“They Made Me Take The Bus To The Family Party—Then My Helicopter Pilot Called”

The Unassuming Daughter and the Family’s Scorn

I smoothed my simple black dress as I walked up the long driveway to my parents’ mansion, the summer party in full swing ahead. The bus had dropped me off at the gates exactly as my family expected.

“Look who finally made it,” my sister Emma called out, champagne in hand. “The bus must have been running late”.

“Traffic,” I replied simply, adjusting my cheap handbag. They had no idea it was a one-of-a-kind Hermes or that I owned controlling shares in the company.

“Jennifer, darling,” Mom air-kissed my cheeks. “You really should let us arrange a car service; it’s embarrassing having you arrive like this”.

I checked my phone as another alert came through. Phoenix Industries’ latest acquisition was completing right on schedule.

“Some of us work for a living, Mom,” I said quietly. “If you call that work,” Emma smirked.

“What are you now, some kind of secretary?” If they only knew that my secretary job was actually being CEO of one of the largest private investment firms in the world.

But for now, I let them believe what they wanted. “Emma’s husband just bought her another Ferrari,” Mom gushed.

“And they’re building the most gorgeous mansion in the Hamptons,” Mom continued. “With the help of Daddy’s connections, of course,” Emma added smugly.

I suppressed a smile, thinking of who actually owned the land they were building on. Phoenix Industries had acquired that entire stretch of beachfront months ago.

“Speaking of connections,” Dad boomed, approaching with his business friends. “Jennifer, you really should let me set you up with a proper job”.

“My friend’s firm is hiring assistants.” “I’m comfortable where I am,” I replied, checking another notification.

The board meeting would be starting soon. “Comfortable taking the bus?” Emma laughed, while the rest of us arrive in style.

The party guests tittered, old money mixed with new. All were looking down at the daughter who couldn’t even afford a car service.

“At least let me loan you some money for a taxi,” Mom whispered. “The neighbors are starting to talk”.

My phone buzzed right on time. “Actually, I started,” but Emma cut me off.

“Oh my God, is that an Android phone?” She held up her latest iPhone.

“Some of us have standards to maintain.” I glanced at my custom-designed secure device, worth more than her Ferrari.

But they’d never know that. Dad cleared his throat.

“Jennifer, this lifestyle of yours, it’s concerning. You’re 30 now, time to join the real world”.

“The real world?” I raised an eyebrow. “Tell me more about that”.

“Well, look at your sister,” Mom gestured to Emma. She was showing off her new diamond bracelet.

“She understands how to live properly.” Another notification lit up my phone.

The pilot was in position. “Proper living does cost money,” Emma smirked.

“But I suppose you wouldn’t know about that, taking the bus and all.” The party guests had started to gather.

They were drawn to the drama of the family failure being put in her place. “Money isn’t everything,” I said softly.

“Says the poor one,” Emma laughed. “I mean, look at your dress; is that off the rack?”.

If they only knew this off-the-rack dress was a hand-tailored Chanel piece. It was worth more than their monthly mortgage.