Chapter 16

“Got it,” I said, tying on my apron. Sylvia nodded and left. I approached the table, asking, “What can I get for you all?”

Julian had been staring at me since I walked in, and it was starting to get on my nerves. “Julian, isn’t this Serena?”

“Yes, it is,” Jablan answered with an arrogant smile, grabbing the menu. “It’s Serena.” The others exchanged looks, their expressions a mix of surprise, confusion, and doubt. “Order whatever you like. It’s on me,” Julian said, gesturing toward the menu.

As they casually ordered their drinks, I quietly noted their choices and then left to serve them. I came and went countless times, yet I never exchanged a word with Julian. He must have expected me to say something, which was probably why he saved his order for last. But I had no intention of engaging him.

I placed his order on the table and turned to leave.

“Serena,” Julian called out, rising. “Isn’t there anything you want to say to me?”

I turned back, meeting his gaze. “Actually, there is.”

Julian seemed to expect a conciliatory response. “If you’d just stop throwing tantrums, we could go back to how things were. And starting today, you won’t have to do this demeaning job.”

I furrowed my brows. “I want to know when you’re going to pay me back!”

Julian seemed taken aback. “What did you say?”

I stepped closer, my voice steady. “I said, when are you going to pay me back?”

Julian’s expression darkened. “Julian, what money?” His friends kept asking, causing Julian’s expression to darken further.

“How much is it? I’ll cover it for you, Julian,” said the guy sitting next to him. “How much?”

I looked at him calmly. “He owes me 150 thousand dollars. Bank transfer or mobile payment?”

The guy pulled out his phone, but his expression froze when he heard the amount. He stammered, “I–I was in a rush this morning. I don’t have that much on me.” I scoffed.

They were all spoiled rich kids, accustomed to a life of luxury funded by their families. To them, 150 thousand dollars wasn’t a large sum, but expecting them to produce it on the spot was asking too much.

My disdain must have struck a nerve; Julian stood up abruptly. “Serena, are you trying to cause trouble?”

“I’m not causing trouble,” I said coldly, meeting his gaze. “But during the time we were together, you did spend that much of my money.”

Julian’s face turned pale. His pride was clearly wounded, and his expression darkened with anger.

“Looks like you aren’t going to pay me back today,” I muttered, shrugging as I walked over to the bar to collect and deliver takeout. I wasn’t about to stay in the same room as them.