After returning from the Michelin dinner, Chloe went back to her dorm, while Grayson sat alone in the school's grove.
Today was, in a real sense, Grayson's first true moment of showing off, and he felt great—especially when he and Chloe were seated in the VIP area. Grayson had noticed Sienna's gaze lingering on them, and it was full of complicated emotions. He thought, "Heh heh, today is only the beginning, Sienna—just wait and see."
Meanwhile, Sienna had also returned to her dorm, feeling thoroughly vexed. But the one most upset today wasn't her—it was Sebastian. His plan had been perfect: pick Sienna up in his new car, take her to the Michelin restaurant, and, immersed in that luxury and romance, whisk her away to a hotel room. Who knew such a mishap would occur midway! Instead of enjoying a happy dinner, Sienna had left seething with humiliation. Sebastian dared not mention the hotel plan again; in the end, he could only drive her back to campus.
The first thing Sienna did upon reaching the dorm was hunt down Chloe. They didn't share the same room, so she dawdled until she reached Chloe's door. Since their fallout in class over Grayson, the two hadn't spoken at all.
Just then, Chloe returned to her dorm and called, "Girls, come quick—I brought you some late‑night snacks!" In her hands were the leftovers from the Michelin dinner, packed up. Grayson had ordered so much that they couldn't finish half of it; dishes they hadn't even touched would have cost over two hundred dollars apiece. Chloe thought it a pity to waste them, so she brought them back for her roommates.
"Wow—Michelin‑level food! Chloe, you're the best!" The roommates, all food lovers, pounced like hungry wolves, their eyes lighting up at the sight of a Michelin takeaway.
"Sienna."
Sienna, bold as ever, stood at the door and called out her name.
"Oh, right, Sienna—you posted photos of yourself at the Michelin in the class group. Chloe just came back too; you two didn't go together, did you?" someone asked.
Sienna's face flushed; her heart fluttered with anxiety. She worried Chloe might spill the story of the restaurant incident and embarrass her all over again. Luckily, Chloe wasn't petty—she just nodded and let the matter drop.
"Are you looking for me?" Chloe's tone was stiff; they used to be friends, but now their relationship was strained.
"Yes. Come out for a moment—I want to ask you something," Sienna whispered.
"If it's something you can say here, say it," Chloe replied.
"Oh, don't be like that—come on out. We're besties, after all." Sienna forced a conciliatory smile and shook Chloe's arm. To her credit, Sienna was quick on her feet—one moment enemies, the next, fast friends again.
They moved to a quieter spot in the corridor.
"Chloe, today you and Grayson went to the Michelin—who paid?" Sienna asked, smiling sweetly.
"Grayson did," Chloe replied, silently thinking, You knew I'd ask this.
"How did Grayson suddenly get money?" Sienna focused all her attention on Chloe, afraid to miss a single detail.
"Why do you care?" Chloe sneered internally.
"Just asking, just showing I care. We used to date; though we broke up, I still have feelings for him. I just want to check in." Sienna's words sounded so pleasant, but Chloe inwardly scoffed: Where's this concern when you were humiliating him in class when Sebastian came for you?
"Come on, Chloe—be a good sister and tell me," Sienna pressed, leaning against Chloe as if in their old familiar closeness.
Chloe was gentle by nature and they had been friends once, so she softened and told her. "I already told you—he won a prize."
"A prize? How much?" Sienna asked eagerly.
Indeed, Chloe's guess in the restaurant had been right—Grayson must have hit the lottery. Otherwise, where would he have such money?
"One hundred thousand."
Chloe said, "But please don't bother him. Grayson's had a hard time—his family is poor, he's always lacking, so it's just extra support."
"Don't worry, Chloe. I won't bother him." Sienna's smile bloomed like a flower. "I'm only concerned—after all, I'm his ex‑girlfriend."
Though she said that, back in her dorm, Sienna's heart pounded with excitement. One hundred thousand in cash! Even after spending twenty thousand at the Michelin, he still had eighty thousand left. If only she'd known he'd win, she thought in regret, she would've delayed breaking up with him! According to Grayson's character, if they were still dating, he'd surely have spent ninety percent of that on her—he had treated her so well before. She remembered clearly how he'd carried her clothes to the hospital late at night, and so on. If he could spend twenty thousand to treat Chloe at a Michelin, he would have spent eighty thousand on her—because she was the woman he had loved! Perhaps he still loved her now. No—rather, she was certain of it. The thought made Sienna's lips curl into a triumphant smile and her eyes darken with plotting.
The next day was light on classes. Grayson ate in the canteen and joined the crowd as he left. At that moment, he heard someone call his name from behind.
"Grayson!"
He turned and, among the throng, spotted Sienna.
It was rare to see her alone; ever since their breakup, she and Sebastian had been inseparable. Yet here she was, by herself—it surprised Grayson.
Sienna pushed through the crowd and quickly reached him. "Oh, what a coincidence!" she cooed, adopting an affectionate tone.
"Is there something you need?" Grayson asked warily; since their split, she had treated him with contempt, almost like an enemy. Today's friendliness felt off.
"Why does there have to be a reason? Can't I just see you? We were once a couple, you know." Sienna pouted, sounding petulant.
"Well, if there's nothing, I'll be off." Grayson wouldn't fall for it—he began to step away.
Sienna's expression changed instantly. She stamped her foot and muttered, "This guy's getting cocky!" She had expected that a bit of sweet talk would make him obedient as a kitten. After all, she thought she knew Grayson so well—that he loved her like a servant adored his queen. Yet he simply walked away.
"Grayson!"
Suddenly Sienna screamed at the top of her lungs, startling the students in the crowd. It was peak dining hour.
Everyone turned to watch. Sienna unleashed her fury: "You, Grayson, you heartless man! Do you have any loyalty?! Back then I didn't care that you were poor—I didn't care you had no money. So many people courted me, but I chose you. When we were together, I cared for you down to the smallest detail, I looked after you in every way. I turned up my nose at rich heirs who came for me in their luxury cars, yet I was happy to walk the campus with you step by step! We could only afford a hundred‑dollar motel when we went to a hotel—I didn't care. I got pregnant for you and went through the abortion alone—and I never once blamed you! But what about now? You dumped me and won't even spare me a glance! Grayson, are you even a man?! I loved you so much, and now you've thrown me away like a rag!"
Tears brimmed in her eyes as she bellowed like a heroine in a soap opera, her voice cracking with emotion.