Kevin Quinn's eyes lingered on Kyle with a doubtful glare, his lips curling into a cold sneer. Without sparing a word, he parked his Lamborghini with a flourish and walked into the Five Star Hotel, treating Kyle as though he were invisible.
Kyle's face burned with shame. He had not expected Kevin to dismiss him so bluntly. They entered the private room one after another, and immediately the chatter inside died down. Every classmate turned their heads toward the door.
"Isn't this our class monitor? He's really made it big," someone said quickly, rushing forward. Kevin wore a crisp Armani suit, polished leather shoes, and the Lamborghini key dangled at his waist like a trophy. He stood there radiating success, his presence sharp and commanding.
Soon the attention shifted to Kyle, who walked in behind him. The suit on him was clearly expensive, but the fit sat awkwardly on his frame, drawing puzzled glances.
A classmate smirked. "Kyle, looks like you're doing well too. Maybe you and the class monitor are the ones we should all reserve seats for."
Kevin glanced sideways at Kyle and let out a derisive snort. He did not bother exposing the truth—that Kyle had arrived on an electric bike.
Kyle ignored the comment about the suit. His eyes swept the room, falling on the few attractive women gathered there. Just like in the past, the beauty that stood out most was Lily Cortez. She looked dazzling, every curve enhanced by her sharp business attire, her presence like a ripe fruit that drew men's greedy eyes.
Even Kevin could not resist staring. His expression softened as he approached her, offering a practiced smile. "So it's you, our goddess. It's been so long. Why didn't you call me? Where are you working now?"
Lily smiled faintly, her voice sweet but tinged with shyness. "I'm not as fortunate as you. At least you drive a Lamborghini."
Kevin's eyes lit with interest. She seemed impressed by his car, never mind that he bought it on installments. He felt his chance had come. But before he could speak further, the girls around them cut in with sly grins.
"Don't be fooled, class monitor. Lily's already the Corporate Service Manager of Zinland's biggest investment company—Valeri Conglomerate. Rumor says she'll be promoted to Managing Director soon."
A wave of shock filled the room. Everyone knew how powerful VALERI CONGLOMERATE was, its reach stretching across industries without owning a single factory. The very thought of Lily holding such authority at her age made jaws slack. Whoever won her heart would gain not just beauty but unimaginable resources.
The men swallowed hard, humbled by her presence.
Kyle, who had shown little interest at first, felt something stir in him when he heard the name of the company. After all, VALERI CONGLOMERATE was under his control now. By that truth, Lily was already his subordinate. But could she really hold such a position?
He smiled faintly, his thoughts running, and moved closer to her. He sat down at her side, ready to speak.
Lily's smile faded into a frown. She scanned him up and down with disdain. "Kyle, don't sit here."
Kyle blinked. "Oh? Is this seat taken?" He stood up at once.
"No," she said icily. "I just don't want you beside me. A suit might hide your flaws, but it can't hide your shoes. Did you borrow that outfit?"
Her words cut like knives. At once, eyes turned to Kyle, noticing what they had missed before. The suit was elegant but ill-fitted, yet his footwear was a disgrace—slippers riddled with holes, his big toe poking shamelessly through.
Kyle's heart sank. He had known he should have bought proper shoes. This humiliation was unbearable.
Kevin seized his moment, his laugh cruel and mocking "Lily, you're too sharp. I didn't want to expose him out of pity, but since you did… Everyone, see for yourselves! Kyle showed up on an electric bike, pretending with a Ralph Lauren suit and slippers that should've been burned years ago."
Kevin leaned in, pretending to see through Kyle's pretense. "Did you pick up that suit from a discount rack? The tag's probably still on. Why don't you just return it after this reunion? Save yourself the shame."
The whispers erupted at once. "He really did come on an electric bike."
"Those slippers look like that of a beggar."
"Embarrassing."
The classmates jeered, eager to belittle him before Lily.
Kyle tried to remain composed, but before he could say a word, Megan, his old deskmate stood. Her voice rang out with quiet defiance.
"Enough. We're all classmates. Even if his clothes look strange, do you need to humiliate him like this?"
Megan, with her graceful presence, had always seemed untouchable. Kyle had borrowed her notes countless times in school, and never imagined she would defend him now.
Kevin's face darkened. Another beauty siding with Kyle enraged him. He grabbed Kyle's collar and pulled out his Lamborghini key with a triumphant smirk.
"Megan, are you still defending him? Look closely. These suits cost tens of thousands. Do you really think he can afford them? Everyone knows Kyle has been the live-in son-in-law of the Blackwell family for three years. And yet here he is, pretending in a borrowed Ralph Lauren suit. It's laughable! "
Laughter broke out like a storm.
"Maybe he stole it."
"It doesn't even fit him!"
"A live-in son-in-law pretending to be rich. So pathetic."
"Kyle, stop pretending. Everyone in Zinland knows what you are. A live-in son-in-law. Nothing more."
Kyle shoved Kevin's hand off, his eyes sharp and cold, but Kevin sneered back. "What, you want to hit me? Prove the suit is yours and I'll prostrate before you."
Kyle opened his mouth, but before he could answer, his battered old phone rang. He pulled it out, the sight of it sent the room into wild laughter.
"Look at that relic. Does it even have internet?"
"Three years of call time for ninety-nine bucks, right?"
"Wearing Ralph Lauren suit with that phone? Has he lost his mind?"
The laughter was cruel, filling every corner of the room. Kyle ignored them and pressed answer. On the other end came Rose's sharp, cutting voice. "Kyle, where are you? Why haven't you scrubbed the toilet yet?"
His body went stiff. He had forgotten about that chore.
The mockery grew louder. "The perfect son-in-law. Even at a reunion he's being ordered to clean toilets."
"I'd rather die than be a man like that."
"Pathetic."
Even Megan sighed, her eyes filled with pity. She thought of a nearby neighborhood hiring security guards and considered helping him apply, just so he wouldn't drown completely.
"Get out. Trash like you doesn't belong here," Kevin spat with contempt. He turned quickly to Lily, his tone softening into a fawning smile. "My goddess, don't let such filth ruin your mood. This restaurant is owned by a close friend of my cousin. Speaking of which, you must know my cousin—Tyler Ravenwood. He works at your company. Why don't I do you a favor and have the hotel bring out the best wine?"
Without waiting, he pressed the service bell. A waiter came, only to hesitate. "Sir, the best wine here is quite expensive. I'm afraid…"
Kevin slammed his Lamborghini key on the table with a sharp clatter. "Do we look poor to you? Tyler Ravenwood is my cousin, your boss's close friend. Now bring the wine."
Lily's eyes lit with faint surprise, and Kevin caught it, smugly pretending to be indifferent. He knew he had impressed her tonight.
Kyle watched silently, realizing Kevin and Tyler were of the same rotten breed.
Soon the waiter returned with two bottles, bowing politely. "Sir, the wine is here, but….."
"Shut the fuck up and open it!" Kevin laughed, waving dismissively. "No one goes home sober tonight. This is my toast to all of you."
He raised his glass, then looked at Kyle with scorn. "Kyle, we may be classmates, but can't you see? You're not welcome here. Do you really think you'll drink with us?"