Chapter 8: Venmo and Vengeance

I made a dog lose faith in humanity. That’s… that’s a serious crime.

“I’ll make it up to him, I’ll make it up! Let’s go get the best barbecue and luxury dog food. I’ll go apologize to Buddy myself!”

Natalie curled her lips, pulled up her Venmo QR code, and set it in front of me. She flashed her Venmo QR code at me, like it was a lie detector test. Welcome to dating in 2024.

I quickly took out my phone and added her.

Her profile picture was an adorable golden retriever. I covered my face.

“Miss Brooks, don’t worry, I’ll definitely take responsibility.”

Natalie just smiled again, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. “Let’s go.”

I hurried after her.

Who would’ve thought—just as I took a step, the sound of high heels echoed from upstairs.

Almost instinctively, I glanced up to the second-floor stairs.

Lillian was standing there, looking down at me, her gaze deep and unreadable.

Behind her stood several wealthy young women, looking at me with open disdain.

After four years with Lillian, these women never once looked at me kindly.

I was about to leave when another man, dressed in a custom black suit, elegant and refined, descended the stairs.

I frowned and looked at Marcus, who was hiding behind the bar.

Why’s Noah here too?

Marcus’s face changed as well. He quickly shook his head at me, mouthing exaggeratedly: “I don’t know!”

But Noah, seeing me, perked up. As if he had no idea about my four-year relationship with Lillian, he greeted me warmly:

“Caleb, you’re here too? Long time no see.”

I smiled and nodded. “Hope you’re well.”

Noah pointed to the crowd behind him, looking helpless.

“I just got back to the States. Lillian and her girlfriends insisted on throwing me a welcome party here. I didn’t want to come. But Lillian insisted on opening a barbecue place for me on this street, so I came to check out the new spot.”

Then, Noah turned and wrapped his arm around Lillian’s waist. He looked at me:

“I remember you run a barbecue joint too, right, Caleb? From now on, we’re in the same business. Come help me check out the new shop, yeah?”

The room went quiet. Even the bartender paused, waiting to see if I’d take the bait.

He’s opening a barbecue place too?

I suddenly looked at Lillian, raising my eyebrows.