Mike Carter was no longer the same person who could be trampled on.
Even if he wanted to accept humiliation, his family wouldn't allow it anymore.
Opening the live-streaming app again, Mike found Jessica Lee in the middle of her pole dance routine. Jessica had an incredible figure—curves in all the right places, a slender waist, and moves that could easily captivate an audience. The stream's popularity was skyrocketing.
In the background, Tyler Wayne was casually visible.
In the past, this sight would've made Mike green with envy.
Jessica had always been surrounded by admirers, yet she never let Mike appear in public with her, as if she was ashamed of him.
But today? Mike simply sneered.
Jessica, I'm coming for you.
At the boutique, the female sales associate watched Mike leave, her face pale with regret. She timidly asked, "Mr. Gregory, wasn't that just a student?"
Gregory's expression darkened. "Student? Do you have any idea what you almost ruined? That card he had—it's a Swiss Bank card. Do you know how rare that is?"
The saleswoman trembled, her gaze lingering on Mike's departing figure.
Blue Sky Bar
Jessica finished her steamy dance routine to the excitement of her live-stream audience. Comments flooded the screen.
She sauntered over to Tyler Wayne, wrapping her arms around his neck and planting a kiss on his lips. Tyler, completely unfazed, casually pulled out his phone and sent a rocket gift—worth $500—with zero hesitation.
Among the students, Tyler was undeniably the ultimate rich kid.
"Damn, Tyler! You're killing it tonight. You've already spent nearly $5,000 on gifts. Jessica's spot as number one on the leaderboard is solid," one of Tyler's lackeys gushed.
"Yeah, Tyler, you're the man! I wish my old man was as successful as yours."
Jessica, nestled in Tyler's arms, acted coyly, like a delicate Southern belle. She knew the platform catered mainly to students and recent graduates, most of whom were far from wealthy. To break into the top ten on the leaderboard only required around $2,000 in gifts.
But Jessica had already received $5,000—more than enough to secure her place.
Or so she thought.
When she opened the leaderboard again, her heart dropped.
She had fallen out of the top ten.
Impossible!
Within minutes, her ranking had plummeted to tenth place.
Jessica stared at the screen, aghast. The top ten spots now required at least $10,000 in gifts.
"Tyler, what's going on? Someone's outspending us!" Jessica clung to Tyler's arm, her voice trembling.
Tyler frowned. He wasn't used to being challenged—especially not when it came to money.
But the numbers on the screen didn't lie. Someone had just spent $10,000, blowing past his contributions.
The name of the new top spender?
"Trash and Traitors Don't Belong in the Top Ten."
Jessica froze. Her first thought was Mike Carter, but she quickly dismissed it. No way. Mike's a broke loser who scavenges for free food at supermarkets. How could he afford this?
"Tyler, did you piss someone off?" Jessica whimpered, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Who the hell is messing with me?" Tyler growled. "Fine. If it's a money fight they want, they'll lose. I'm Tyler Wayne—I've got money to burn!"
Tyler reloaded his account and sent enough gifts to bring Jessica's total up to $15,000.
His entourage cheered.
"Tyler, you're a legend!"
"Jessica, you're so lucky to have him!"
Jessica basked in their praise, but before she could even finish her drink, the leaderboard shifted again.
She had fallen out of the top ten.
Now, the tenth spot required $30,000.
Jessica's jaw dropped. "Tyler, what's happening? The leaderboard… it's broken, right?"
Tyler's confidence faltered. He glanced at the screen, and for the first time, a flicker of panic crossed his face.
"Relax," he muttered, trying to maintain his composure. "We'll just try again next week. No point wasting money tonight."
Jessica understood that $30,000 wasn't a small amount, even for someone like Tyler. She bit her lip, tears brimming in her eyes.
"Tyler, please…"
"Enough," Tyler said dismissively. "Go back to your room. I'll join you later."
Jessica forced a smile. She couldn't afford to upset Tyler—losing him would mean losing everything.
"Okay, Tyler. I'll wait for you. Love you," she cooed before leaving.
Mike, who had been watching everything from the bar entrance, felt a wave of clarity wash over him.
He had thought about telling Jessica he was rich now, that she could come back to him.
But seeing her now, Mike realized all his efforts for her had been wasted.
As Mike stepped into the bar, Tyler spotted him immediately.
"Well, well, if it isn't Mike Carter," Tyler sneered. "Did you bring the condoms? Good thing you're quick—your goddess might've gotten pregnant again."
Mike said nothing, his fists clenched at his sides, his eyes burning with determination.
Tyler, clearly drunk, pulled out a wad of cash—several hundred dollars—and slapped it against Mike's face.
"Here's your tip, buddy. Take the condoms, protect your goddess, and get lost."
The cash fell to the floor at Mike's feet.
In the past, he would've swallowed his pride and accepted it. But today? Today, everything was about to change.
"Still standing there?" Tyler picked up a drink and splashed it in Mike's face.
"Consider that a gift from me, Mike. That drink cost $300. Now get out of my sight," Tyler's lackeys chimed in, shoving Mike backward.
Mike wiped the alcohol from his face, his expression calm but icy.
Then, he pointed at the door. "You've got ten minutes to get out of here."
Tyler froze, unsure if he'd heard correctly. Then he burst into laughter.
"Me? Leave? Do you even know who I am? I spend hundreds of thousands here every year. Who the hell do you think you are?"
Mike walked to the bar, grabbed a microphone, and addressed the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, all drinks are on me. Whatever you want, as much as you want—it's on my tab. But there's one rule: no trash and no traitors allowed."
The bar erupted into cheers.
"Get out!" the crowd roared.
Tyler's face turned red as he stormed to the counter to verify Mike's claim.
It was true. Mike had already paid $20,000 upfront, more than the bar's usual nightly revenue.
"How is this possible?" Tyler sputtered. "Where'd you get this money?"
Mike smirked, brushing past him. "Money talks, Tyler. You're out of your league."
As Tyler stood there, speechless, Mike leaned in close. "And this is just the beginning."