When Worlds Collide

Chapter 4: Unexpected Bid

“Okay, guys, this is my…friend,”

Brittany announced, her tone heavy with sarcasm, her eyes glinting with amusement. She emphasized the word,

“friend”

As if it were a joke. The room fell silent, with some guests gazing at Layla in disdain, others whispering and snickering. They knew Brittany’s reputation for cruelty and pranks, and they anticipated another humiliating spectacle.

“She’s in need of some money, it’s just a small amount, mere change for you all,”

Brittany said with a mocking smile.

“So, let’s start the bidding process!”

The room erupted in a mixture of gasps and laughter, with one voice rising from the crowd.

“What are we bidding on?”

Someone asked, their tone laced with curiosity and amusement. Brittany’s eyes locked on Layla, her gaze dripping with malice.

“Well, now that you’ve asked, the winner will get to take Layla home here with them.”

The room exploded into a chorus of laughter and catcalls, with some guests whistling and making lewd comments. Layla’s face burned with shame and humiliation, her eyes pleading with Brittany to stop this cruel charade.

“Now, let’s start!”

Brittany exclaimed, her eyes scanning the crowd with excitement. Meanwhile, Tatum stood at the corner, his expression a mix of disappointment and disillusionment. He had briefly entertained the notion that his sister had genuinely changed, but now he realized it was all just a facade.

He crossed his arms and legs, leaning against the wall, his eyes fixed on Brittany with a hint of disgust. Notably, Brittany remained oblivious to her brother’s presence, too caught up in her cruel game to notice the disapproving gaze upon her.

“$1!”

A guy shouted from the crowd, triggering a wave of laughter and jeers. Brittany grinned, egging them on.

“Come on, guys, you can do better than that! She’s worth at least a few bucks… or maybe not.”

She teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm. The crowd roared with laughter again, and another guy chimed in,

“Yeah, she’s not even worth a dollar! Let’s bid on you instead, Brittany!”

The room erupted in a chorus of catcalls and whistles, Layla’s face burning with shame and humiliation as she realized she was nothing more than a pawn in Brittany’s cruel game.

Tears streamed down Layla’s cheeks, and the room fell silent, the only sound being her soft sobs. The crowd’s taunting eyes lingered on her, but their voices were hushed, as if they realized they had gone too far. Suddenly, a voice echoed from the back,

“($50,000)!”

Layla’s gaze lifted, and she wiped her tears, her eyes locking onto a kind face with a warm, charming smile. It was Tatum, Brittany’s brother, who had surprisingly come to her rescue. Brittany’s eyes widened in shock, her expression a mix of disbelief and annoyance, as if she couldn’t fathom why her brother would intervene.