Return of the supreme Consortium heir

"Bien accueillir," The young waitress greeted with a welcoming smile as Brandley and Via settled into their seats at the bustling café in Lennox Mall. 

"Sir, your girlfriend is very beautiful, just like me." The waitress said honestly yet teasingly too.

Via blushed at the compliment from the waitress, her cheeks turning a rosy hue as she glanced down, a shy smile playing on her lips. Of course she was beautiful and receiving such beautiful compliments didn't come as a surprise to her.

"Thank you," Bradley replied, with a sense of pride as he gazed at Via. Her beauty was undeniable, and he felt a surge of affection for her in that moment.

It was the sixth month of them being a couple - a relationship that had been a journey of growth and self-discovery for Bradley. 

He had never imagined himself with someone as sophisticated and refined as Via, yet here they were, six months into a relationship that had been a challenge instead of the pure bliss which Brandley sought all in an attempt to please Via for fear of losing her to someone else.

Via's taste for luxury and elegance was evident in every aspect of her life, and Bradley often found himself feeling inadequate in comparison forcing Brandley to go out of his way just so he could  meet all of her demands. Via would always threaten to leave him if he fails to meet up and that had turned him into a beggar of love and affection, but with all of that, he was determined to try his best to make her happy.

Despite the differences between them, Bradley's love for Via was unwavering. He cherished every moment they spent together, grateful for the opportunity to be with someone as beautiful and elegant as Via Turkey.

As the waitress brought out the menu, Bradley made a conscious decision to stick to a budget-friendly option. "I'll take a cappuccino," he said, aware of the limited funds he had with him.

Via, on the other hand, seized the opportunity to showcase her taste for the finer things in life. She confidently ordered a bottle of red wine and a selection of other items, totaling $1,200.

Bradley couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over him as he realized he still had some money left after Via's order. He silently calculated that he'd have enough for his bus fare to work the next morning.

As they say together enjoying their drinks, Via's three friends Isabel, Lucy, and Tonia, who had just returned from a lavish shopping spree with their boyfriends, walked in.

"Isn't that Via and Bradley?" Tonia whispered, spotting the Brandley and Via in the corner of the cafe.

Isabel shook her head sympathetically. "Poor Via," she murmured, her tone laced with pity.

The three girls approached their table and the moment Brandley saw them, his heart sank. He knew trouble was brewing. Isabel, Lucy, and Tonia had always been critical of his relationship with Via, openly questioning why she would be with someone like him when there were wealthier options available. Their constant teasing had put pressure on Via, leading her to make demands similar to what their boyfriends provided for them.

"Via..." they chimed in unison, dropping their shopping bags on the table.

Via looked up, surprised by their sudden appearance and the array of expensive items they had acquired.

"Where have you been?" Via asked, curiosly.

"Where else but on a fabulous shopping spree with our boyfriends," Lucy exclaimed proudly. "Leo got me a $20,000 bag straight from Italy. It's the latest craze."

"And Andrea surprised me with a $25,000 wristwatch from the United Arab Emirates. It's absolutely stunning," Isabel boasted.

"Max treated me to a $20,000 dress from Paris," Tonia added, completing the display of luxury.

Via turned to Bradley, her eyes expectant. "So, Brandley, can't you do the same for me?" she asked.

Via's friends continued their taunting making Bradley feel like a lump had formed in his throat. He wasn't prepared for this public display of wealth comparison. The thought of trying to match their extravagant gifts seemed impossible, considering how hard he worked just to earn a fraction of their spending.

"Tonia, that's enough," Bradley finally spoke up.

Via's disappointment was palpable as she waited for Bradley to say something more, but he remained silent, unable to meet her gaze.

"I'll prove to you that Bradley isn't poor," Via interjected, her determination cutting through the tension. "He'll take me on a shopping spree next week, and I'll be the one flaunting expensive items."

Lucy scoffed. "Do you even realize how much our boyfriends spent? It's a hundred thousand dollars."

Via's response was swift and defiant. "Then Bradley will make it $150,000."

Isabel rolled her eyes. "Whatever. It's your funeral, Via."

"It's a bet, girls. My boyfriend is more than capable," Via declared confidently. "Next week, at Phoenix Mall."

The three girls accepted the challenge before leaving Via and Bradley alone.

Bradley couldn't believe what had just happened. The idea of spending $150,000 on a shopping spree seemed ludicrous, considering the fact that his only savings was $25,000. He tried to reason with Via, explaining that the bet was unnecessary and unrealistic.

But Via was adamant. "I'm tired of feeling inferior to my friends because of you, Bradley. Either you find a way to win this bet or it's over between us."

"Via, please..." Bradley pleaded, but she cut him off, her mind made up.

"I'm done, Bradley. I can't keep living like this," Via declared before storming off, leaving Bradley alone with his thoughts and a sinking feeling in his chest.

As Brandley stepped out of the cafe, his mind raced with the weight of his predicament. The idea of raising $150,000 within one week felt like an insurmountable obstacle, casting a shadow over his every thought.

With a heavy sigh, Brandley knew there was only one person who could possibly help him in his time of need: his billionaire stepfather, Jacob Morgan.