My Great Fortune System

Perfect Gentleman

Jayden and his friends sat at a round table in the corner, laughing like they owned the place. Their table overflowed with expensive dishes, fancy cuts of meat and delicate appetizers. Wine glasses filled with deep red liquid caught the light as they raised them in toasts.

"Did you see Gray's face earlier?" Jayden wiped tears from his eyes, still laughing. "God, that was priceless."

There was something deeply satisfying about putting people in their place, especially when they couldn't fight back. Gray had always been an easy target, and apparently nothing had changed.

"He looked like a kicked puppy," one of Jayden's friends said, shoving a piece of steak into his mouth. 

"And that sister of his?" The other friend shook his head. "Poor kid. I almost felt bad for her." He paused. "Almost."

Jayden leaned back in his chair, grinning wide. "I can't believe that loser is still around. Thought he'd be working in some factory by now, or maybe sweeping streets. But here he is, eating in a nice restaurant like he belongs."

"Don't waste your energy thinking about him." The first friend waved his hand dismissively. "He's probably been saving pennies for months just to afford today. Did you see their table? Only had like three dishes on it. When I checked the menu, those were literally the cheapest items."

Their laughter grew louder, drawing annoyed glances from nearby tables that they completely ignored.

A waiter passed by carrying a tray of drinks. He moved carefully, balancing everything with practiced ease. One of Jayden's friends casually stuck his leg out. The waiter stumbled, nearly dropping the entire tray before catching himself at the last second.

"Whoa, careful there!" The waiter's face flushed red. "I'm so sorry, sir!"

Jayden looked down at his pants and brushed off imaginary dust. "You better watch where you're going. You almost spilled that all over me. These pants cost more than you make in a month." He waved his hand like he was shooing away a fly. "Now get out of here. You're ruining my mood."

The waiter bowed quickly, his face burning with shame, and hurried away. His hands shook slightly as he carried the tray to another table.

"God, I love being rich." Jayden picked up his wine glass and swirled it. "Makes everything so much better."

His friends were about to respond when two girls approached their table. Immediately Jayden spotted them, his demeanor changed. He quickly adjusted his clothes and fixed his posture. His smirk melted into a charming smile that looked practiced in front of a mirror.

"Hey, ladies." Jayden stood and gestured to the empty chairs. "You're right on time."

The two girls were stunning, turning heads as they stepped into the restaurant. The first had long brown hair that fell in perfect curls past her shoulders. She wore a white dress that showed off her figure and smooth skin. Gold jewelry glinted at her wrists and neck, and her makeup was subtle but flawless.

The second girl had short black hair cut in a stylish bob. Her blue dress hugged her petite frame, though her chest was noticeably generous. Sharp eyes studied the table, but her lips curved into a gentle smile.

Jayden pulled out chairs for both of them like a perfect gentleman, as if he hadn't just been mocking waiters and insulting his old classmate minutes ago. His friends straightened up too, hiding their earlier arrogance behind polite smiles and proper manners.

"Please, sit. The food here is incredible." Jayden's voice dripped with warmth that hadn't been there before.

The girls sat down, murmuring thanks. The one in the blue dress glanced around the restaurant, taking in the elegant decor. "This place is really nice."

"I knew you'd love it, Chloe." Jayden flashed his best smile. Everything about him transformed in seconds. From cruel bully to charming date. It was almost impressive how quickly he could switch.

What Jayden didn't know was that Gray was watching the entire performance from across the room. Noting the fake warmth that didn't reach his eyes.

Gray nearly laughed out loud. Instead, he turned to Lily and gave her a gentle smile. "Lily, I need to go take care of something. Stay here and keep eating, okay? Don't leave this table."

Lily looked up from her plate, her cheeks full of food. She nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, brother!"

"Good. I'll be right back."

Gray stood slowly and straightened his shirt. He ran a hand through his hair, making sure he looked presentable. On the outside, he appeared calm and casual. Inside, his mind was already three steps ahead, planning exactly how to ruin Jayden's perfect little date.

If Jayden could destroy his day, then doing same was fair play.

Gray walked toward their table with steady, confident steps. He was only a few feet away when Jayden noticed him. The smile on Jayden's face flickered, irritation flashing in his eyes for just a moment before he forced it back.

"What are you doing here?" Jayden's voice came out strained, trying not to sound rude in front of the girls.

Gray smiled brightly, like seeing Jayden was the best part of his day. "Oh Jayden! I just wanted to come over and say thank you. You're such a good friend, treating me to food like that."

Jayden's mouth opened slightly, then closed. His jaw tightened. He couldn't say what he really wanted to with the girls sitting right there watching.

"Oh, you two are friends?" The girl with long brown hair looked between them, curious.

"Yeah, we go way back." Gray's voice was smooth and natural. "We went to the same school. Jayden and I have known each other for years."

The two girls exchanged glances. It was obvious they didn't know much about Jayden's past. Their eyes drifted over Gray's appearance, taking in his plain shirt and simple jeans. Nothing fancy or expensive, but somehow the clothes worked on him.

Gray was tall with a solid build earned from years of physical labor. His dark brown hair was slightly messy in a cute way. Brown eyes, strong jawline, and a presence that felt confident despite the bargain clothes.

"I'm Emma." The girl with the long hair tilted her head slightly, her smile warming. There was definite interest in her eyes. "Nice to meet you."

"Gray." He returned her smile easily.

"I'm Chloe." The short-haired girl extended her hand for a handshake. "Would you like to join us?"

Jayden's eyes narrowed into slits. His hand gripping the wine glass so tight his knuckles went white. To him, loser Gray was supposed to slink away embarrassed, not charm his way into his date.