughts.

"Both can work. Your idea can leave some lingering suspicion, while my idea can leave very mixed opinions." 

"Indeed." Chris sighed and looked at the door, "I guess my idea it is. We will fake the awakening, but not today. We will fake it tomorrow morning."