Chapter 27: Playing A Game

Jessica leaned heavily against Mike's shoulder, her voice trembling as she whispered, "Mike, I drank a little too much... Could you take me to rest? I promise, I won't drink like this again."

Jessica knew Mike hated her drinking, so she tried to act her most likable self in front of him.

Seeing that Jessica was genuinely tipsy, Mike didn't refuse and helped her to book a room at the Southwind Hotel.

The hotel's dining hall was separate from the guest rooms, requiring a short walk through a nearby pedestrian street. Mike booked the room and helped Jessica along, her arm looped tightly around his.

"You're so considerate, Mike… If only we hadn't broken up," Jessica murmured, sniffing pitifully as she leaned closer to him.

Mike didn't reply. Inwardly, he scoffed. Considerate? Yeah, sure.

If he didn't have money now, would she even be saying this? He was only helping her out of basic humanity, nothing more.

As they exited the restaurant and headed for the hotel, they stopped at a crosswalk to wait for the green light. At that moment, a Volkswagen Beetle passed by.

Inside the car was Leila Stewart.

Leila had just stopped at the light when she spotted Mike, his arm wrapped around Jessica. She hit the brakes, seething with anger. Without hesitation, she whipped out her phone, recorded a short video, and sent it to Sophia Rivers.

Her message was short but laced with fury: "Sophia, see this for yourself!"

For the past few days, Sophia had been keeping a low profile, avoiding going out and trying to stay composed. The only thing that brought her some comfort was chatting with her best friend, Leila.

But when Sophia opened the video and saw Mike, her heart sank. The usually optimistic girl felt as if the life had been drained out of her.

Taking a deep breath, Sophia forced herself to stay calm and texted back, "Leila, stop sending me things about him. He has nothing to do with me anymore!"

Leila responded with an indignant emoji, hands on hips, and shot back, "Remember when I told you he was just a flirt? Do you believe me now?"

She quickly followed up: "Why aren't you replying?"

Leila sat in her car, ignoring the impatient honks from the vehicles behind her. Typical of her fiery temper, she refused to budge.

Sophia finally replied, "I'm watching TV."

"Don't lie to me. Tomorrow, I'll find you a boyfriend myself. In fact, I'm going to announce to everyone at River Valley College that Sophia Rivers is looking for a boyfriend. Let's see how many people line up!" Leila declared with mock sternness. "If you don't cooperate, we're not friends anymore!"

"Fine, fine, I'll do it. Tomorrow," Sophia typed back before shoving her phone under her pillow. She lay down, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep.

Mike helped Jessica into the room. As soon as they entered, Jessica collapsed onto the bed, her gaze hazy and filled with flirtation.

Mike frowned. He could see through her act. Jessica was trying to seduce him.

In the past, this would have driven Mike crazy, but knowing how many men she had probably used this trick on, he felt no interest whatsoever.

"Mike, I know you're still upset with me... I don't expect you to forgive me, but can't we still be friends?" Jessica murmured, leaning closer and using her drunken state as an excuse to brush against him.

Seriously? Friends? Since when did friends act like this?

Jessica didn't care what Mike thought. She let her dress slip off her shoulders, revealing her bare skin.

Mike's eyes widened in shock. He had been with Jessica for years, harboring countless fantasies about moments like this, but had never made a move.

Now, here she was, undressing herself. For a college student, Jessica's figure was undeniably enticing.

"Do you like what you see?" Jessica whispered, her breath warm against his ear.

Mike's ears turned red. After a brief pause, he nodded. "Yeah, it's… nice."

Jessica smirked. "Then tonight... I'm yours."

She leaned in to unbutton his shirt, but Mike took a deep breath, trying to stay composed. Sure, he was rich now, but he was still inexperienced. His defenses, especially around women, were practically nonexistent.

Jessica saw his hesitation and thought her plan was succeeding.

But just as she was about to climb on top of him, she stopped abruptly.

"What's wrong?" Mike asked, frowning.

Jessica pouted and began to cry. "Mike... my manager just texted me. He said the bottle of wine I dropped earlier is coming out of my paycheck."

Mike nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds reasonable."

Jessica: "..."

Are you serious? Can't you see I'm trying to get you to pay for it?

"You're doing well now. How about helping me out this once? I'll pay you back eventually," Jessica suggested, her tone soft and pleading.

Mike hesitated for a moment. "How much?"

"Over three grand," Jessica said instinctively.

Mike raised an eyebrow. Compared to others, Jessica seemed to lack the self-reliance and humility he had come to admire in people like Emma Lewis.

Jessica, sensing his silence, decided to up the stakes. "How about this—cover the cost for me, and I'll stay the night with you."

Mike blinked, her offer jolting him out of his thoughts. "Wait, what?"

"You heard me," Jessica replied, her voice sultry.

Mike sighed, his interest in her completely evaporating. "Jessica, let me ask you something. How much do you think you're worth?"

Jessica froze, her expression twisting into one of disbelief. "What are you saying? Do you think I'm... selling myself?"

Mike shook his head. "Not at all. I'm just saying you might want to invest some of that money into seeing a therapist—or an eye doctor. Clearly, you're overestimating yourself."

Jessica's face turned bright red as her drunken act slipped. She glared at Mike, incredulous that her plan had failed.

"Mike, why are you being so stingy? You're rich now. What's three grand to you?" she snapped.

"Because my money isn't for people like you," Mike replied coldly. He stood up, brushing her off. "If you'll excuse me, I'd rather spend my money on something more worthwhile. Goodbye."

Jessica's frustration boiled over. "You're giving me that money whether you like it or not. Call it my breakup fee!"

"Breakup fee?" Mike chuckled, incredulous. "Go on, I'd love to hear your reasoning."

Jessica sneered and shouted, "Don't just stand there! Get in here!"

The door creaked open, revealing Tyler Wayne.