Chapter 3

At the auto club's main entrance, Brandon's shrill voice attracted a crowd of curious customers in the lobby.

They stared openly, their glances full of undisguised contempt, falling directly on me.

It was as if I truly was some cheap skate trying to run out on a bill.

"Someone actually dares to freeload at Coastline Club? Must have a death wish!"

"Tsk, tsk. Dressed so well, but doing something so disgraceful…"

"If you can't afford it, don't come to Coastline! So embarrassing."

Being publicly pointed at and humiliated like this made my anger surge to my head.

Serena, nearby, was pale, cold sweat beading on her forehead.

"Brandon… maybe just let it go…"

She tugged at Brandon's sleeve, her voice faint, seemingly wanting to persuade him not to go too far.

Brandon glared, his eyes wide, snapping back, "Serena, can't you show some backbone? The money's almost in our hands, and you're pushing it away? We need to squeeze every last penny out of people like her!"

Serena trembled, swallowing the words she was about to say, shrinking back and daring not to speak.

Her spinelessness fueled my anger, and my disappointment in her became complete.

With a cold expression, I pulled out my phone and called my assistant.

"Chris, get $500,000 in cash from the car. Bring it to the main entrance immediately."

Before long, Chris arrived, carrying a heavy, silver suitcase, walking quickly.

I motioned for him to open the case.

With a "click," the lid sprang open, revealing stacks of hundred-dollar bills neatly packed inside, an incredibly powerful visual.

A chorus of gasps instantly filled the air, and all chatter ceased.

Brandon's eyes were practically glued to the money!

He clearly hadn't expected that I, the "freeloader" he'd called me, could so casually produce $500,000 in cash.

"I should've charged a million, what a missed opportunity!"

Brandon's eyes darted around, muttering under his breath, as if he'd just lost millions.

Staring at the cash in the case, Brandon unconsciously swallowed, his breathing becoming ragged.

He reached out, trying to close the case.

"Thought you were smart, eh? $280,000 from here will settle the service fees. The extra $220,000 will be for the emotional distress you caused to our club's reputation!"

"Hold on."

I put my hand on the case lid, stopping him.

Brandon instantly grew wary: "What? Trying to back out?"

"You can take the money," I stared at him, my gaze sharp. "But you must sign a receipt, clearly written in black and white."

Serena, beside me, flinched, finally realizing that the situation had spiraled far beyond her control.

She rushed forward, grabbing Brandon's arm, her voice pleading, "Don't sign it! We can't take this money, give it back to her quickly."

"Get lost, you useless thing!" Brandon flung her arm away, glaring at her with disgust. "Money in hand, and you want to give it back? Why? She owes this! Sign it, sign it! No one can deny it in black and white. It's a clean transaction, perfect."

He was completely blinded by greed, unable to listen to any advice.

Snatching a pen and paper from a nearby staff member, he scribbled "Brandon" without a second thought, even adding a red thumbprint.

"Here!" He tossed the receipt to me, then eagerly snapped the case shut and clutched it tightly to his chest.

"Honey, see? I told you I'm good, didn't I? Half a million dollars! This money is going straight into my secret stash! I've been wanting that BMW for ages, but I couldn't justify it. Now I can finally get it!"

Brandon, beaming with pride, hooked his arm through Serena's, his voice sickeningly sweet.

He was completely engrossed in the euphoria of unearned wealth and the anticipation of luxury, a blissful smile plastered across his face.

Just as Brandon pulled Serena, ready to leave, the screech of brakes echoed from outside.

Three pure black executive cars, emblazoned with the "Coastline" emblem, screeched to a halt at the entrance.