The Rise of Ashton

Chapter Seven

Rich or Not?

Bella was shocked and Ashton didn't bother to tell her what he wanted the third time. 

Clearly, she's heard him, she was just surprised.  

“I…I haven't ever heard someone order so much drink at once,” she stuttered, avoiding his gaze. 

Ashton smirked, this was odd. But of course he had the money to pay and he would buy it. After all, he had a task to spend so much money. 

On hearing the drink that Ashton had ordered and how many bottles he needed, he suddenly hurried back to the counter. 

“Bella," he said with a frown, “don't you have something else to do inside? Something meant for low staff?" 

Bella blinked, a little lost and tried to explain what Ashton wanted. 

"Oh, don't worry, I'll attend to the gentleman, you shouldn't be serving important clients like him,” he said enthusiastically and nudged her aside. 

Bella stumbled a little, clutching her tray tightly as she glanced nervously between him and Ashton.  

“Hurry along," the bartender insisted and she nodded as she went off without another word. 

“Sir,” the bartender began, his voice smooth and overly friendly, “allow me to take care of you personally this time.”  

Ashton’s frown deepened. He could barely conceal his irritation. “What’s this about?” 

The bartender still wore a plastered fake smile on his face. "I'm only trying to give you premium service, sir,” he said humbly, "Bella isn't meant for clients such as yourself.” 

Ashton scoffed, "What changed? Moment ago, you couldn’t even be bothered to answer me.”  

The bartender chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, you see, sir, I didn’t realize who I was dealing with. Clearly, you’re a low-profile rich guy. Right? One of those discreet types who doesn’t need to show off. I can see that now.”  

Ashton raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed with his antics. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”  

“Absolutely,” the bartender replied, his tone filled with flattery. “It’s an honor to serve someone like you.”  

Ashton didn't want him to serve, he wanted Bella to take care of his order. The sight of the man alone disgusted him. 

But before Ashton could respond, a loud, familiar laugh came from behind him, just at the entrance of the club. 

Ashton stiffened, his hand clenching into a fist as he slowly turned toward the sound. He knew who it was even before he could see her. 

It was her. His ex-girlfriend, Zoe.

She was standing at the entrance with her new boyfriend, Clifford. 

Ashton tried to tame the disgust he felt at the mere sight of her. 

She looked as polished as ever, her designer dress clinging to her figure and her heels clicking against the floor as she walked in. 

Her new rich boyfriend was walking beside her with an arm draped casually around her shoulders.  

They spotted Ashton almost immediately they walked into the club and Zoe didn't waste any time in approaching him. 

Zoe had a condescending smirk on her face as she moved closer to the counter. “Well, well,” she said, her voice loud enough to carry across the otherwise quiet club. “If it isn’t Ashton, the good-for-nothing boy.”  

Her boyfriend chuckled because her, his hand tightening possessively on her shoulder. “Didn’t think we’d see you in a place like this,” he added mockingly. 

Ashton forced himself to stay calm, though his jaw tightened visibly. “What’s that supposed to mean? Isn't this my graduation too?”  

She laughed. “Oh, come on. This isn’t exactly your scene, is it? Expensive clubs, exclusive parties, it's too much for you to afford. Or am I wrong?”  

Her words stung, and Ashton could feel the bartender’s eyes darting between him and the couple.

At once, the bartender’s previous friendliness seemed to vanish, quickly replaced by doubt and then he scowled.   

“Is that true?” the bartender asked hesitantly, his voice losing its earlier enthusiasm. “You’re not, uh, pulling my leg about that drink order, are you?”  

Ashton glared at him. “I don’t joke about things like that.”  

But his ex wasn’t done. She stepped closer. “You know,” she said, her tone mocking. “I can’t believe you’d even try to come to a place like this. It’s almost sad, we all know you can't afford it. You don't belong here.”   

Her boyfriend laughed. “Sad is putting it mildly. Look at him. Still wearing the same cheap suits, still acting like some retard.”  

The bartender didn't look so pleased anymore. “Did you just prank me?" 

Ashton looked at him like he'd lost his mind. It was just irritating how he was listening to Zoe without bringing the drinks. 

“Shouldn't you be bringing the drinks rather than asking questions?" He raised his brows. 

“What? In a club like this?" Zoe laughed, “you can't even afford water, quit disgracing yourself." 

The bartender turned to Ashton, his face growing cold and dismissive once again. “Wait a minute,” he said sharply. “Are you telling me this guy doesn’t actually have the money he claims to? Because that’s a serious offense here.”  

Ashton’s ex grinned, clearly enjoying the attention. “Oh, he’s always been good at pretending. But trust me, he’s all talk. Isn’t that right, Ashton?”  

“What?!" The bartender hissed. 

Clifford chuckled and patted Ashton on the shoulder. “Come on, man, how many bottles were you planning to ‘buy’ again?” 

 “He wanted a hundred bottles of the most expensive drink here," the bartender replied. 

Zoe and Clifford both laughed. 

“He's jobless, man! He can't even afford his own meals.” 

“A hundred? Seriously? That’s hilarious.” Clifford guffawed. 

The bartender’s face darkened, and he suddenly stepped back coldly.“You’re wasting my time,” he snapped at Ashton. “I have real customers to attend to.”  

He turned toward the couple, his smile reappearing like magic. “What can I get for you two?” he asked with sycophantic charm.  

Ashton frowned, the bartender’s behavior was revolting. Without a word, he turned on his heel and walked away 

“Aw, don’t leave so soon, Ashton!” his ex called after him. “We were just getting started!”