Two days later.
Ethan stood inside Crystal Gate Mall again.
Sophia Lin walked beside him, wearing the beige coat he bought her. She still looked slightly shy, but there was something new in her eyes now comfort.
Favorability: +32
They stepped into a luxury watch store.
And that's when a familiar voice sneered
Well, well. If it isn't Ethan.
Ethan turned.
Standing there in a tailored gray suit was Victor Kane, arm wrapped possessively around Lily Morgan's waist.
Lily's eyes widened.
E-Ethan.
Victor looked at Sophia up and down and chuckled.
Trying to rebound already Cute Did you borrow money to impress her
The store staff glanced over.
Sophia's fingers tightened slightly on her bag.
Ethan stayed calm.
Borrow money
He almost laughed.
Victor smirked You know what this place sells The cheapest watch here costs more than your monthly salary.
Ethan walked toward the glass counter.
I'll take that one.
The clerk blinked Sir, that's $38,000.
Victor burst out laughing See I told you
Ethan pulled out his card.
Run it.
Silence.
The machine beeped.
Approved.
Victor's laughter stopped.
[DING!] Amount Spent: $38,000
Cashback Returned: $76,000
Net Profit: +$38,000
Current Balance: $112,400
Ethan didn't even blink.
He turned to Sophia and gently fastened the watch onto her wrist.
It suits you.
Her breath caught.
Victor's face turned red That's impossible. You were broke three days ago
Ethan looked at him calmly.
Three days is enough to change everything
Lily stared at Ethan like she didn't recognize him.
Victor tried to recover Big deal Probably maxed out a credit card.
Ethan faced the clerk again.
That diamond bracelet too.
Sir… that's $120,000.
Wrap it.
Victor's hand tightened.
The transaction went through.
[DING!] Amount Spent: $120,000
Cashback Returned: $240,000
Net Profit: +$120,000
Current Balance: $232,400
Ethan's phone buzzed again.
Victor's confidence finally cracked.
Lily whispered, Victor… maybe we should
Victor snapped, Shut up
Ethan stepped closer.
You said some people are built different, right.
Victor didn't answer.
Ethan's gaze was calm Not angry Not emotional.
Just superior.
Guess you were right.
Victor clenched his teeth and stormed out, dragging Lily with him.
The store staff looked at Ethan like he was royalty.
Sophia looked at him like he was something else entirely.