THE BEGGER BOY IS RICH HEIR

CHAPTER 10

Melissa’s mocking smirk widened as she crossed her arms, glancing at Ethan with a mixture of disdain and amusement.

 “You know, Ethan, you’re actually considering joining us? I mean, since when have you ever gone to a group event? Oh, right,” she sneered, “you’d rather save your pennies and skip out.”

Ethan met her gaze with calm amusement. 

“Maybe I’ve decided it’s time to change things up.”

Just then, Mike swaggered over, flashing Melissa a possessive grin before casting a condescending look in Ethan’s direction.

 Mike was the reason Melissa had dumped Ethan, and he was determined to remind Ethan of it every chance he got.

“Oh, so this is the dinner everyone’s talking about?” Mike said, smirking. 

“Well, count me in.” His gaze flickered toward Claire with a glint of interest. 

“Can’t let the most beautiful girl in class be left with… undesirable company.”

Claire raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by his insinuation, but Mike wasn’t done. He turned to Ethan with a mocking chuckle. 

 “But… I gotta say, Ethan, if you don’t have the funds, maybe you should sit this one out. Don’t want you blowing your monthly budget on one meal.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk creeping onto his face. 

“Who says I can’t afford dinner?” he shot back, his tone steady.

Mike let out a loud laugh, looking to Melissa as if seeking confirmation. 

“Oh, this is good. Now even a beggar thinks he’s got the cash to dine with us? Alright, tell you what—why don’t you just pay for the whole group, Ethan? Show us all how much money you’re really packing.”

Melissa snickered, clearly entertained by the idea. “Yeah, come on, Ethan,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery. 

“Let’s see just how much you’re willing to spend. Since you’re suddenly so eager to join in on things.” She glanced at Claire, raising an eyebrow as if to say, Can you believe this?

Ethan met their taunts with a calm, knowing smile. He took a moment, letting the silence build, then shrugged casually. 

“Sure. I’ll cover dinner for everyone.”

Mike’s laughter died instantly, his confident grin replaced by a flicker of surprise. He quickly tried to cover it up with a scoff.

 “Wait—you’re serious?” He rolled his eyes, trying to play it off. 

“What, you’re taking us to the corner fast food joint or something? Because unless you’re serving up a round of dollar-menu fries, I don’t buy it.”

Claire’s frown deepened, and she shot Mike an irritated look. “Honestly, Mike, that’s enough. You’re being rude.”

But Ethan just looked at Mike calmly, ignoring the insults. “I meant what I said. It’s my treat tonight. You don’t have to believe me.”

Mike raised an eyebrow, giving Ethan a look of exaggerated disbelief. 

“Wow, so now Ethan’s the big spender. What happened? You find a winning lottery ticket in that trash bag you’re always hauling around?” 

He looked around, smirking as a few of their classmates chuckled under their breath. 

“Look, maybe save yourself some pride and sit this one out, alright?”

Ethan merely shrugged, unbothered by Mike’s digs. Let him talk, he thought, keeping his face neutral. 

He didn’t need to justify himself to anyone—especially not Mike.

Claire, catching the calmness in Ethan’s gaze, softened a little. “Well, I think it’s really nice of you, Ethan,” she said, ignoring Mike completely. 

“You’re welcome to join us, and if you’re offering to pay… I’m sure we’ll all appreciate it.”

Melissa scoffed, crossing her arms. 

“Well, if Ethan’s offering to cover it, then I’m ordering the most expensive thing on the menu,” she sneered, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

 “Hope you’ve got enough in your piggy bank for that, Ethan.”

Ethan chuckled, his voice tinged with amusement. 

“Order whatever you want, Melissa. Like I said, it’s on me. And who knows? Maybe it’ll be a nice change from all the cheap stuff you’re used to.”

Melissa’s smile faltered, a faint blush of annoyance crossing her face. “Cheap? I only expect quality,” she retorted, her voice slightly more defensive.

“Oh, I’m sure you do.” Ethan’s tone was smooth, and he gave her a look that hinted he knew exactly what her “quality” actually looked like.

Mike, sensing he was losing control of the conversation, jumped back in, leaning close to Ethan with a smug grin.

 “Look, don’t think you’re impressing anyone. It’s cute you’re trying to act all generous, but just remember you can’t bluff your way into money you don’t have. I mean, you couldn’t even keep Melissa happy, and that’s saying something.”

Ethan laughed, unfazed.

 “Right, because you’re so great at keeping everyone happy, aren’t you, Mike?” His eyes flicked to Claire. 

“Or maybe just interested in keeping your options open?”

Mike’s face twisted for a moment before he forced a cocky smile. 

“Hey, I just know what I want. Unlike some people, I don’t waste time on things I can’t afford.”

Ethan chuckled. 

“Well, that’s probably a good thing. I doubt you’d actually enjoy a real meal without someone holding your hand through it.”

Claire stepped in, her voice firm. 

“Alright, that’s enough. Mike, if you don’t want Ethan at dinner, then don’t come. No one’s forcing you.”

Mike’s face darkened as he turned to Claire, trying to recover his cool. 

“Oh, I’m coming. Just curious to see if Ethan’s new act can hold up.”

Ethan smirked, catching the flicker of doubt in Mike’s eyes.

 “Oh, I’ll be there, and so will everyone else. Let’s see if you’re still talking like this by the end of the night, Mike.”

Mike scoffed, hiding his discomfort. 

“Whatever. It’s just going to be hilarious watching you flounder. Don’t go asking for help when you realize you can’t afford it.”

Ethan simply shrugged, giving him a look of mild amusement. 

“Don’t worry. I’ve got it covered. Just make sure you bring your appetite—and maybe a little humility.”

Mike’s smile wavered, clearly thrown by Ethan’s confidence, but he quickly hid it, trying to keep his bravado intact. 

“Fine, you want to play this game, Ethan? Go ahead. But remember, you’re not fooling anyone.”

With that, he turned on his heel, grabbing Melissa’s arm as he walked away, muttering under his breath. 

Claire watched them leave, shaking her head in disappointment.

She turned back to Ethan, her expression thoughtful.

 “You know… I don’t think I’ve ever seen you stand up to him like that. It was… kind of impressive.”

Ethan shrugged, a slight smile on his face. “Sometimes people need a reality check.”

Claire smiled, clearly pleased. “Well, I’m glad you’re coming tonight. Don’t let people like Mike and Melissa bother you.”