Chapter 2

2.

I felt nothing but sheer annoyance. I wasn't in the mood for these petty games, so I turned to leave.

But before I could take a step, a man blocked my path.

It was Barrett, Caleb's loyal lapdog.

He looked at Caleb with a sycophantic grin, desperate to suck up to the man of the hour.

"Caleb, if you have any insider tips, don't forget your brothers!"

Caleb chuckled, leaning into his role as the big shot. He waved a hand dismissively.

"Sure thing. I'll have my assistant set up a group chat later."

The crowd immediately erupted in praise, the atmosphere turning into a giant ego-stroke for Caleb.

"Caleb is on another level now. He's worth hundreds of millions. Who can compete with that?"

"Exactly! So young and successful. His investment eye is legendary!"

"He's the pride of our school! Unlike some people who just show up to scavenge a free meal."

They threw insults at me while lifting Caleb onto a pedestal.

Caleb didn't stop them. Instead, he watched me closely, his eyes gleaming as if he expected me to break down and beg for his help.

I looked at him with total indifference and tried to walk past him.

Caleb's expression darkened instantly, his jaw tightening.

Sienna spoke up then, her voice dripping with fake pity that couldn't hide her jealousy.

"Caleb, let it go. Don't make it harder for her."

She sounded like she was defending me, but every word was a needle.

"Look at what she's wearing. She's clearly struggling. Seeing you so successful must be killing her."

"She's all alone and it's sad. It took a lot of courage just for her to show up here today."

A wave of low laughter broke out among the crowd.

Barrett, seeing that I wasn't fighting back, got even bolder.

He raised an eyebrow and looked at me with pure disgust.

"Listen, Vance. If you're broke, don't come here to embarrass yourself. This is a gala for successful alumni, not a shelter for strays."

He scanned my body, his eyes turning predatory and gross.

"Wait, are you here to gold-dig? Looking for a rich husband to save you?"

He patted his expensive suit jacket and gave me a sleazy wink.

"If you're that desperate for cash, why don't you have a few drinks with me tonight? If I'm happy, maybe I'll toss some change your way."

The laughter grew louder. People were waiting to see my reaction to such a vulgar proposition.

I let out a soft laugh and reached for a glass of red wine from a passing waiter.

Barrett's smile became even more disgusting. He reached out, trying to slide his hand onto my waist.

"That's my girl! Just a few drinks and I might introduce you to some big clients…"

Sienna's smirk was wider than ever.

Caleb stood there with a complicated look, but he didn't move a finger to stop it.

I narrowed my eyes at Barrett's wandering hand and let out a cold scoff.

"You? You think you're in my league?"

He blinked, confused.

The next second―

Splash!

I threw the entire glass of red wine directly into his face!

The dark liquid dripped from his hair and nose, soaking into his white shirt and expensive blazer.

The laughter died instantly.

Barrett's face twisted into a mask of pure rage as he let out a roar.

"You bitch!"

"You dare pour wine on me?! I'll ruin you! I'll―"