**3**
Chloe laughed. “It’s fine if they’re from the same school!”
I nodded. “Whatever. The more, the merrier. One more person means I can spend another hundred thousand. Worth it. Count the number of people, and we’ll hand out the gift envelopes later.”
Chloe thumped her chest. “With that humble–bragging tone, consider it handled!”
That evening, the yacht was brightly lit and buzzing with activity.
I stood on the deck, holding a glass of champagne, gazing into the distance, and sighed deeply. “I used to only think making money was hard. Now I realize spending money is even
harder.“‘
A sarcastic voice drifted over. “A country bumpkin, no matter how dressed up, is still a country bumpkin. What are you trying to prove?”
That familiar voice.
I turned around and saw my high school nemesis, Tiffany Woods.
Tiffany came from a wealthy family and was always the center of attention in class. She
looked down on “poor people” like me, so she’d bully me constantly.
<
10:50
Sometimes she’d corner me in the restroom, sometimes she’d rip my test papers,
sometimes she’d throw my backpack in the water.
I always endured it.
Because my mom used to say, “Child, our family has no backing. We came from the countryside. Just bear with it. Studying hard is the most important thing.”
What could I do?
When I couldn’t bear it anymore, I just endured it more.
But my endurance only led to Tiffany’s bullying escalating.
How did Chloe invite that menace?
“What’s wrong? Did you win the lottery?”
I eyed her. “Yeah, are you jealous?”
I subtly looked her over, then casually remarked, “Your bracelet looks pretty expensive,
doesn’t it?”
She preened like a peacock. “Of course! This bracelet is a limited edition.”
My bad, I had one too. Just the genuine article.
Of course, I rented it.
But the cost of renting it for one day was enough to buy that bracelet.
My heart squeezed, like taking a sip of soda straight from the fridge. A sharp pang hit
me, then a wave of pure relief.
But then I thought, this isn’t my money. Why should I feel a pang?
I deliberately rotated my wrist. “Ugh, why does my hand feel so sore?”
Chloe appeared at just the right moment. “Oh my god, why are there two identical
<
10:50 Thu, 3 Jul, O
bracelets?”
ཊཱི 100%L
Chloe’s loud voice attracted a crowd.
I put on an innocent act. “I don’t know! Maybe mine’s a fake? When I flew on a private jet to pick it up a while ago, the sales associate told me it was one–of–a–kind in the world.”
Chloe and I played along. “You know, high–end knock–offs are getting really good these days!”
Everyone’s eyes weren’t blind; they could tell the real thing from the fake at a glance.
Under everyone’s scornful gazes, Tiffany ran away with her tail between her legs.
I figured she wouldn’t dare show her face in public for a long time.
Spending several million to get my revenge was definitely worth it.
As for why I was wearing *that* bracelet? Coincidence?
No way.
If I hadn’t done my research beforehand, I wouldn’t have gone to such lengths for this
stunt.
The way she humiliated me back then, I was going to make her embarrass herself in front
of everyone now.
“Smiling so happily? Did you find some money?”
A familiar voice came from not far away.
That voice.
My scalp tightened.
Damon Thorne emerged from the shadows, looking at me with a half–smile. “You spent millions renting a bracelet just to show off?”
<
Oh, crap.
Was he here to settle accounts?
Didn’t he say I could spend the half a billion however I wanted?
Why was he coming back to haunt me now?
“Good evening, Boss.
He glanced around, a slight curl of his lips. “So this is how you spend money, Riley Morgan. I’m impressed. You used to be so timid and frugal, and now with half a billion, you’ve completely let loose.”
My tongue slipped. “It’s all thanks to you, Boss!”
He shot me a side–eye.
I quickly corrected myself. “No, no, Boss, I’m just diligently spending money to meet your
expectations!”
He looked at me quietly, then said, “Just be careful with that bracelet. Don’t scratch or bump it. And remember to return it when you’re done.”
“Yes, sir!”
Seeing that Damon wasn’t leaving, my smile became a little strained. “Boss, it’s getting
late?”
