Chapter 19 – A Bet at Royal Garden

7:30 AM –

Ethan's eyes fluttered open as sunlight streamed through the cracked blinds of his shabby apartment.

The moment he woke up, his mind snapped into focus.

10 AM.

James would be here to pick him up.

That meant he had about two hours before he'd have to deal with whatever nonsense awaited him regarding his so-called fiancée.

With a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair and sat up.

He wasn't in the mood for surprises, but today was already shaping up to be one of those days.

---

8:00 AM –

After a quick shower, Ethan threw on a simple outfit—a plain black hoodie, jeans, and sneakers.

On the surface, he looked like any other student at Hudson University.

But underneath it all?

A man with more wealth than anyone could imagine.

And yet, he was still sitting in a tiny apartment with barely anything in it.

Shaking his head, he grabbed his phone and checked the time.

8:30 AM.

He had a bit of time before class, so he grabbed his bag, threw in his laptop, and headed out.

---

9:00 AM –

The moment Ethan stepped into the lecture hall, he could immediately tell something was off.

Students were gathered in small groups, talking excitedly.

Even Jordan, who normally looked like he'd rather be anywhere but here, was grinning like an idiot.

Ethan raised a brow as he slid into his seat. "What's with the energy?"

Jordan turned to him, eyes gleaming. "You didn't hear? We're having a class gathering dinner tonight."

Ethan blinked. A class gathering?

That wasn't unusual—there were always events, meetups, and get-togethers.

But he wasn't particularly interested.

"Pass."

Jordan groaned. "Dude, you don't even know where it is yet."

"I don't need to."

Jordan opened his mouth to argue when another voice cut through their conversation.

"Well, well, well. Looks like the pauper isn't interested in fine dining."

Ethan's gaze flickered up to see Lucas Aldridge standing a few feet away, arms crossed, an arrogant smirk on his face.

Lucas Aldridge.

Sophia's new boyfriend.

A guy who thought money made him untouchable.

And the host of tonight's class gathering.

Ethan immediately lost the last bit of interest he had.

Lucas smirked. "Afraid you can't afford it, Ethan?"

Jordan scoffed. "Oh, please. Why would he care about your little dinner?"

Lucas laughed. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe because it's at Royal Garden."

The room buzzed with excitement.

Royal Garden wasn't just any restaurant.

It was a Michelin-star restaurant known for its insanely high prices and exclusive clientele.

Even the cheapest dish could make a student's wallet cry.

Jordan's eyes widened. "Damn, really? That place is insane!"

Lucas smirked. "Of course. I don't do second-rate places." He then glanced at Ethan, his smirk widening. "But I get it. Not everyone can afford to eat at places like this."

Ethan's expression remained calm.

Lucas was trying to bait him.

It wouldn't work.

He had nothing to prove.

But Jordan?

Jordan had zero impulse control.

"Oh, we're definitely coming."

Ethan sighed.

Lucas chuckled. "Oh? You sure about that?"

Jordan huffed. "Of course!"

Lucas tapped his chin. "Alright then. Since you're so eager, how about this—we split the bill 50-50?"

The class fell silent.

Jordan froze.

Lucas's smirk deepened.

He had set a trap.

A dinner at Royal Garden would cost at least ten grand.

Splitting the bill would mean paying five grand.

And everyone knew Jordan didn't have that kind of money.

Lucas leaned in slightly. "What's wrong? Feeling nervous now?"

Jordan clenched his fists. "Tch. As if. Ethan's got my back, right?"

Wait. What?

Ethan shot Jordan a look that screamed: Are you an idiot?

Jordan grinned at him like an idiot.

Lucas's smirk widened. "Oh? So Ethan will be footing your half?"

Ethan exhaled slowly.

Lucas was really asking for it.

Ethan had planned to ignore this nonsense.

He wasn't the type to play into petty rich-boy games.

But Lucas had just poked the wrong beast.

A slow smirk spread across Ethan's face.

He leaned back in his seat and said calmly—

"You're underestimating me, Lucas."

Lucas's eyes flickered with amusement. "Oh? Then prove it."

Ethan's smirk didn't waver.

"Fine."

He turned to the class. "Everyone's invited. I'll cover your half."

Gasps erupted in the room.

Jordan's jaw hit the floor.

Lucas froze.

He hadn't expected Ethan to actually accept the challenge.

But it was too late to back down.

Lucas forced a smirk. "Alright then. See you at 7 PM at Royal Garden."

With that, he turned and walked away, masking the slight tension in his shoulders.

The class erupted into murmurs.

Jordan leaned in. "Dude, are you insane?"

Ethan's smirk remained.

Lucas thought he had set a trap.

He had no idea who he was playing with.

---

9:30 AM –

As the excitement died down, Ethan turned back to his laptop, already calculating his next move.

Lucas thought splitting the bill would humiliate him.

Instead, Ethan would make him regret ever opening his mouth.

And the best part?

Lucas still had no idea who he was really dealing with.

Tonight, he would.

And it would be glorious.