Ethan’s eyes narrowed as he refused the bill.
“I’m not here for your charity. I came to make a withdrawal.”
The guard snorted, pulling back the ten dollars and pocketing it with exaggerated slowness.
“Right. Then maybe try the ATM outside, buddy.”
Ethan’s lips curled into a tight smile as he met the guard’s gaze head-on.
“And what if I told you I’m here to withdraw one million dollars?”
For a moment, the guard looked taken aback, then burst into laughter that drew the attention of a few onlookers.
“One million?” he repeated, struggling to contain his amusement.
“You’re joking, right?”
Ethan’s expression remained calm, but there was fire in his eyes.
“Is there a reason why that’s so hard for you to believe?”
The guard snorted, his laughter bordering on scorn.
“Because I saw you pull up on that rusty scooter outside,” he replied, his voice dripping with condescension.
“One million dollars? That’s a good one. Do you think we’re all idiots here?”
Ethan’s face reddened, and he could feel his patience wearing thin.
“I’m a client here, and I expect to be treated with respect. Are you suggesting that people who ride scooters can’t have money?”
“Look, boy,” the guard said, shaking his head, “we get people like you all the time. Coming in here with big stories and empty pockets. What are you gonna say next? That you’re some secret millionaire? You think you’re the first joker to walk in here with a fairytale?”
Ethan could feel a crowd gathering around them, whispers and amused glances flickering his way.
The guard’s words cut deeper than he wanted to admit.
Does he think I’m some kind of beggar? Some fraud looking for a handout?
The humiliation stung, but he held his ground.
“What gives you the right to treat me like this?” Ethan demanded, his voice low but laced with anger.
The guard shrugged, clearly unbothered.
“Right? Well, let’s see.” He looked him up and down with a smirk.
“It’s just obvious. People like you walk in here all the time, looking for a quick score, pretending you’re someone you’re not. We’ve got to deal with you guys like clockwork. Bet you don’t even have fifty bucks in your account.”
Just then, the commotion caught the attention of the bank manager, a man with a stern face and sharp eyes who approached, looking less than pleased.
“What’s going on here?” he asked, his voice cold.
The guard straightened, pointing at Ethan with a smirk.
“This guy was causing a scene, sir. Claims he’s here to withdraw a million dollars,” he said, his voice dripping with disbelief.
“More likely, he’s here to beg for money—or worse, try to take it. I’ve seen his type before.”
The manager’s frown deepened as he looked from Ethan to the guard, clearly displeased with the spectacle.
“A beggar? Are you accusing this man of trying to steal?”
Ethan shot a furious glare at the guard.
“I just came here to withdraw my one million dollars. But you guys judge won’t let me enter until a man show up in a suit and tie?”
The manager, an experienced man who had seen many different types of clients, turned his gaze back to Ethan with a more discerning look.
Could he be telling the truth? the manager wondered.
Some of the wealthiest clients he knew didn’t flaunt their riches in designer clothes and flashy cars.
“Are you saying you want to withdraw… one million dollars?” he asked cautiously.
“Yes,” Ethan replied without hesitation, his voice unwavering.
The manager’s eyes widened slightly, surprised by the firmness in Ethan’s tone.
“That’s a substantial… amount, sir,” he said carefully.
“Withdrawals of that size require advance notice—it typically takes about three days to prepare such a transaction.”
Ethan’s face tightened in frustration, and he reached into his pocket, producing a sleek gold card that gleamed in his hand.
He held it up for the manager to see, his expression hard. “And even with this card… I still need to wait three days?”
The manager’s eyes widened in shock, recognizing the exclusive gold card immediately.
It was a card only issued to high-net-worth individuals, those with substantial financial assets and significant influence.
The bank manager felt a shiver of realization wash over him; Ethan wasn’t just anybody.
But the guard beside him, who clearly had no clue about the significance of the card, burst into laughter.
“Oh, come on!” the guard jeered.
“What is that, some kind of toy? Never seen a card like that in my life. What did you do, order it online? Honestly, you’re really working hard to sell this little act. Next thing you’ll tell us, you’re secretly the CEO of some billion-dollar company.” He sneered, leaning closer.
“Do yourself a favor and drop the act. We all know you’re just here to waste everyone’s time.”
The manager’s patience snapped.
Without hesitation, he raised his hand and delivered a sharp slap across the guard’s face, the sound echoing in the silent bank lobby.
The guard staggered back, clutching his cheek, his face a mixture of shock and pain. “S-sir?” he stammered, looking at the manager in disbelief.
CHAPTER 8The guard stood there, still rubbing his reddened cheek, staring at the manager in shock and confusion. “Sir… why did you slap me? He’s just some nobody on a cheap scooter bike!”The manager’s eyes narrowed, his expression darkening with each word. He glanced out the glass doors at the sleek, streamlined scooter parked outside. Then, without warning, he delivered another stinging slap to the guard’s face.“Are you blind, or just incredibly stupid?” the manager snapped, his voice dripping with disdain. “That ‘cheap scooter’ you’re so eager to mock is made of carbon fiber! Do you have any idea what that means?”The guard’s eyes went wide, struggling to grasp the manager’s words. “Carbon fiber?” he echoed, his voice faint.“Yes, carbon fiber!” The manager shook his head, his voice laced with contempt. “That’s not some regular run-down scooter from a junkyard. That machine costs at least a hundred thousand dollars!”The guard’s mouth fell open, and he stammered, “A hundred
Ethan stepped out of the bank, feeling the weight of his worn bag filled with cash. Just as he climbed onto his carbon-fiber scooter, his phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he saw it was his roommate.“Hey, Ethan, where are you?” his roommate asked. “Class started, and the professor’s already taken attendance. You know how he gets.”Ethan’s heart dropped as he checked the time. He’d completely forgotten his lecture in the commotion at the bank. “I’m on my way. I’ll be there in a few minutes,” he replied, kicking his scooter into gear and racing toward the college.He arrived at the classroom, slightly out of breath, his bag slung over his shoulder. As he stepped in, every head in the room turned to him. At the front of the room, Professor Whitmore, a man with a perpetual scowl and sharp eyes, paused his lecture, his lips curling into a condescending smile.“Well, well,” Professor Whitmore sneered, eyeing Ethan. “Look who decided to join us. The class’s star latecomer! We’re s
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
“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.
The manager nodded, smiling politely. “Indeed, sir. The supreme VIP room offers a truly exclusive experience.”Mike forced a laugh, trying to mask his shock. “Ethan, are you sure? I mean, that’s… a bit excessive, don’t you think?”Ethan gave him a cool look. “You suggested the best, didn’t you, Mike? I’m just making sure we get the full experience.”Mike, left with no way out, forced a smile. “Alright, then. Let’s do it.”Other students also cheered as they were getting a free treat in the most expensive place.As they followed the manager toward the supreme VIP room, Mike’s mind raced.He’d wanted to embarrass Ethan, but it was quickly becoming clear that he’d underestimated him.As they entered the Supreme VIP room, eyes shifted toward Ethan in surprise.It was rare for anyone to casually suggest going to such a high-class area, especially for someone like Ethan, who kept a low profile.But here he was, looking completely unbothered.Mike scoffed, watching Ethan with suspicion.He m
The restaurant buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses.For the first time in years, Ethan felt like he was part of something special.He glanced around the table, enjoying the moment. His friends wore wide smiles, and even the air felt lighter, but he couldn’t ignore Mike's silence.It seemed out of place among the laughter and cheers, and his pale face contrasted sharply with everyone else’s rosy cheeks.“Hey, Mike, you doing okay?” Ethan asked, trying to keep his voice light.Mike glanced at Ethan, attempting a smile that fell flat.“Yeah… just… a little tired.” His voice was low, his eyes darting back to his phone. He’d been busy tapping away, hardly looking at his meal.One of the guys nudged him, laughing.“Mike, you’re missing out, man! This steak is the best I’ve had in years.”Mike forced a chuckle. “I’m fine. Just, uh… sorting out some stuff.”In truth, Mike was on his phone, sending out desperate messages to some friends.Hey, buddy, can you lend me a bit? Just fifty or s
The restaurant fell silent as the stacks of crisp bills spilled out from Ethan's shabby, worn-out bag.The money was piled high, neatly arranged in rubber-banded bundles, each bundle worth a small fortune.Gasps filled the room as his classmates stared, mouths agape, at the unexpected display of wealth.Mike was the first to break the silence, his face twisted in disbelief and anger.“That… that must be stolen!” he sneered, pointing a trembling finger at Ethan. “There’s no way you’d have that kind of money. Who’d you rob, huh?”Ethan tilted his head, his expression calm and amused.“Stolen? Really, Mike? Why don’t you call the police, then? They can come here and verify it. I’d be happy to cooperate.”Mike’s sneer faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, putting on a brave face.“Oh, don’t get cocky. Just because you managed to get your hands on a pile of cash doesn’t mean you’re anyone important.”“Funny,” Ethan replied with a smirk. “I could say the same about you.How’s it
Ethan after paying the bills, trying to ignore the curious stares and whispers. He’d expected a reaction, of course, but not the level of attention he was now getting.The moment they walked out of the restraunt, his classmates swarmed him.“Ethan, where’d you get all that cash?” one of them asked, leaning forward eagerly.“Yeah, man,” another chimed in, “You’ve been splurging like crazy. Did your family hit the jackpot or something?”Ethan chuckled, scratching the back of his neck.“Not exactly the family… Just me. I, uh, I won the lottery.”Gasps and murmurs spread through the room like wildfire.Everyone was either shocked or impressed, and a few classmates even looked a little jealous.Ethan kept a casual smile on his face, but he could feel their eyes on him, probing, questioning.He wasn’t sure how long they’d buy the story, but for now, it seemed to be working.Claire approached him cautiously, her face lighting up with a gentle smile.“Wow, Ethan, that’s… amazing. I’m happy fo