Chapter 3

I pushed the door open to find about seven or eight people, a mix of men and women, lounging on the sofas.

Blake was sprawled in the middle, mumbling incoherently, definitely playing the part of a drunk.

Empty liquor bottles were scattered everywhere, on the table and on the floor – a complete mess.

Dustin saw me and immediately came over, his eyes darting: "Chloe, you finally made it! Come see Blake."

I ignored him and walked straight to Blake.

He seemed to sense someone, struggled to open his eyes, and seeing it was me, instantly put on a pained, wronged expression, reaching out to pull me: "Chloe... you came... you don't know how upset I am... why don't you trust me..."

Over-the-top acting, reeking of alcohol.

I avoided his hand and asked coldly, "How much did you drink?"

A girl nearby cut in, her tone flirtatious: "Oh, come on, Blake's heartbroken today, he's in a bad mood, so he drank a bit more. Don't be mad, Chloe. It's normal for guys to let loose once in a while."

Dustin quickly chimed in, rubbing his hands together, looking awkward: "Yeah, Chloe, Blake was hosting today, he ordered all the good stuff, and everyone was having such a great time that... well, we drank a bit much. See here..."

He gestured to the table full of empty bottles, his intention crystal clear.

Sure enough, another guy piped up: "Chloe's here, perfect! Blake just said he'd cover the whole bill today. Why don't you settle up, Chloe? So Blake can rest easy?"

"Yeah, yeah, pay the bill!"

A few others chimed in, their eyes glinting with calculation and eager anticipation for the show.

My gaze swept over the empty red wine bottles on the table.

I noticed fake empty bottles mixed with real ones. Probably scrounged from some recycling bin to make it look like a bigger party, right? Did they really think I'd never been to a place like this?

My eyes finally landed on the bill, which had a shocking total.

*Huh.*

I let out a mirthless laugh.

So, this is what they were waiting for.

They wanted to treat me like a sucker, call me here to pay this exorbitant bill?

Using my money to boost his ego, soothe his 'wounded' heart, and let his 'friends' enjoy a free night out?

What a clever scheme.

I looked at Dustin, who was eagerly waiting for me to pull out my card, and then at Blake, who was seemingly passed out but whose eyelids subtly twitched as he peeked at me. I scoffed: "Whoever ordered the drinks, whoever promised to pay, should be the one to settle the bill."

"Do I look like a sucker to you?"

The words had barely left my mouth when Blake, who was supposedly 'dead drunk' on the sofa, suddenly sat bolt upright.

3

Blake sat bolt upright, with no trace of drunkenness on his face.

"Chloe!"

He roared, his face mottled red and white, whether from holding his breath or genuine anger, I couldn't tell. "What are you doing? My friends are here! You're going to embarrass me like this?"