THE BEGGER BOY IS RICH HEIR

CHAPTER 11

“So, everyone, I think Moonlight is perfect for tonight, don’t you?” He cast a challenging look at Ethan, a glint of mockery in his eyes.

As the group stood outside the campus, Mike folded his arms with a sly grin. 

The name drew a gasp from the group.

Claire frowned, voicing what everyone was thinking.

“Moonlight? Isn’t that… a bit much, Mike? That place is ridiculously expensive.”

Mike chuckled, feigning kindness.

“Oh, come on, Claire. It’s not a big deal. If Ethan finds it a bit too pricey, I don’t mind splitting the bill with him.” He turned to Ethan, smirking. “What do you say, Ethan? You up for it?”

Ethan’s eyes sparkled with a calm confidence that took Mike by surprise.

“Sure, Mike. That’s the deal.”

Mike’s grin faded for a second before he forced it back.

He had been counting on Ethan backing out, not agreeing.

“Well… alright then! But remember, this isn’t just some fast-food joint. Dinner there can easily cost a thousand bucks.”

Ethan shrugged nonchalantly.

“I’m aware. I’m looking forward to it.”

Claire watched the exchange, clearly uncomfortable.

She leaned over to Ethan and whispered, “Are you sure about this? Moonlight isn’t cheap… and Mike’s only trying to provoke you.”

Ethan smiled at her reassuringly.

“I appreciate your concern, Claire. But I think it’s time I finally join a class event. I’ll cover my part.”

Mike clapped his hands together, breaking the moment.

“Great! Well then, what are we waiting for?” He gave Ethan a smug look. “Let’s see how deep those pockets go, Ethan.”

As they arrived at Moonlight Restaurant, the sleek, polished marble entrance and glittering chandeliers overhead caught everyone’s attention.

Mike turned to Ethan with a mocking smile.

“You know, Ethan, if you’re having second thoughts, we could always go somewhere more… affordable.”

Ethan shook his head, his voice steady. “No need. I’m decided.”

Claire raised an eyebrow at the banter, clearly uneasy. “This is really unnecessary, Mike. Moonlight’s too much.”

Mike laughed, shrugging it off.

“Oh, come on, Claire. If Ethan feels it’s too much, we can always go somewhere more affordable.” He paused, turning to Ethan with a taunting look. “Unless… you’re having second thoughts?”

Ethan met Mike’s gaze steadily. “No second thoughts. I’m looking forward to it.”

Mike’s grin slipped for a moment.

He’d expected Ethan to back down, and now he was in too deep to admit he’d been bluffing. “Alright, then!” He let out a forced laugh.

“But, you know, the place is pricey—easily a thousand bucks for a decent dinner.”

They stepped into the restaurant, and the lush decor and ambient lighting enveloped them in sophistication.

The restaurant manager greeted them warmly, bowing slightly.

“Good evening. Will you be dining in the hall, or would you like a private room?”

Mike saw his chance and jumped in before Ethan could respond. “We’ll need a private room, of course,” he said, with a mocking glance in Ethan’s direction. “After all, Ethan here seems ready to go all out.”

Ethan smiled, unfazed. “A private room? No....”

Mike mocked, "Hey Ethan, you want us to have dinner at the lobby? Please, we have beautiful girls like Melissa and Claire here, can't you be generous?"

Ethan smiled, "Generous? Of course I will be...I mean, we can't just settle for a private room..."

Mike raised an eyebrow, his expression one of barely concealed irritation. “Oh? What are you thinking, then?”

Ethan kept his voice calm. “I think the supreme VIP room will be perfect.”

A hush fell over the group, and even the host seemed momentarily taken aback.

The supreme VIP room at Moonlight was legendary, reserved for only the wealthiest clients and coming with an extravagant price tag—at least $10,000 for the evening.

The words landed like a bombshell. Mike’s jaw dropped slightly, and he struggled to recover his composure. “The… supreme VIP room? Ethan, that room is at least ten thousand dollars!”