CHAPTER EIGHT

Ethan trailed behind the group as they made their way into the Imperial KTV. The luxurious ambiance of the venue was a sharp contrast to the dive bars and budget karaoke joints he was used to. The plush red carpets, golden chandeliers, and private rooms with state-of-the-art sound systems screamed opulence. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of irony as he walked through the place he now owned, a secret he was still wrapping his head around.

“Come on, Ethan, don’t lag behind!” Megan called, pulling him out of his thoughts. She looped her arm through his, a determined smile on her face. “I’m glad you decided to come. Tonight, we’re just going to have fun, okay?”

Ethan nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, sure, Meg. Whatever you say.”

They entered one of the private rooms where the others were already settling in, and Nathan, who was leaning back in an oversized leather chair, spotted them. His lips curled into a sneer.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the karaoke king himself,” Nathan mocked, loud enough for everyone to hear. “I didn’t think you’d show up, Reed. No ramen deliveries tonight?”

The room erupted in laughter, the sound grating against Ethan’s nerves. He took a deep breath, trying to ignore the cruel chuckles that echoed around him. Megan shot Nathan a glare, but he shrugged, his grin widening.

“Lighten up, Megan. It’s just a joke,” Nathan said, leaning forward with a smirk. “We’re all friends here, right?”

Ethan glanced around the room, his gaze landing on Samantha, who was sitting across from Nathan. She looked away, her posture stiff. It was clear she didn’t want to be associated with him in front of this crowd. The sting of her indifference cut deeper than he expected.

“Yeah, friends,” Ethan muttered under his breath, taking a seat in the corner.

Nathan, sensing Ethan’s discomfort, turned to the large tank of fengshui fish behind him. “You know, these fish are incredibly rare,” he announced, his voice carrying a hint of self-importance. “Each one costs thousands of dollars. They’re supposed to bring good luck and fortune.”

He glanced at Ethan, his eyes gleaming with malice. “Maybe you should take one home, Reed. Could turn your luck around.”

The room filled with snickers as Nathan’s friends joined in the mockery. Ethan clenched his fists, willing himself to stay calm. He was tired of being their punching bag, but he also knew that losing his temper would only give them more ammunition.

Samantha, who had been watching the interaction with a faint frown, suddenly spoke up. “Nathan, give it a rest. We’re here to have fun, not to bully people.”

Nathan blinked, momentarily taken aback by her comment. “I’m just messing around, Sam. Don’t be so uptight.”

Samantha shrugged, her eyes flicking to Ethan briefly before she turned back to Nathan. “Whatever. Just don’t ruin the night.”

Nathan grinned, clearly pleased that she was talking to him. “Anything for you, Sam.”

Just then, the door swung open, and Blake Donovan strolled in, a confident smile on his face. His presence instantly commanded attention. Tall and well-dressed, Blake exuded an air of wealth and privilege that made everyone in the room sit up straighter.

“Hey, everyone!” Blake greeted, his eyes scanning the room. He paused when he spotted Ethan, a look of mild curiosity crossing his face before he turned back to Nathan. “What’s going on?”

“Blake, glad you could make it,” Nathan said, standing up to give his friend a hearty handshake. “We were just about to start. You know everyone here, right?”

Blake nodded, his gaze moving to Samantha, who smiled at him warmly. “I think so. Well, except for...” He glanced at Ethan, raising an eyebrow. “I don’t think we’ve met.”

Nathan’s grin widened. “Oh, that’s just Ethan. He’s kind of like our mascot. You know, the underdog story.”

Blake chuckled, extending his hand. “Nice to meet you, Ethan.”

Ethan hesitated, then shook his hand, feeling the weight of the room’s attention on him. “Likewise.”

Nathan, sensing an opportunity to amuse the group, leaned closer to Blake. “Did I ever tell you about the time Ethan here delivered condoms to his own ex-girlfriend?”

Blake blinked, then laughed, clearly thinking it was a joke. “Seriously?”

“Oh, it’s true,” Nathan insisted, his voice gleeful.