Checkmate

Jack watched him for a moment before turning to the waitress.

"Double today's special," he said smoothly. Then, with a smirk, he added, "You look like you've had a long shift. How about joining me for a meal?"

The waitress raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Tempting, but I'm still on the clock. Although, I wouldn't mind joining you when I'm done," she replied, her tone professional yet playful.

Jack flashed a grin. "Perfect. I'll hold you to that, then."

Just as Jack finished speaking, Donald returned, glaring at him as he took a seat across from him.

For a few moments, neither spoke, their gazes locked in a silent standoff.

Finally, Jack broke the silence. "When is your handler supposed to get here? He might be yours, but he sure as hell isn't mine."

Donald's lips curled into a smirk as he caught Jack's slip. "Oh? So you do have a handler?"

Jack met his gaze with a deadpan expression. "Some of us actually think for ourselves. Can't say the same for others."

A chuckle came from behind Jack. "Class number one—always with the snarky remarks."

Jack glanced up, meeting the speaker's gaze. Mimicking a trumpet sound. "All rise for the grand arrival of none other than the shit-face himself—Levine Lorn." He crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair.

Levine simply smiled. "You know, after that F-grade disaster of yours and the hotel incident, I figured you'd have learned your place by now. Guess you're not as smart as I thought."

Jack's expression darkened, a flicker of rage crossing his face before he forced a smile. "Touché, Levine. Touché."

Turning to Donald, Jack exhaled sharply. "I'm starving already. Why don't we get this started?"

Before Donald could respond, Levine cut in. "How about we raise the stakes? When you fail to pay up which is most likely to happen, I'll record a video of you saying 'I am an idiot' ten times."

Donald sucked in a sharp breath at the proposition, but Jack remained unfazed. He leaned back, considering it for a moment before nodding. "Alright. But when I do pay up, you'll compensate me four times the amount."

Levine smiled. "Done deal."

Jack signaled for the waitress, ready to place his order. Then, remembering his likely dinner date with her, he decided to keep it light and ordered a red wine instead.

For the next ten minutes, he savored the drink, occasionally pouring himself a full glass and swirling it lazily as anticipation built. Finally, he set it down with a satisfied sigh. "Alright. Time to pay."

Glancing at the QR code displayed on the table, he muttered, "How does a bottle of wine cost 1,280 ERC?" as he scanned it. A few seconds passed.

Then, a cold, mechanical voice announced: "Insufficient balance."

Jack's heart didn't skip a beat—but he made sure his expression did. His brows twitched ever so slightly, just enough for Donald and Levine to see. Slowly, he looked up, meeting their smug, expectant gazes.

Clearing his throat, he exhaled. "One moment. I need to make a call."

Donald chuckled. "Go ahead, rich guy. Call whoever you need."

Jack stood up, walking a few steps away. He tapped on his watch, pretending to scroll through contacts. In reality, he was just looking at his reflection in the dark screen, making sure his expression was still appropriately frustrated. He let out a low curse under his breath—not because he needed to, but because he knew they'd be watching.

After a few minutes, he returned and turned to the waitress. "Can I pay in installments?"

The waitress, maintaining her professional tone, replied, "No, sir, you cannot."

Jack sighed dramatically, his face grimacing. "Yikes."

Donald smirked, leaning back in his chair. "So, I win then? Well, it was to be expected."

Jack stayed silent, letting the moment stretch. He could practically hear Donald mentally crafting his victory speech. Levine, despite his usual arrogance, still eyed him suspiciously.

Then, as expected, Levine tapped on his watch and pointed it at Jack.

Jack grinned. Hook, line, and sinker.

Jack suddenly burst into laughter. "Look at your faces! Do I strike you as the kind of guy who'd take a losing bet?"

As he spoke, he tapped on his own watch before scanning the QR code again.

A few seconds later, the voice announced, "Payment complete."

Jack leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "You know, for someone who keeps doubting my intelligence, you don't seem to have much yourself." He looked at Levine, who simply scoffed and stood up, preparing to leave.

Donald's fingers twitched at his side. His jaw clenched so tight, Jack swore he heard teeth grinding.

Then, in a low voice, nearly a growl, Donald spat, "I'm gonna bury you, Jack."

Jack just grinned. "Aw, buddy, that's cute."

Jack's gaze turned to Levine. "Young Master Levine, you're forgetting our deal."

Levine froze mid-step. Slowly, he turned back, meeting Jack's expectant stare. With a sigh, he returned to his seat, his expression unreadable.

Jack smiled, tapping rhythmically on his watch. A different QR code appeared on the table. "Well? I'm waiting." He leaned back, arms crossed.

Levine narrowed his eyes at Jack. Smirking, he said, "Just make sure you're alive to spend the money, Jack."

Jack's expression remained unfazed. "You don't need to worry about my health, Levine. I'm as healthy as can be." He gestured toward the code on the table. "Well then."

"You too, Donald."

Donald opened his mouth to retort, but Jack cut him off. "My deal with Levine is different from yours. You still need to pay up. Or… are you really that poor?"

Donald's jaw tightened, his glare sharp enough to cut. With a scoff, he tapped on his watch and scanned the code, just after Levine did. Their devices beeped. A few seconds later, Jack's beeped twice in confirmation.

Jack's smile widened as he extended his hand. "Pleasure doing business with you, gentlemen."

Levine stood up, his expression unreadable, and Donald followed, still fuming. As they reached the door, Jack called out, "By the way, I'll let you guys know when I need more money!"

Donald staggered slightly at the words but kept walking.

The waitress, who had been observing the entire exchange, smiled and said politely, "Please keep it down, sir. There are others in the room."

As if on cue, a man turned and shot Jack an irritated glare.