Chapter 148: Give Us Ten Bottles
Lincoln, in front of everyone, ordered a watch costing over two hundred thousand. He even paid for it, leaving only delivery to await. Envy immediately resurfaced in the onlookers' gazes. They assumed his wealth was genuine, believing he'd been fooled about the watch being a counterfeit.
Lincoln, however, breathed a sigh of relief, having successfully maintained his image of affluence. Jared chuckled softly, noticing his reaction. Online purchases are easily canceled; Jared could simply void the order without financial penalty. Yet, he chose to continue the game.
The watch incident became a minor episode, having no impact on Lincoln's perceived status. Lincoln then turned to Jared with a provocative look, saying, "Earlier, you claimed money was inconsequential and that you disliked Sauvignon Blanc. So, what would you like to drink? The Glamor Hotel offers a wide selection; it all depends on whether you can afford it."
Lincoln, having nearly been outsmarted, sought to retaliate.
"Brandy," Jared replied, meeting Lincoln's gaze with a challenge. "Do you dare? I doubt you'll have funds remaining after your watch purchase."
Lincoln was momentarily stunned. He hadn't anticipated such an expensive choice; the cheapest brandy cost at least two hundred thousand per bottle. Incredulity washed over the others.
Hilda tugged lightly at Jared's sleeve. Having worked at a bar, she knew the price—several hundred thousand per bottle, making even a shared expense substantial.
Lincoln snickered, realizing Jared was bluffing, using expensive liquor to intimidate. "Brandy's fine; I've had it before. If you want brandy, we'll order a few bottles."
He left the decision to Jared, anticipating his refusal. Mocking laughter filled the room as everyone watched, sure Jared wouldn't dare ask. It seemed like self-sabotage.
Unexpectedly, Jared nodded. "Sure!" Before Lincoln could react, he called for the waiter: "Waiter, five bottles of brandy, please!"
Shock rippled through the room. Lincoln, initially wanting to stop him, decided Jared was still taunting him. Unopened bottles wouldn't be charged, he reasoned. He secretly rejoiced at not falling for the trick.
"Five bottles are too few," Lincoln declared, smirking. "Give us ten!" He'd play along; he wouldn't need to open them.
"Oh, wow! Lincoln ordered ten bottles of brandy, despite never having had it before! Incredible!"
"Look at this moneybags! Jared's bluffing! He's an ex-convict in clothes worth less than two hundred, yet he claims to drink brandy!"
"A braggart versus a tycoon! Let's see how he handles this!"
Amusement filled the room as they anticipated Jared's downfall. Hilda was aghast. Ten bottles of brandy totaled two million! Even their share would be nearly two hundred thousand—a sum that would enrage their parents. The FindNovel.net website offers early access to chapters on Google.