Piss Off, This Is My Money

24

He reached out, ready to reveal the card—and Robert raised a hand, voice smooth and dangerous:

“And, man, if my card is picked, I’ll cover your entrance f*e to the basketball team. But if it’s yours… you’re paying double.”

Maya’s jaw tightened. She knew this was Robert’s trap—he was trying to shove Jace out before he even got close.

“How much is the bill?” Robert asked casually.

The waiter swallowed. “Three million dollars, sir.”

The comment section online was going insane.

“Bro that’s a whole lifetime savings!”

“No way Jace can pay that!”

“This is INSANE.”

“Can’t wait to see Jace cry fr.”

“Jace RUNNNN!!”

Robert smirked, “You can opt out of the game if you can’t play it, dude,” he called across the table, loud enough for the livestream mic to catch every syllable.

The third-year girl’s chest tightened. She looked from Robert to Maya, wishing—begging—they’d understand.

If this meal was two hundred million, Jace still wouldn’t be paying with his own money.

“Jace, you can tell us now—” Maya started, trying to sound sweet, but Jace cut her off with a snap:

“Just fucking reveal the card. What you two tripping for?”

His tone sliced through the table. Calm. Sharp. Deadly.

Robert’s smile stretched wide, ready to watch Jace crumble. “Go on,” he told the waiter.

The waiter lifted one of the cards. Opened it.

“Mr. Robert… you’re paying, sir.”

Robert’s brain flipped.

For a moment, he honestly thought he misheard. Three million dollars? Three million?

He only had four million to his entire name right now. His father had cut him off for two months—no extra cash, no safety net.

He could NOT be broke.

He could NOT lose to this… this nobody.

And who the hell WAS this waiter?!

“Oh,” Robert forced out, stretching a smile that felt like it might crack his skull. “That was… so cool. I love it.”

“We shall proceed to payment now,” the waiter said politely.

“Wait—wait a second,” Robert blurted, turning sharply to Jace. Jace still looked bored. Unbothered. Feeding the girl like they were on a picnic.

“I usually get some artwork anytime I come here,” Robert added, trying to sound classy, but the desperation was leaking through his voice.

Jace raised a brow. Irritated already.

“If you're scared, don’t worry,” Robert said quickly. “But I was hoping to say… anyone who wins the bidding for the artwork pays for the meal and the artwork.

But I understand if you’re not in.”

Maya’s breath hitched.

The girl beside Jace blinked.

The livestream chat went feral.

Jace looked at Robert for a few seconds—slowly, like studying a clown performing a trick.

This idiot really wants to embarrass himself twice in one night?

“Bring it on,” Jace said.

Robert turned to the waiter.

“We’ll pay together with the bidding.”

“Alright, sir.” The waiter bowed and left.

Robert let out a shaky breath. Close call. This time? No mistakes.

The artwork was brought over.

Jace stared at that shit like it was some toddler’s scribble gone wrong. Paint splattered, colors clashing—a baby could’ve done better. He scowled, lips curling with irritation.

“We’ll start bidding from two thousand bucks,” the auctioneer announced.

“Ten thousand!” someone shouted from across the room.

Robert cocked a smug grin at Jace, eyes glinting.

“One million dollars,” he called.

Maya held her breath.