Chapter 3

"Beg you?" Jenny laughed, as if she had just heard the most ridiculous joke of her life.

"Hayden, have you lost your mind? I'd rather starve to death or jump off a cliff than ever beg a broke cattle farmer like you!"

"Fine." I nodded before turning to walk out.

I had barely reached the door when Brett called out, "Hold on a second!"

Holding the bill in his hand, he looked at me with a smirk. "Mr. Poole, I'm treating the family elders and relatives today. Since you're breaking up with Jenny, you're not a guest anymore.

"You've been sitting here breathing in the aroma of our food the whole time, so you should pay for your own share."

The relatives burst into laughter once again.

"Exactly! You can't just freeload off us, can you?"

"Weren't you acting all tough a second ago? Pay up!"

Jenny glared at me coldly. "Hayden, don't make me despise you even more. Pay your share before you step out that door."

Hearing that, I couldn't help but let out a bitter chuckle.

I hadn't intended to split the bill, as I considered it a farewell dinner for Jenny and me.

I hadn't expected these people to be so disgustingly shameless.

"I haven't eaten a single bite, nor have I touched a drop of wine," I said, pointing to the barely touched feast on the table.

"Whoever ordered it pays for it. Whoever ate it settles the bill. You want to take me for a sucker? Dream on."

With that, I pushed the door open and walked out without looking back.

Behind me, Jenny shouted in a furious rage, "Hayden Poole! You pathetic pauper! You deserve to stay single for the rest of your life!"

As I stepped outside the hotel, the cool night breeze cleared my head.

I pulled out my phone, looked at the contact saved as "Honey", and blocked and deleted it without hesitation.

It turned out five years of devotion meant absolutely nothing in the face of money and vanity.

Well, at least I'd cut my losses before it was too late.

After taking a deep breath, I called my assistant, Adam Duncan.

"Mr. Poole? Are you still at the dinner? Should I come pick you up?" Adam's respectful voice came through the line.

"No need. I'll drive back myself."

I paused for a moment before continuing, "Adam, pass on my message. Starting tomorrow, cut off all beef supplies to Morse Steakhouse."

Adam paused on the other end, then quickly replied, "Understood, Mr. Poole. All deliveries to the restaurant?"

"All of them."

"Got it. What about the breach of contract fine?"

"Pay it in full." I sneered. "Consider it a donation. Also, let all three states know that anyone who supplies them will be considered my enemy."

"Understood, Mr. Poole. Consider it done!"