Chapter 5 I'll Figure Out the Money

"Sorry, I don't like you," Amelia said, her voice icy and firm.

Owen's face showed a flicker of hurt, but he wasn't ready to give up. He figured Amelia was just being shy, especially with so many classmates around.

"Hey, it's cool if you don't know me yet," Owen said gently. "How about we grab lunch? My treat."

"No, I really don't have time," Amelia shot back, her tone unyielding.

She had no interest in getting tangled up with Owen.

"Amelia," Owen started again, but she cut him off.

"Move aside," she said coldly, her voice carrying a clear warning.

"Amelia, don't push your luck!" Owen yelled, reaching out to grab her.

This time, Amelia didn't dodge. Just as Owen's hand was about to touch her, she moved like lightning, grabbing his wrist and twisting it hard while her knee slammed into his gut.

Owen screamed and hit the ground, looking utterly defeated.

The students around them were stunned, staring in shock. They'd underestimated Amelia. She wasn't as delicate as she looked.

Amelia dusted off her hands and looked down at the writhing Owen, her voice icy. "This is your last warning. Don't bother me again."

As she walked away, her phone buzzed. She checked it and saw a message from Mary Lavien: [Amelia, the orphanage bill is out. Want to meet up? I'm at my bar!]

Amelia rubbed her temples, stuffed her phone into her bag, and left the classroom. The evening air was cool with the early autumn breeze, and the leaves rustled softly.

"Amelia, over here!" Mary called out as soon as Amelia stepped into the bar.

Amelia walked over and sat across from Mary, casually setting her bag aside. "Got the bill?"

Mary handed it over with a sigh. "We've taken in a few more kids, so the expenses have gone up again."

Amelia looked over the bill, her brow furrowing slightly. "I see."

"Maybe we should stop taking in more kids?" Mary suggested cautiously. "I know you have a kind heart, but..."

"No," Amelia interrupted. "If they need help, we take them in. I'll figure out the money."

Mary wanted to argue but saw the determination in Amelia's eyes and held back.

The bar was filling up, and the music was getting louder. Colorful lights spun wildly on the dance floor, casting dizzying beams.

"I'm going to the restroom," Amelia said, getting up and leaving the noisy crowd behind.

When she came out, Mary approached with two drinks. She handed one to Amelia. "Can you take this to VIP Room 1 for me? I'm swamped here."

Amelia took the drink without a second thought and headed to VIP Room 1.

"Come in," a deep male voice commanded from inside, full of authority.

Amelia pushed open the door and froze.

Inside, Dorian sat on the sofa, holding a glass of red wine. His eyes were sharp, like a hawk's, as if they could see right through her.

Their eyes locked, and the room seemed to freeze.

Dorian narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Amelia who had just barged in. She wore a simple white T-shirt and jeans, looking pure and out of place in the bar's flashy environment.

"You..." Dorian started, but Amelia quickly averted her gaze and placed the drink on the table. "Your drink."

"Do you work here part-time?" Dorian asked, his tone probing.

"Yeah," Amelia replied flatly, not denying it.

Dorian's eyes deepened. "Are you short on money?"

"Yes," she responded without hesitation.

The door swung open, and a wave of strong perfume and noise flooded in. Amelia instinctively turned aside, her gaze falling on the newcomer.

Nora Hill strutted in, wearing a tight red dress, her makeup flawless, and her lips a fiery red, exuding a predatory beauty.

Nora looked surprised to see Amelia, then turned to Dorian, her tone coquettish. "Dorian, who is this?"

Dorian glanced at Amelia, his tone calm. "A friend."

"A friend?" Nora clearly didn't buy it, her eyes scanning Amelia up and down with disdain. "I've never seen you before, girl. Which circle are you from? I don't remember Dorian having a friend like you."

Amelia frowned slightly. She hated this kind of presumptuous scrutiny.

Dorian chuckled lightly, as if hearing a funny joke. "Do I need your permission for my friendships? Do you need a roster?"

Nora was at a loss for words, her face turning sour. She bit her lip, wanting to say more, but Dorian cut her off.

"What are you here for?" Dorian's tone was indifferent, revealing no emotion.

Nora remembered her purpose. She walked up and affectionately took Dorian's arm, pushing Amelia aside. "I missed you and wanted to see you."

Dorian subtly withdrew his arm, picked up a glass of juice from the table, and handed it to Amelia. "Girls should drink less alcohol. Have some juice."

Amelia looked down at the orange juice in front of her, knowing Dorian was using her as a shield.

A faint smile played on Amelia's lips as she took the juice.

Nora's face darkened as she watched the interaction between Amelia and Dorian.

She tried to suppress her anger, but her tone became sharper. "Dorian, since when do you care about what others drink? I remember you never listened when I told you to drink less."

Dorian didn't even look at Nora, his tone cold. "That's because you don't know me. I never liked others interfering in my affairs."

His words were blunt, and Nora's face turned even grimmer.

She bit her lip, glaring at Amelia as if her gaze could pierce right through her.

Amelia met Nora's gaze without flinching, raising her glass of juice and speaking to Dorian, "You're right. Less alcohol is better. Thanks for the juice, Dorian."

To Nora, these words were like sharp knives stabbing her heart.

Dorian looked at Amelia, a barely noticeable smile in his eyes. He raised his glass slightly. "I'm glad you like it."

Nora couldn't hold back any longer. She stood up abruptly, pointing at Amelia, her voice shrill. "Who do you think you are to deserve Dorian's concern? Do you think I don't know what you're up to? You're just another gold digger trying to latch onto a rich man!"