The Beggar They Mocked Owns the City

Chapter 6

In the shadow of Solbury College's imposing edifice, Callum Bowman stood alone, a solitary figure against the backdrop of his classmates. Carol Mitchell, once his beloved, now clung to Ethan York's arm, her eyes devoid of any affection for Callum. The crowd behind them, including Lucas Wagner and Felix Cameron, Callum's closest friends, wore expressions of pity and discomfort.

"Callum, heartbreak is just a part of life," Lucas tried to console him, his gaze flickering between Callum and Carol. He knew how much Callum had invested in their relationship, emotionally and otherwise.

"I'm not bothered," Callum replied, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. His indifference was surprising, considering he had just been dumped. But then again, he was now a trillionaire. Would Carol regret her decision when she found out?

"Why are you all at Zenith Bank?" Callum asked, changing the subject.

"We're here to withdraw money. What else would we be doing here? Begging like you?" Ethan sneered, his disdain for Callum evident.

Ethan's words stung, but Callum didn't react. Instead, he retorted, "So, I'm a beggar, and you're rich?"

"Well, I'm richer than a beggar like you. Why else would Carol leave you for me?" A burly guy from Ethan's group jeered. "York just withdrew ten thousand dollars to treat us! You've never seen that kind of money in your life!"

The group erupted into laughter, relishing in Callum's humiliation. Mabel Hayes and Eva Willow, Carol's best friends, smirked knowingly. They were the ones who had encouraged Carol to betray Callum for Ethan.

"So, you've been cheating..." Callum's voice trailed off, his fists clenched in anger. But then he remembered his newfound wealth. He could have any woman he wanted. Was it worth getting angry over a woman who had betrayed him?

Carol, however, was far from remorseful. "So what if I cheated? What are you going to do about it?" she taunted.

"You're pathetic!" she spat out, her words laced with venom. "You couldn't even afford the things I liked. You're a waste!"

Ethan chimed in, "Beggars don't deserve love, understand?" Then, turning to Carol, he suggested, "Let's go have our meal. We shouldn't waste our time on this beggar."

Ignoring their taunts, Callum turned and walked towards the Sierra Hotel, Lucas and Felix trailing behind him. The Sierra Hotel was a five-star establishment where the minimum consumption started at ten thousand dollars.

The sight of Callum entering the Sierra Hotel left Ethan and his group stunned. "What is he doing there? Can he afford it?" they wondered aloud.

"He must be here to work," Mabel suggested, and the group burst into laughter at the thought of Callum serving them at the hotel.

However, when they entered the Sierra Hotel, they were met with a sight that left them speechless. There sat Callum, surrounded by an array of exquisite dishes, each costing several thousands of dollars.

"Callum...you're not here to work, are you?" Eva stammered, unable to believe her eyes.

"Can't I be here to spend money?" Callum retorted, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Carol, who had come to humiliate Callum, was left seething. She had expected to see Callum working as a waiter, not dining like a king!

"You're just showing off! How many years of trash would you have to pick up to afford this?" she accused, pointing a shaking finger at Callum.

"You're so vain, it seems I was right to break up with you!" she added, her voice echoing through the hall.

The other diners turned to look at the commotion, their eyes wide with surprise. They saw Carol Mitchell, pointing accusingly at Callum Bowman, a scene they would remember for a long time.