Chapter 4
Scrolling down, I spotted the messages from the stupid guys who cursed me in the group.
[Jane, you invited us out and didn't pay? Trying to ditch the bill or what?]
[You better come back and settle up, or I'll blast this all over the school forum and make you notorious.]
I blocked them all.
The next second, Kevin's call came again.
Grandma asked, "Why aren't you picking up, sweetie?"
I took a deep breath, turned, and walked into my bedroom before answering the call.
I could tell Kevin was stressed. "Jane, why didn't you pick up?"
I held the phone a little farther from my ear.
"What do you want?" I said.
My tone was cold.
He noticed right away and tried to sound gentler.
He said, "We went a little overboard for Lily's birthday today. The manager says you have to use your face ID to pay.
"Can you scan your face now? We're all waiting to head to the next spot.
"To make it up to them, I'll add you back to the group chat later. You need to send each of them 500 dollars as a gift. I already told them you would."
On the other end of the line, Kevin's lackey, Jason Brooks, the guy who was spreading dirty rumors about me in the group chat, was arguing with the manager.
Jason said, "I've already told you. That shameless bitch Jane took Kevin's membership card. It's registered under her name, and Kevin's bank account is maxed out today.
"If you're not gonna be flexible, we're never coming back to your restaurant. Do you even know who Kevin's dad is?"
I could hear Jason's voice getting closer.
He snatched Kevin's phone and started barking orders at me. "Jane, talk to the manager and tell her you'll return the membership card right now."
I glanced at the clock. It was already 11 PM.
I scoffed, "Jason, all you're getting from me is a lawyer's letter."
He snorted, "Jane, stop faking it. A lawyer's letter? As if you could even afford a lawyer. Just explain things to the manager already. Kevin said he's taking us to the next spot."
The manager took over the phone.
She moved to a quieter spot.
"Miss Quinn, the customers said you agreed to put this on your tab. Is that right?" she asked.
I calmly replied, "No. After how he just insulted me, why would I pay? I'm not going to be anyone's punching bag."
The manager let out a sigh of relief.
She added, "So, how would you like to resolve this? My boss said it's entirely up to you.
"After all, Mr. Miller claims to be your boyfriend."
I made my point clear again. "I have absolutely no connection to these people. Just do whatever you need to."
After hanging up, I blocked Kevin and those classmates who had been badmouthing me.
Kevin wouldn't give up.
He kept texting me from different numbers.
He started off sounding really aggressive.
Kevin: [Jane, come pay up, or I'm really breaking up with you.]
I didn't reply.
Then he sent another message.
Kevin: [Did you hear me? If you come and pay up, I'll let you tag along for the afterparty. There's still half an hour till midnight, so I'll throw you a quick birthday celebration.]
Then he tried to soften up.
Kevin: [Jane, are you really gonna let me get embarrassed in front of everyone?
[I know I was out of line tonight. I heard your dad casually handed out 70 thousand dollars, and I couldn't even come up with 7 thousand. I was scared your family would look down on me.
[That's why I totally lost it and dragged Lily along, just to prove I had some charm. I swear, I'll never talk to her again.
[This whole thing is my fault, Jane. Could you please ask your dad to cover the bill? I promise I'll treat you right from now on. I chose finance because of you, and after graduation, I'll work at your dad's company.
[Once we're married, you can sit back and enjoy life, while I make money for you every day. You'll never have to worry about a thing.]
I actually replied to those. [I didn't tell you the truth. My dad actually tosses out 700 thousand without even blinking.]
Even through the screen, I could practically feel him jumping for joy.
Kevin: [Jane, just send me 1,000,000 dollars first, and treat the rest as a loan. You know my mom needs surgery, and we really need the money.]
I didn't reply after that.
The manager sent me a message. [Miss Quinn, want to see the drama? I'll DM you the details on WhatsApp.]
I knew she was trying to get on my good side.
Tonight was a big deal for anyone working at that restaurant.
On top of that, my dad was a VIP customer there.
So she was scrambling even harder to make things right.
After I added her on WhatsApp, she sent me a video that was several minutes long.
In the video, Jason was all in for Kevin at first, but then he started to have doubts.
"Kevin, tell me the truth. Whose money is it, yours or Jane's?" Jason pressed.
Kevin was frantically texting me.
He was so anxious that he was practically dripping with sweat.
He didn't hold back his anger. "Stop bothering me. If you do, I'm out. You guys can pay for yourselves."
The clock struck midnight.
The cashier clicked her tongue, clearly annoyed. "Sir, we're closing up. Can you hurry it up?"
Kevin looked up, his eyes red and bloodshot.
"J-Jane... really blocked me," Kevin choked out.
After saying that, he collapsed to the floor.
His classmates tried to get him to talk.
Even when Jason kicked him, Kevin just sat there, eyes empty, not responding at all.
And just like that, everyone turned on Lily. "So, does Kevin have money or not?"