The Professor's Lie Accidental Billionaire

Chapter 3

Once the marriage certificates were issued, both ended up in Susan Harrow's hands.

She claimed it was for "safekeeping."

Julian Harrow glanced at Elena Vance, who seemed to want to say something but hesitated, and said, "Mom, give Miss Vance hers back first. She probably needs it."

Elena Vance looked sharply at Julian Harrow. How did he know she needed the certificate? Could he read minds?

She did indeed need it—to show her grandmother as proof that she was married.

Of course, she also wished Julian Harrow would come with her in person, even if only to sit in her grandmother's home for ten minutes.

Her grandmother lived in the suburbs, quite far from her workplace. Ever since work had gotten busy, Elena could only visit on weekends.

Although she had hired a full-time caregiver, she still worried constantly, especially after news reports about caretakers mistreating the elderly.

"Elena, you need it for something?" Susan Harrow asked gently.

"Yes, I want to show it to my grandmother. She's always wanted me to get married, and I want to share the good news with her. I also hope Professor Harrow can find time to come meet her."

Her grandmother was now the person she cared about most in the world—the one who loved her the most.

With Julian Harrow's mother there, he would likely agree.

Julian Harrow glanced at Elena again. This woman was clever—she knew he might refuse, so she brought it up in front of his mother. If he dared say no now, he'd definitely get another scolding.

"Julian, go with Elena. Marriage is a big deal—both families should be informed. Elena's parents passed away long ago, and she was raised by her grandmother. You should go see her."

Just as expected.

Julian Harrow frowned almost imperceptibly, but then heard his mother continue, "And don't use work as an excuse. Doesn't your university give you wedding leave? It should be a month, right? You'll stay home for the month and use the time to bond with Elena."

Julian rubbed his forehead. "When should we go?" His tone was resigned, with a hint of defeat.

His mother was subtly threatening him: if he didn't visit Elena's grandmother, he wouldn't be allowed to go to work.

Sure enough, Professor Susan's words carried weight.

Elena Vance smiled. "Whenever Professor Harrow is available."

"We'll go now," Julian said immediately, catching his mother's look.

Elena thanked him and carefully tucked her marriage certificate into her bag.

Susan Harrow beamed with satisfaction. "You two go now. Elena, send my regards. I'll come visit the elder myself another day."

"You're too kind..." Elena ultimately couldn't bring herself to say "Mom."

Her mother had been gone for eighteen years. She simply couldn't call anyone else that.

Susan Harrow understood but didn't push. "We're family now—no need to stand on ceremony." Then she turned to her son. "You rascal, don't you dare bully Elena. If you upset her, you upset me. Understood?"

"Miss Vance, let's go," Julian said, exasperated, urging Elena to leave.

His mother wasn't giving him any face at all.

The two got into the car. Susan Harrow watched the well-matched pair with a smile until her son's modest car drove off, then called for her driver.

Settled in her own car, Susan chuckled proudly. "Jo, what do you think of the daughter-in-law I picked? Isn't she as beautiful as a flower?"

The driver, Jo, smiled. "Yes, madam. The young lady and the young master are a perfect match. They'll surely grow old together. Rest assured."

"Now I can just wait for grandchildren. Just thinking about it makes me happy." Susan Harrow found Elena Vance flawless.

"Then congratulations in advance, madam."

"Oh, right—make sure you tell the others not to reveal Julian's identity. He insists on playing professor because he doesn't believe Elena isn't after his money. I can't wait to see him proven wrong. Elena is nothing like those vain, shallow girls who hang around him..."

Jo nodded with a smile. "Well said, madam."

He still vividly remembered how Elena Vance had risked herself to save Madam three months ago.

Moreover, Elena often did what she could at welfare homes and orphanages—she was truly a kind young woman.

Madam was right. Among all the wealthy socialites circling their young master, none were involved in charity work.

...

Julian Harrow drove the newly purchased car he'd bought to conceal his identity, feeling utterly uncomfortable. He had never ridden in a vehicle at this price point, let alone driven one.

Elena Vance wasn't sure what to say either. The atmosphere between them was somewhat awkward.

Julian parked at a supermarket parking lot.

"It's proper to bring gifts when meeting an elder for the first time," he explained. It was a matter of etiquette, respect for one's elders, and part of Julian Harrow's longstanding upbringing.

Elena was surprised. In her nervousness, she hadn't thought of it at all.

She should indeed buy something for her grandmother.

"Thank you. I'm glad you thought of it," Elena said with a grateful smile.

She didn't intend to let Julian pay either—it was her grandmother, after all.

"It's the least I can do." Julian replied with a calm smile.

They entered the supermarket. Julian walked ahead with no sign of getting a cart, so Elena grabbed one and followed behind his tall, upright figure.

In the food section, Julian selected only expensive, high-quality, name-brand items.

When Elena pushed the cart to his side, he seemed to snap back to reality and placed the items inside.

"Professor doesn't usually grocery shop?" Not knowing to grab a cart, nor checking for deals—perhaps there were better-value items.

But Julian seemed completely oblivious to such things. Was a professor's salary so high that he was out of touch with everyday life?

"Not often," he replied. In fact, he never had. With servants, nannies, housekeepers, and assistants, when would he ever need to do these things himself?

The Harrow family's businesses primarily spanned department stores, hotels, telecommunications, and new energy—he often conducted inspections.

Elena nodded. "That makes sense. Susan said you're always busy with academic research, too busy even to date. Grocery shopping really does take a lot of time."

Julian remained silent. If Miss Vance was rationalizing things herself, he wouldn't waste words on more lies.

Elena picked out some snacks her grandmother liked. The elderly woman had weak teeth but craved flavorful foods. Elena spent half an hour carefully selecting items, causing Julian to glance at his watch frequently.

Elena wasn't oblivious. Seeing Julian growing impatient, she quickly brought the cart to checkout and apologized. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Since it's for my grandmother, I had to be thorough..."

The cashier glanced curiously at the pair, thoughts swirling. This golden couple was so perfectly matched, yet they addressed each other so formally. Perhaps Elena was an assistant...

But since when did a CEO visit his assistant's grandmother? How strange...

Well, there's all kinds in this world!

Julian didn't respond, only smiled politely—cultured and composed, infuriating yet leaving no room for complaint.

"Your total is $1,123. Will that be credit or debit?" the cashier asked politely.