Chapter 26: The Secret Waitress

A car worth over a million! And Mike Carter hadn't even mentioned it?

Not only that, but he'd casually parked it on the side of the road, without the slightest concern for how a real rich man should act. The group of female classmates stared at him, their expressions shifting dramatically. Their gazes, once filled with disdain, now shimmered with admiration. Suddenly, Mike didn't just look normal to them—he was handsome. So handsome that their knees felt weak, none of them daring to speak.

Lisa Ross checked the price of the car and turned pale. The casual scratch she had made earlier was going to cost ten thousand dollars to fix? That was half the value of Victor James's Mercedes.

"Mike, we're classmates…" Lisa's voice softened as she tried to plead with him.

She was just about to suggest that, as classmates, they shouldn't let money ruin their relationship. But Mike interrupted her, saying, "We're classmates, so I'll make it simple. Just pay me directly. You don't need to worry about repairing it yourself."

Lisa's eyes widened, fury and panic bubbling within her. Where was she going to find ten thousand dollars? Ever since graduating from high school, she'd relied on her looks to make a living, hopping between relationships to get by. She didn't have any savings.

If she didn't find a new man within a month, she'd be broke.

"Mike, can't there be another way?" Lisa asked, her voice laced with feigned innocence. It was her go-to move, and no man had ever resisted it.

Mike looked as though he was seriously considering it.

Seeing this, Lisa thought her plan was working. Smiling coquettishly, she added, "Mike, you're so kind. But why did you reject me back then?"

As she spoke, Lisa leaned in closer, pushing her chest forward. Her ample curves brushed against him, and she fluttered her lashes suggestively. Compared to Victor, Mike was clearly the better catch.

Emma Lewis watched the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and disgust. How could a woman lack so much self-respect?

Mike paused, then shook his head. "Well, since you insist, let's resolve this another way."

"Sure, sure! Mike, you're the best. It's been so long since we last caught up. Why don't you give me your number? I'll invite you over sometime, and I'll cook for you myself," Lisa said, smiling sweetly.

Mike could see right through her act. Cooking? She clearly meant something else.

Emma observed Mike closely. She didn't know how he'd come into so much money, but she'd heard that wealth could corrupt a man. Still, Mike didn't disappoint her. He stopped Lisa's advances and said, "Then I'll call the police to handle this."

Lisa froze, her eyes widening. Another way? He meant involving the police, not… her body?

"Mike, what do you mean?" she stammered, both angry and confused.

Ignoring her, Emma stepped in. "Mike, let me call the police for you. This is a civil matter, and since your car is so expensive, involving the police will prevent any disputes."

"Emma! We're roommates!" Lisa shouted.

"I don't consider people who judge others by their wealth to be my friends," Emma replied coldly.

Without hesitation, Emma called the police. Within minutes, they arrived on the scene.

Lisa began to panic. She couldn't afford to pay and definitely didn't want a criminal record.

"Victor, honey, help me. Please pay the ten thousand dollars for me," Lisa begged, clutching Victor's arm.

Victor's expression darkened. He'd just been fired—because of this vain woman! His anger boiled over as he turned to the police and said, "Officer, I don't know this woman. Deliberately damaging someone's car is a serious offense. Please handle this matter fairly."

Lisa felt her heart sink into an abyss.

The officer nodded. "Don't worry, we'll handle this appropriately."

And just like that, Lisa was taken away. On the way to the station, she yelled and cursed like a madwoman, a stark contrast to her earlier demeanor.

The other women in the group, meanwhile, began eyeing Mike with newfound interest. A college student with this much money? What kind of fortune would he amass after graduation? Could he be the heir to a billionaire's fortune?

Their thoughts were interrupted when Victor timidly approached Mike.

"Mr. Carter…" Victor began, his voice trembling. His managerial position hadn't been easy to attain, and he desperately wanted to keep it.

Mike nodded, his expression calm but firm. "Let this be a lesson. There are some people you should never cross."

With that, Mike turned to leave.

Emma stopped him. "Mike, we didn't even get to enjoy our meal. Why don't we find another private room? My treat. We can share a bottle of wine."

Mike hesitated but eventually nodded.

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

The two moved to a new room. They had just settled in when a waitress entered. She had long, flowing hair and legs that seemed to go on forever. Her cheongsam, with its high slit, revealed just enough to captivate any man's gaze.

Mike's eyes lingered on her, and Emma noticed. Disappointment flickered across her face. She had thought Mike was different, but perhaps he was just like every other man.

The waitress brought in a dish and reached for the wine. Suddenly, there was a loud ripping sound. The slit in her cheongsam had torn wider, exposing her thighs and the edge of her undergarments.

Mike's gaze sharpened—not out of lust, but recognition. The waitress was Jessica Lee.

Memories of their college days flooded back. Jessica had once demanded an expensive handbag—even a knockoff cost over $300. To buy it for her, Mike had worked part-time for a month. But when he gave it to her, she'd thrown it in the trash, calling it worthless.

Jessica stumbled and fell to the ground. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she stammered, her words slurred. Mike realized she'd been drinking.

Before he could ask what was going on, the restaurant manager walked in, apologizing profusely. "I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. This waitress had some trouble with a difficult customer in another room. She was forced to drink half a bottle of liquor but insisted on continuing her shift. Don't worry, any damages will be deducted from her paycheck."

The manager turned to Jessica with a sigh. "Jessica, you don't have to work so hard. What are you trying to prove? Your life is more important than anyone's opinion."

He reached out to help her up, but Jessica clung to Mike's leg, shaking her head. "No, I'm not leaving," she cried.

"Let's go. Stop bothering the guests," the manager insisted.

Jessica refused, looking up and finally recognizing Mike. Tears streamed down her face as she begged, "Mike, please don't let him take me. I'm begging you."

Mike sighed and turned to the manager. "You can leave now. I'll handle this."

The manager hesitated but ultimately left, casting one last worried glance at Jessica.

As soon as he was gone, Jessica broke down completely. "Your shirt is wet… Let me wash it for you?" she offered, her voice trembling with faux innocence.

Mike felt conflicted. Seeing Jessica like this brought back memories of their past, but he knew better than to trust her motives. Still, his soft heart got the better of him.

He turned to Emma and said, "Maybe we should reschedule?"

Emma stood up, nodded, and left without a word. Disappointment radiated from her as she walked away. To her, Mike had fallen into the same trap as countless other rich men—fooled by a pretty face.

Mike didn't bother explaining. Jessica was his ex, and he couldn't completely disregard their history.