Rich Pride, Shattered Ego.

Miles' boss stood in front of them, surveying the tense scene, before Miles broke the silence.

"I handled a problem," Miles said curtly, glaring at the guy still crumpled on the floor.

"You handled a problem?" his boss repeated, his voice stern. "You punched a customer!"

"Yes, I did."

"This fucking waiter guy fractured my jaw, and yet you aren't going to do anything!" the guy shouted, cradling his face.

"And I told you to apply some goddamn ice packs," Miles replied coolly.

Miles crossed his arms. "Maybe some customers should be taught some manners. He accused me of something I didn't do, ruined my shirt, and tried to throw a punch. I'm not here to take abuse just because he's got money."

The crowd murmured in agreement, and a few claps of approval rang out. The boss glanced around, realizing he wasn't the only one witnessing the altercation.

The boss sighed.

*Sigh*

"Apologies for the inconvenience," the boss said to the rich guy with a professional smile.

"This issue will be resolved, and I'll make sure he gets reprimanded…" He turned and winked at Miles before continuing, "…and your bills are on the…"

Before he could finish, the rich guy interrupted angrily. "Forget the bills, man! What matters is that he gets punished… or better yet, fired!"

The boss fought to keep his smile in place but thought to himself.

'As if I'd punish one of my best waiters, who practically draws women into this place.'

"Yes, sir. Noted," the boss said diplomatically.

Miles stepped closer, stopping inches from him. "I suggest you leave before I teach you another lesson about respect. Or better yet, take your broken jaw and ask your rich daddy to buy you a clue."

The guy's face twisted in rage, but he seemed to think better of another fight. He spoke up, looking directly at Miles.

"Just watch, waiter boy. You aren't going to get away with this."

"Joker." Miles said as he turned to leave.

"Hey guys, let's leave this godforsaken place," the guy said, looking at his other friends.

"Uhm, sorry, but I'll pass," a guy said.

"Yeah, me too," another added, and soon, the rest agreed.

"Fine! Have it your way." the rich guy snapped. "I'm heading home."

"Bye!" one of his friends said nonchalantly, drawing a bit of laughter from the crowd.

Grumbling, the rich guy stormed out of the club.

"NOW WHO'S READY TO PARTY?!" the DJ's voice boomed through the speakers.

"YEAH! TURN IT UP!" the crowd roared in response, and the music blared once more. The club quickly returned to its lively rhythm, as if nothing had happened.

Psst... Psst…

Miles turned to see one of the ladies from the rich guy's table gesturing to him. Curious, he approached.

"Thanks for putting him in his place," she whispered. "He's been an arrogant jerk since, like, forever, always flaunting his parents' wealth."

"It was my honor, m'lady," Miles replied with a playful bow.

She tried to hand him some cash, but Miles gently pushed it back.

"No need for that. I didn't do it for anyone but myself."

"Well, could I meet you sometime?" she asked hesitantly.

Miles raised an eyebrow, then nodded. "I'm not really one for socializing, but I'll make an exception. My shift ends at 9. Meet me by the alleyway then."

"Sure, I'll be there," she said with a smile, before Miles leaned away, grabbed the silver tray, and returned to his boss.

"Boss, what's up?" Miles asked as he returned to his post.

"Nothing much. Just curious about what that lady wanted," his boss replied with a smirk.

"She was just thanking me for dealing with the guy."

"Guess he was more of a jerk than I thought he was."

"You didn't want to be the one who was with him, boss."

"Listen, Miles, I know you hate it when customers accuse you of doing something you didn't, but please take them lightly. I don't want to hear bad news about my club anywhere," he said.

"Sorry about that, boss. I'll work on it."

"Better. You know it's because of my relationship with your mother that I'm still very lenient with you. You know, after that incident with her, this is the only thing I can do to help the son of a friend."

"I understand, boss."

"Also for the fact that you're a gold mine for me."

"Uh, what do you mean by gold mine?" Miles asked, intrigued.

"Boy, why do you think you tend to get the attention of ladies in this club?"

"Uh, I don't know."

"That is because you literally attract them here like a magnet, and some ladies just come here under the pretense of being in a nightclub, just to buy drinks and keep throwing gazes at you, like that lady over there," he said, turning his head sideways.

Miles turned his head in that direction to see a lady looking at him with those seductive eyes of hers while sipping wine.

"I see why I've been gaining attention as of late. Nice thinking there, boss."

"Are you annoyed?"

"Nah, I'm not, but just fascinated about how you figured that out."

"After watching those ladies simply buying drinks with no other guy with them and looking in a particular direction, it was simple."

"Even I myself didn't notice."

"Some even pay more than you would imagine, just to see you around their area, serving drinks, and that even adds more money to the club's pocket."

"Is that why my pay has increased significantly?"

"Yeah, one of the reasons."

Very typical of the boss, Miles thought.

"Now, let's get your shirt changed, you little lady magnet," he said before laughing, and Miles just laughed with him

-------------------------

A/N: I would greatly appreciate comments and suggestions about the story at any point. I would also appreciate your honest reviews.

If you like the story, then please consider adding it to collection and voting with power stones.

Thanks. Have a great day.