Chapter 103: Looking Like Peasants

Charlie, humble and servile, surreptitiously stole glances at Jared. Jared, having long since noticed, imperceptibly waved him away. Charlie's departure sparked an uproar.

“Whoa! It’s Louis XIII! A hundred thousand dollars a bottle!” “I can’t believe I’m drinking such expensive wine!” “This is incredible! Thanks to Mr. Carlson!” “I wouldn’t dare; a sip is a month’s salary!”

The group crowded around the two bottles of Louis XIII, eyes wide. Their working-class backgrounds meant this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even Zayne, with his six-figure salary, found the price extravagant. He couldn't, however, show his eagerness.

[Remove the promotional text here]

“Enough,” Zayne announced, feigning nonchalance. “It’s just Louis XIII. I drink this often with a friend. We even drink Rémy Martin!”

This was a lie. He couldn't afford such luxury.

“What does your friend do, Mr. Carlson?” someone asked. “He must be incredibly wealthy, especially considering his connections with Tommy Lewis!”

Zayne stammered, inventing a friend in the import/export business who was always abroad. The crowd lauded him.

After uncorking the bottles, Zayne poured everyone a small cup—except Jared. He hadn’t forgotten Jared's earlier glare.

Jared, unfazed, watched the others with amusement.

“It’s late; let’s go home, Hilda,” Jared said.

Hilda, checking the time, nodded. Zayne didn't mind their departure.

“You shouldn’t stay too late, Maria,” Jared reminded Maria. “Mr. Saunders will worry.”

“That’s none of your business!” Maria retorted. “I’ll stay as late as I want!”

“Just send your girlfriend home, Jared,” Zayne added. “What a busybody!”

Jared said nothing more.

When Jared and Hilda arrived home, Chloe was waiting for Hilda in the park. Seeing them, she chuckled. “You should have told me you were with Jared, Hilda! I worried unnecessarily!”