The morning after the showdown, something big happened on campus.
Despite being humiliated by Mike Carter the night before, Elliot York was back to his flashy antics. Meanwhile, Mike, who had stayed up late, was jolted awake around noon by a call from Kenneth Brooks.
"Mike, you need to get to campus now," Kenneth said urgently.
Mike groggily rubbed his eyes. "What's going on?"
"Amelia's set up her barbecue stand," Kenneth replied, his voice rushed.
Mike frowned. "Why is that urgent?"
Kenneth hesitated. "Just trust me—get here."
Mike hurriedly got ready and headed to East 18th Street, a normally quiet backstreet near campus. Today, it was teeming with people.
"What's going on here?" Mike asked a passing student.
The girl, practically swooning, replied, "It's like a romance novel! 'The Billionaire and His Silent Love.' Isn't it exciting?"
Mike's heart sank. "Silent love?" There was only one person they could be talking about—Amelia Song.
Pushing through the crowd, Mike finally made it to Amelia's stand. She was there, quietly grilling skewers as usual. But standing nearby, beside a sleek Maybach, was a man staring at her with over-the-top adoration.
It was Elliot York.
"Oh, it's so romantic," someone murmured in the crowd. "I didn't know Elliot had it in him."
"Right? He's been watching her grill like she's the only person in the world. Lucky Amelia!"
"I can't believe how fortunate she is. Even though she can't talk, she's caught the eye of a billionaire."
Amelia continued grilling, her expression calm but strained. The crowd had brought in more business than usual, but it was clear the attention was making her uncomfortable.
"I'm covering everyone's barbecue today!" Elliot suddenly declared, turning to address the crowd. "No—make that for the whole month! But here's the deal: Amelia isn't doing the grilling."
He clapped his hands, and a group of professional chefs in crisp uniforms emerged from the Maybach.
The crowd gasped in awe. These weren't just any chefs—they were culinary stars whose services cost thousands. Students scrambled to try the gourmet barbecue, eager to experience what felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"What's this guy trying to do?" Kenneth muttered as Mike approached.
Mike's expression was unreadable. "He's targeting me. This has nothing to do with Amelia."
"Targeting you?" Kenneth's eyes narrowed. "What do we do? Amelia's too kind to stand up for herself. She can't even speak to defend herself, and now Elliot's claiming she's his girlfriend. She can't deny it."
Amelia's discomfort was obvious. She wasn't interested in fame; she just wanted to work quietly. But the crowd and cameras had turned her small stand into a spectacle.
"Look at her—our campus BBQ queen!" someone shouted, filming a video that quickly went viral.
The comments were a mix of admiration and cruelty:
"She's stunning! A silent beauty." "I'd date her even if she couldn't talk." "This has to be a stunt. No way she's really mute."
Mike's jaw tightened as he overheard the cruel remarks. But the situation escalated when Elliot pulled out his phone.
"Amelia, let me show you how much I care," he said with a grin.
Her live stream lit up: "Elliot York has sent 100 Super Rockets."
The crowd gasped. Two hundred thousand dollars. Just to ask Amelia to date him.
Girls in the audience swooned, while guys muttered in envy.
But Amelia didn't even glance at her phone. Instead, she cast a pleading look at Mike. Her silent gaze said it all: Help me.
Kenneth clenched his fists. "Mike, we can't let him humiliate her like this. Use the money you gave me. I'll drown out Elliot's noise."
"No need," Mike said, a calm determination settling over him.
Kenneth sighed in frustration. "You're just going to let this happen?"
Mike smiled faintly. "Watch."
Moments later, the live stream exploded: "Guardian Angel has sent 1,000 Super Rockets."
The crowd erupted. Two million dollars.
Elliot's smug grin faltered, but he quickly recovered, doubling down: "2,000 Super Rockets."
Mike coolly responded: "5,000 Super Rockets."
The crowd was in awe. This wasn't just a bidding war—it was a showdown.
Elliot turned to Mike, sneering. "You're going to bankrupt yourself."
Mike didn't flinch. "Afraid?"
The tension was electric. The students whispered among themselves:
"Is Mike the real deal?"
"Maybe he's richer than Elliot."
"Either way, this is insane."
Amelia, however, looked distressed. She shook her head at Mike, silently begging him to stop.
But Elliot, drunk on the crowd's energy, laughed maniacally. "You think you can outspend me? Amelia is mine."
Mike's expression turned icy. Slamming his hand on the table, he declared, "You? And the Millers? You're nothing. Mess with me, and you'll regret it."