Chapter 28 – A Night of Excess and a Bill to Match

The atmosphere inside the Ultimate Suite of Royal Garden was a stark contrast to the contempt Ethan's classmates had shown him just moments ago. This wasn't just any private room—it was the epitome of luxury. The walls were adorned with intricate gold detailing, the massive chandelier above cast a warm, elegant glow, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. A grand dining table, long enough to seat all of them comfortably, was set with exquisite tableware, and the ambient lighting gave the entire suite a sense of exclusivity that most of them had never experienced before.

Despite the breathtaking setting, most of Ethan's classmates were still reeling from the fact that he had booked this suite without a second thought. The expressions on their faces ranged from sheer disbelief to reluctant admiration.

"Did Ethan really just..." someone muttered under their breath.

"Tch, probably just trying to act cool," another scoffed. "Let's see how long he can keep up the facade."

Jordan, the only one who truly knew Ethan, leaned closer with a small smirk. "You sure about this, man? I can lend you some cash if you need it."

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Relax, Jordan. I'm not about to embarrass myself."

As they settled into their seats, the disbelief turned into hushed murmurs. Some of the guys tried to act indifferent, but it was clear that many of them felt out of place in such an extravagant setting. The girls, on the other hand, whispered among themselves, stealing occasional glances at Ethan.

Even Sophia, his ex-girlfriend, seemed stunned. She sat beside her new boyfriend, Lucas Aldridge, but for the first time since she had dumped Ethan, her confidence wavered. She had assumed Ethan would be struggling, possibly even regretting their breakup. Yet here he was, effortlessly securing a suite worth $50,000 as if it was nothing.

She leaned closer to Lucas, her voice quiet but filled with uncertainty. "Are you sure he can afford this?"

Lucas clenched his jaw but forced a chuckle. "He's bluffing. Watch, by the end of the night, he'll be on his knees begging for help."

Sophia frowned, her eyes lingering on Ethan. Somehow, she wasn't so sure.

Just as people were settling in, Ethan casually called over the waiter.

"Five bottles of your finest wine," he said without hesitation.

The waiter, a seasoned professional, remained calm despite the outrageous request. "Of course, sir. Our finest collection is priced at $15,200 per bottle. That would be a total of $76,000."

A hushed gasp rippled through the group.

"Seventy-six grand... on just drinks?" one of the guys whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

Lucas's face twitched, but he quickly recovered. "Ridiculous. Who wastes money like that?"

Ethan simply smirked. "Consider it a warm-up."

The tension in the air was palpable. It was as if the entire class was watching an unfolding battle, one where Lucas had tried to set Ethan up for humiliation, only for the tables to turn spectacularly.

As the waiter left to fulfill the order, Ethan leaned back in his chair, completely at ease.

"Order whatever you like," he announced to the class, waving his hand. "No matter how expensive."

That single sentence was enough to break whatever restraint had been holding them back. Some of them hesitated, still in shock, but others—particularly those who had looked down on Ethan—decided that if he was willing to burn money to prove a point, they might as well take advantage of it.

What followed was a feast of extravagance.

Premium steak, fresh lobster, black truffle pasta, caviar-stuffed delicacies—everything that screamed luxury was brought out in abundance. The wine alone was worth more than what some of them made in a year, and yet, Ethan remained composed, as if this was nothing unusual for him.

The atmosphere shifted. Those who had mocked him earlier were now speaking to him with forced smiles, trying to engage him in conversation. Even Sophia, despite sitting next to Lucas, found herself unable to take her eyes off Ethan.

At one point, one of the girls, Emily, who had always been dismissive of him, leaned in. "Ethan, you've really changed... I mean, I didn't expect you to be like this."

Ethan merely gave her a knowing smile, taking a sip of his wine without responding. He could see what was happening—the same people who had looked at him with disdain were now trying to cozy up to him.

Lucas, on the other hand, sat stiffly in his seat. His plan to humiliate Ethan was falling apart right before his eyes.

Still, he forced a laugh. "Enjoy it while it lasts, Ethan. Because when it's time to pay, we'll see if you're really as rich as you're pretending to be."

Ethan only chuckled. "You sound nervous, Lucas. Don't tell me you're regretting your decision already?"

Lucas scoffed, but his fists clenched under the table.

As the evening drew to a close, the waiter returned, a sleek black folder in his hands. He placed it gently on the table between Ethan and Lucas.

"Your total for the night is $198,000," the waiter announced politely, yet firmly.

Silence.

The color drained from several of his classmates' faces. Even those who had indulged in the meal were now looking between Ethan and Lucas nervously.

Sophia inhaled sharply. "Almost two hundred grand…?"

Lucas, despite preparing for this, felt his stomach churn at the number. Half of that would fall on him.

Ethan, however, remained unfazed. He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the table as he slowly flipped open the bill folder.

Lucas, sensing that the moment of truth was upon them, sneered. "What's the matter, Ethan? Having second thoughts?"

Ethan simply smirked, his sharp gaze locking onto Lucas.

"Why would I?" he replied smoothly. "I never agree to something I can't afford."

With that, he reached into his jacket.

As he was about to pull out his card, the room fell into a suffocating silence. Every eye was on him.

Would he actually pay? Or had this all been an elaborate bluff?

Even Jordan, his closest friend, held his breath.

The class, who had once mocked him, now waited with bated breath.

And Lucas? His fingers twitched against the table. He had been so sure that Ethan would fold under the pressure. But now, doubt crept into his mind.

The moment Ethan revealed his method of payment, everything would be decided.

Would it be a humiliating downfall—or a complete reversal of power?

To be continued…