Betrayed Into Wealth

Chapter 8

Alex instinctively raised his hand, intending to hit Brian. His face flushed red, his jaw clenched, holding back his emotions. He was furious at what Brian had said to Lily.

But that thought was cut short when their lecturer appeared at the front of the class. Like it or not, they all had to go in. Alex could only give him an angry glare before turning to leave.

Brian simply flashed a triumphant smile at Alex and Lily. However, pain welled up in his chest. After all, the woman he had been with for two years must still have left him with feelings of love and heartache.

"Brian, you're so brave," Jackson whispered as they sat down in their seats.

"Did I say something wrong?" Brian asked quietly, his eyes still fixed on the front.

"Not really," Jackson answered honestly. "They do need to be taught a lesson. If they really loved each other, why didn't they start earlier? You've been dating Lily for almost two years, and then you get betrayed like this."

Brian sighed softly. “Never mind. Just pretend we never had any relationship. Maybe even pretend we don't know each other.”

“But it still feels like something lingers, doesn't it?” Jackson grinned, deliberately teasing.

Brian glanced at him briefly, then smiled faintly. “Yeah. Alex just scavenged what was left of me.”

Jackson laughed, almost too loudly. Brian laughed briefly too. Both of them quickly covered their mouths with their hands when the professor glanced sharply at them. From then on, they pretended to be focused, even though Brian's mind was completely off the classroom.

The two-hour class finally ended. Brian hurried out because he planned to arrive early for work today. But just as he was about to get on his motorcycle, a hand grabbed his arm quite forcefully.

Alex.

“What's wrong, Lex?” Brian asked calmly.

“Don't ever go near Lily again!” Alex said threateningly.

Brian nodded casually. “Don't worry. I never take back the trash I throw away. So don't be afraid. I leave Lily completely in your care.”

He didn't understand why Alex would think that. In fact, since catching them that night, Brian had no intention of returning to Lily.

Alex clenched his fists. "Don't provoke me, Brian."

"I'm not trying to provoke. I'm just being honest," Brian replied. "Sorry, I have to go. I have to work."

"You're poor, don't act like it," Alex snorted, spitting out in disgust at Brian.

Brian smiled slightly. "I know. That's why I have to work, because I'm poor."

Without waiting for a reply, Brian started his motorcycle and left campus. The afternoon breeze hit his face. Riding a new motorcycle felt different. There was a lightness, a hint of confidence that had grown without him realizing it. A few girls on the side of the road glanced at him, making the corners of his lips lift slightly.

At the café, Brian worked as usual. Singing, greeting customers, and then tidying up his equipment when he was done. The system on his phone seemed so calm. No notifications, no new tasks. He tried accessing it several times, but it displayed like a normal app, as if nothing had happened.

"What's your secret, really?" Brian muttered as he stared at his phone screen after his work was done that night. He was ready to go home, but he lit a cigarette first.

"Brian, come to my office before you go."

The café boss's voice called out to him. Brian turned and nodded without suspicion. Although it felt a little odd, he had never been called directly by a café owner before.

"Yes, sir."

Brian put out his cigarette, threw the butt into the ashtray, and followed the man. They entered a small room at the back of the café. Brian sat across from his boss, feeling puzzled.

"What's wrong, sir?" Brian asked.

"How long have you worked here?" the man asked.

"Two years, sir," Brian answered honestly.

The man, in his early forties, named Rio, nodded slowly. He opened a desk drawer, took something out, and then closed it. His face looked like he was weighing a decision.

"Brian," Rio said finally, "starting tomorrow you won't have to come to this café anymore. Thank you for your good work for two years."

Brian stared at him in disbelief. “What do you mean, sir?”

“We feel the genre of the song you’re performing is too old-fashioned,” Rio replied calmly. “We need something fresher, more in line with market tastes. We’ve found another singer who we think is a better fit.”

“So… I’m fired?” Brian asked quietly.

“Yes, you could say that.”

Brian swallowed. “I can adapt, sir. I can perform any song the café desires.”

Rio shook his head. “Sorry, I can’t.”

“Just tell me the real reason, sir.”

Rio paused for a moment, then sighed. “We can’t go against orders.”

Brian’s eyes widened. “Whose orders?”