CHAPTER 6

"Let's try something more up to our standards for a change," Kenneth sneered, glancing disdainfully at Caleb.

"There's this new place that opened last weekend, 'The Elite,'" he announced with a wicked gleam in his eyes, deliberately emphasizing the name as if to underscore its exclusivity.

Caleb, usually calm when dealing with Kenneth's taunts, suddenly felt a boost of confidence. The sleek black card in his pocket and the comfort of knowing he had 5 million in his bank account gave him an unspoken sense of power. It was the first time Caleb felt ready to stand up for himself.

"Sure, Kenneth, let's give 'The Elite' a try. But here's the deal—we split the bill right down the middle." His voice carried an unwavering assurance, catching Kenneth off guard.

Kenneth, momentarily knocked off his high horse "Split the bill? Come on, Caleb, are you serious? Can you even cover your share?" he sneered, a hint of uncertainty flickering in his eyes.

Caleb, however, responded with a subtle smile, injecting an unexpected confidence into the atmosphere. "Don't worry, Kenneth. I've got it covered," he affirmed.

Caleb offering to pay briefly silenced Kenneth. The bill at "The Elite" was a expensive, something Kenneth could afford but still unexpected. How could a delivery guy afford it? Why was Caleb so confident? Kenneth wrestled with pride and practicality, driven by the fear of losing to someone he deemed a loser.

A sly grin played on Kenneth's lips as he contemplated the situation.

It might cost him, but the satisfaction of watching Caleb struggle, maybe even doing dishes if he couldn't pay, seemed worth the expense in Kenneth's eyes.

"Alright, it's a deal! Fifty-fifty," Kenneth declared.

"Sounds good to me," Caleb replied casually.

The assembled group could only gaze in astonishment at this unexpected turn of events.

*************

An hour later, they reached "The Elite." Caleb's friends exchanged concerned looks, wondering if he could really afford to split the bill. Whispers circulated among them, acknowledging that the expensive dinner might pose a challenge. Despite their desire to assist, they knew their wallets wouldn't be able to carry the load.

"The Elite" stood tall and elegant, its exterior adorned with glistening lights that created a warm and inviting ambiance. The glass entrance doors hinted at the sophistication within, and the aroma of fine cuisine wafted through the air.

Caleb and his friends couldn't help but stop and gaze.

Tommy leaned in to Jake and murmured, "What's Caleb thinking? Can he actually afford this?"

Jake shrugged, equally puzzled. "No idea. This place is way out of our league, and definitely out of Caleb's league too."

Caleb, catching wind of their hushed conversation, turned with a reassuring smile. "Relax, guys. I've got it covered," he assured them, though the skepticism lingered in their eyes. The trio entered the upscale restaurant, uncertainty hanging in the air.

The moment they stepped into the restaurant, a world of elegance unfolded. The ambient lighting, soft jazz playing in the background, and tasteful decor created an atmosphere of sophistication.

The maitre d'hotel impeccably dressed, greeted them at the entrance. "Good evening, do you have a reservation?" he asked, scanning the group with a forced smile. His gaze lingered on Caleb, dressed in simple and modest attire, earning him a disdainful look.

"Yes, we have a reservation for twenty under the name Ms Banks," Susan confidently replied.

"Ah, yes," the he acknowledged, consulting his chart. "Right this way," he ushered, guiding them through the well-appointed dining area. The plush carpeting underfoot and the gentle murmur of other diners contributed to the refined ambiance.

As they settled into their seats, a waiter presented three distinct menus—bronze, silver, and gold. Each menu represented a tier of dining options, with varying degrees of indulgence.

Kenneth, seizing the opportunity to assert dominance, suggested the silver menu with a subtle smirk. "Let's go with the silver, shall we?"

Susan, visibly irritated by Kenneth's attempt to embarrass Caleb, shot him a disapproving glance. In hushed whispers, she scolded him, "Must you always go out of your way to make others uncomfortable? We're here to enjoy, not to play your games."

Caleb, unfazed by the attempt to humiliate him, maintained his composure. "The Silver one?" Caleb asked, as he looked over all the menu'sonce more.

Kenneth couldn't hide his satisfaction as he observed Caleb perusing the menus. He anticipated Caleb would opt for the bronze, the cheapest option.

"Hm, looks like the silver one is too much for Caleb here. But don't worry, loser, I'm feeling in a good mood—I'll let Caleb off the hook. Let's order from the bronze menu instead. It's cheaper," Kenneth declared, a smirk playing on his face.

As Kenneth prepared to place the order for the bronze menu, Caleb interjected with unexpected confidence. "No, I think we should order from the gold menu. The dishes look much more inviting," he announced, catching everyone at the table off guard, including Kenneth, whose raised eyebrow reflected his confusion.

A hushed silence descended upon the table as Caleb, sporting a subtle but confident smile, took command of the moment. He perused the gold menu with deliberate intent, ordering the most expensive dishes it had to offer, and even added a request for champagne.

Susan, feeling a twinge of concern, leaned in and whispered to Caleb, "Are you sure, I mean..." She hesitated, not wanting to embarrass him by questioning his ability to afford such extravagance. Caleb, however, reassured her with a reassuring grin, "Relax, Susan, and enjoy the meal."

Tracy, who had maintained silence until now, couldn't hold back anymore. "Caleb, seriously? We all know you can't afford anything from that menu. What's this game you're playing?"

Caleb, unperturbed, leaned back with a smirk. "I'm just in the mood for something more enticing. Don't worry, Tracy."

Caleb surveyed the table, noting the doubt etched on the faces of his bullies, especially Kenneth, who seemed to be breaking a sweat. Jake and Tommy, his loyal friends, stared at him in disbelief. Caleb shrugged it off; it was time for a counterattack. After enduring their bullying for so long, it was finally his turn. Kenneth was about to face something he never saw coming.

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