Chapter 2

Twenty-eight thousand dollars was pocket change to me. I spent more than that on a random Tuesday.

What infuriated me wasn't the money. It was Chloe’s utter ingratitude.

"I can pay," I said.

The moment the words left my mouth, a victorious grin spread across Jasper's face.

Chloe also let out a massive sigh of relief, thinking this chapter was closed.

"But—"

My voice suddenly went up an octave.

"You are going to explain this twenty-eight-thousand-dollar bill to me. Item by item. Every single cent."

Jasper immediately pulled out the invoice he had prepared, reading it aloud in a mocking, theatrical tone.

"First, the Supreme Precision Diagnostic. Our club uses imported German diagnostic tools, operated by experts certified in Europe. Three hours of labor. Naturally, we charge international rates."

"Second, your exhaust system was lacking 'character.' We upgraded it using an Italian opera-inspired acoustic resonance chamber. Your car now roars like Pavarotti. It's a masterpiece. Easily worth ten grand."

I thought I was hearing things. The three business partners who came with me had their mouths twitching. Even Chloe looked embarrassed and lowered her head.

But Jasper wasn't done. He got even more ridiculous.

"Finally, our technicians found that your turbocharger lacked spiritual balance. This isn't a simple fix. We had to use a Swiss vacuum calibration chamber, with remote guidance from our European headquarters, to align the engine’s 'soul' with the turbo. It’s a spiritual calibration."

"This is called elite, bespoke service. Do you get it now?"

"In short, Meridian Auto Club has clear pricing. We don't scam. You're just not classy enough to understand this level of luxury!"

His last words were pure, unadulterated disrespect.

My partner, Victoria, couldn't take it anymore. She stood up to smooth things over.

"Clara, it's getting late. Why don't we go? I'll just cover this bill."

I raised my hand and stopped her firmly. This was no longer about money.

I had brought my partners here today to introduce them to Chloe and give her some high-end clients. I just wanted to get my car serviced on the side. I didn't expect to be publicly humiliated by her boyfriend.

Suppressing my anger, I turned to my three business partners and apologized sincerely.

"I am so sorry you had to witness such an absurd scene. It ruined our mood. To make it up to you, I’ll book 'The Peak' this Saturday, and we can have a proper dinner."

Almost the instant I finished speaking, my partners' phones chimed in unison. It was the automated booking confirmation from "The Peak."

Victoria, who had just offered to pay for my bill, stared at her phone in absolute shock.

They were all wealthy business owners, but they weren't in the ultra-elite circle yet.

"The Peak" was a legendary, invite-only private club where billionaires and politicians hung out. You couldn't get in with just money.

And I had booked a private room with a single text.

At that moment, any lingering doubts they had about my status completely vanished.

The way they looked at me now was filled with deep respect.

I walked my partners to their cars and watched them drive off.

The moment their taillights disappeared, the polite smile faded from my face. Only cold anger remained.

I turned around, ready to clean house.

But Jasper, flanked by two towering security guards, blocked the entrance of the lobby.

"Stop right there!"

Jasper yelled, pointing a finger at my nose.

"You think you can just sneak away? No way. If you don't pay the bill today, you're not walking out of here!"

The two guards stepped forward menacingly, closing in on me.

I stopped and looked at this utterly ridiculous scene.

In front of my own property, I was being threatened over a fake bill.

This was a comedy at this point.