The Broken Rise of Edward

Chapter 19

“Well, my dear classmates,” Gideon began, spreading his arms dramatically, “since I promised to treat you all, I can’t possibly let Mr. Cole pay for everything, right?”

He smirked, then clapped his hands. “You know what? Tonight’s meal will be split fifty-fifty between Mr. Cole and me.”

He turned toward me, eyes glittering with mockery. “Sounds good, Mr. Cole? Just say the word and we’ll get a premier room for everyone.”

His performance amused me. It was like watching a clown put on his biggest show.

I didn’t reply immediately — mostly because I wanted to see how far he’d take it.

“Oh, not answering?” Gideon snapped, smirk widening. “Then shut your mouth and f**k off. You’re a complete embarrassment.”

Very well then, I thought, since you like to act, I’ll play along.

“It’s settled then,” I said calmly. “Let’s split the bill.”

Gideon froze. His expression turned from smug to stunned in a blink. The color drained from his face, then came rushing back in a furious flush. He clearly hadn’t expected me to agree.

For a moment, the lobby fell dead silent — again. Then, as if on cue, the laughter came.

“Holy sh*t, this loser’s lost it!”

“He actually agreed? Did he hit his head or something?”

“He’s not seriously delusional enough to think he’s rich, right?”

Gideon quickly regained his composure, but I could tell that under that sneer, his pride was shaken.

“Alright then,” he said with mock politeness, “it’s indeed settled. Host, bring us to the premier room.”

“Understood. The premier rooms are all on the ninth floor,” the host replied with a polite nod. “Everyone, please follow me.”

Gideon turned to me, smiling like a snake. “Let’s go, Mr. Cole. You’re the star of the show tonight.”

I smiled faintly and walked ahead of him, my steps steady and unhurried. I could feel all the eyes burning holes in my back — some mocking, some curious, and one… calculating.

Eden.

She was watching me with that same look — contempt hidden behind false pity. When our eyes met, she quickly masked it, forcing a soft, harmless smile. A performance worthy of an actress. She was good — I’d give her that. No wonder she had Gideon wrapped around her finger, spending fortunes just to earn a fraction of her attention.

In his desperate attempt to impress her, he’d become her dog — and didn’t even realize it.

Mario hurried up to me, his face twisted in worry.

“Why are you so angry at them?” he muttered under his breath. “Gideon’s rotten to the core. Why even let them get to you?”

“Don’t worry,” I said with a small smile. “I’ve got the money.”

“Got your a*s!” he hissed. “Do you even realize how much this will cost? There’s at least forty people here! That’s like, what, four tables? A premier room and everything? That’s twelve grand easy!”

Mario rubbed his temples, frustration building. He checked his phone, scrolling rapidly. “I’ve got three thousand on my card. Tell me honestly, how much do you have? I need to calculate if we can even cover it. If not, we need to think of a way out before they humiliate us.”

I bent over laughing, clapping him lightly on the shoulder.

“Stop fussing. I really have the money.”

Mario gave me a bewildered look, unsure if I was joking or had finally gone insane.

Soon, we reached the ninth floor. The corridor gleamed with golden light. Everything smelled of wealth — marble floors, glass chandeliers, soft music floating from hidden speakers.

The host stopped before a large door. “Everyone, here it is — the premier room. Please enjoy your meal.”

He bowed slightly, then walked away.

“You guys can go in first. I need to use the bathroom,” Eden said, her voice soft as silk. She adjusted her hair and walked off toward the hallway, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. It was Clara.

I slowed down, letting the rest of the group enter first. I planned to answer the call before going in.

Gideon, however, noticed me lagging behind. Suspicion flashed across his face.

“Hey,” he whispered to Kenny, one of his lapdogs. “Stay by the door and keep an eye on Ethan. Make sure he doesn’t run away.”

Kenny’s grin was all teeth. “Got it, boss.”

He leaned against the wall beside the entrance, arms crossed, watching me like a guard dog waiting for an excuse to bite.

I sighed quietly.

It was almost funny. They really thought I’d run away because I couldn’t afford it.

If only they knew who they were dealing with.

“Don’t worry, Gideon.” Kenny nodded, his grin slimy and eager. Then his voice dropped into something more cautious. “You aren’t really planning on splitting the bill with Ethan, right? Do you have enough cash to cover the entire room?”

Gideon snorted. “It’s just a premier room. You think I can’t afford a few of those?” He puffed his chest out like a rooster, but even from behind, I could see the tension in his shoulders. He was bluffing, and the thought of me agreeing to split the bill had clearly thrown him off.

Still, pride is a dangerous d**g. He wouldn’t let anyone see the sting. “That arrogant loser dared to go against me,” he muttered through clenched teeth. “When the bill comes, I’ll make sure he’s destroyed. He’ll regret even opening his mouth.”

“You’re so cool!” Kenny said immediately, his tone dripping with flattery. “Eden will definitely be impressed. Maybe you’ll get lucky with her tonight.”

Gideon chuckled darkly. “Why do you think I spent so much money on the premier room? Just make sure you play along later. Keep her glass full—completely full. Got it?”

“Got it!”

Their laughter faded behind me. Ridiculous. I didn’t need to waste my breath on such clowns.

My phone buzzed. Clara.

“Hi, Clara,” I answered, stepping away from the noise.

Her soft, professional voice flowed through the speaker, calm but respectful. “Sir, I have several matters to report to you.”

“Oh?” I asked, half-listening.

“It’s about the Cross family,” she continued. “I received word that Ian Cross, the head of the family, has been trying to investigate your background.”

I raised a brow, amused. “Investigate me?”

“Yes, but don’t worry, Sir. They wouldn’t dare harm you. From what I gathered, they’re trying to find a way to beg for your forgiveness.”

A faint smile tugged at my lips. “Beg for forgiveness, huh?”

Clara hesitated for a second before adding, “If this unsettles you, I can arrange for someone to… handle the matter. They won’t have the chance to approach you again.”

I thought for a moment. The Crosses were nothing but noise. “Forget it,” I said finally. “Don’t mind them.”

“Understood, Sir. In that case, about your courses and curriculum—if you have no objections, I plan to officially start them the day after tomorrow—”

I sighed and rubbed my temple. “We’ll talk about this later. I’m out eating right now.”

She chuckled softly. “Very well, Sir. Enjoy your evening.”

We exchanged a few flirtatious words before I hung up and pocketed the phone.

As I turned toward the private rooms, the bathroom door opened. Eden stepped out, her perfume faint in the air. She didn’t even glance at me—just lifted her chin and walked ahead.

Fine by me.

I followed at a distance until one of the nearby doors swung open. A tall, middle-aged man stumbled out, clearly drunk, his steps heavy and unsteady. He bumped straight into Eden.

“s**t! Who the hell—” His curse cut short when his bleary eyes focused on her. His expression shifted instantly, delight replacing irritation. “Well, if it isn’t Eden! What a coincidence!”

Before she could respond, his arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her close like they were old lovers. He laughed, loud and coarse, the smell of expensive liquor rolling off him.

Eden froze, every muscle in her body tensing. Then she forced a sweet, trembling smile. “Oh, if it isn’t Asam,” she said softly, her tone suddenly syrupy. “You hit me—it hurt. How much have you been drinking?”

The man chuckled, running his eyes over her in a way that made my jaw tighten. So, she knows him.

And somehow, I knew I’d seen that man before too.

But where?

Something told me the night was about to get very, very interesting.