Chapter 73: Defending the Dream

“It’s more than just uncomfortable; it’s demeaning,” Ellis said, referring to Easton. She had never met anyone so irritating, someone who would come to her place and then mock her for being poor.

“That’s how it is,” Maya said, having seen her share of people who look down on others. “People scoff at poverty, not at prostitution. Keep getting used to the real world.”

“I’m already used to it, but you…” Ellis picked up the menu from the table, glancing at the stage performance below. “You’re definitely going to spend a lot tonight! Save some money!”

“I’m not spending money. I’m using a membership card a client gave me. My client owns this place,” Maya explained. She received the card from a client; in their line of work, dealing with high-end clients often meant receiving valuable gifts.

“Then let’s toast to your luck.” Ellis put down the menu and raised her glass, clinking it with Maya’s.

Just then, an ill-timed male voice chimed in. “Ladies, can I get to know you?”

Someone was trying to hit on them, and both women reflexively scanned him. Normally, the success of such an approach depended on a guy’s looks and manners—Maya was quite straightforward about being swayed by appearances. The man who approached them was so average he’d disappear in a crowd; he was not Maya’s type at all. After sizing him up, Maya looked at Ellis, unsurprised by her reaction.

Typically, men approached them to get to know Ellis because she was stunningly beautiful. Even now, impoverished and without Easton’s financial backing, wearing cheap clothes, she still managed to make bargain-bin items look like limited-edition designer gear. Tonight, she was casually sporting wavy long hair, wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans, with a bare face that still glowed attractively. All in all, Ellis was the type who’d look gorgeous in a burlap sack, making Maya feel somewhat inferior. Ellis wasn’t good at dismissing suitors; it was naturally up to Maya to handle it.

Maya smiled politely. “Sorry, we’re not interested in meeting anyone.”

“Coming to a bar and not having a man by your side feels a bit dry!” The guy kept his cool, jokingly adding, “Don’t you miss having a man to pour your drinks?”

“We’re missing a guy who fits my standards of handsome,” Maya said bluntly. In a bar, having a handsome guy around definitely made things more interesting and lively, as opposed to just any regular guy. Otherwise, it’s a strain on the eyes and stomach! Spending any amount of time with a bland guy was less appealing than watching the band members, who were young, good-looking, and clearly college-aged, unlike the man before them.

“Looks don’t pay the bills! Capability does, right?” the man hinted, flaunting his wristwatch.

Maya caught the implied brag immediately and turned to Ellis with a querying look. Good friends have an understanding, and Ellis, catching Maya’s signal, pondered for a moment. “A Rolex Submariner, the green model; those run about $14,000.”

In the past, a $14,000 watch wouldn’t even catch her eye, as her tastes were in the $140,000 range. So, seeing someone flaunt an $11,000 watch as a sign of wealth was almost laughable to her.

Maya laughed on Ellis’s behalf. “We prioritize looks, and then money?”

The guy didn’t mind Maya’s comment and responded with the air of someone who’s seen it all. “You’re young and don’t understand the power of money yet. Give it a few more years, and you’ll see that money can buy love, too.”

In a public place, here to flirt and meet beautiful women, not to create trouble or get angry at rejection, the man, completely rebuffed, simply walked away to find another target.

After sending the man on his way, Maya nudged Ellis with her elbow. “Step up your game; don’t rely on me to fend off these guys while you just stand there silent.”

“Having you handle it is enough,” Ellis responded.

“No, look around at other men more, and you’ll see how foolish it was to hang your hopes on just one.”

“I don’t want men right now. I want money!” The thought of dealing with men seemed troublesome to Ellis; she preferred to stay away. “You just got out of paying Jerry, and now you’re interested in guys?”

“A girl thinks of romance when she’s fed and warm,” Maya stated matter-of-factly. “But my standards haven’t changed.”

“Wealthy and handsome,” Ellis listed Maya’s criteria for a…