Group Interview Dating: She Rejected the Real Boss

Madison Stuart, my blind date, glanced at the coffee in my hand and smirked. "A broke man like you bought a 20-dollar cup of premium pour-over coffee? You sure go to great lengths just to make yourself seem richer even when you obviously can't afford it."

Beside her, Huxley Lockwood, the tech company employee she'd just given a near-perfect score to, chuckled as well. He made no attempt to hide the contempt in his eyes.

"It's fine, Ms. Stuart. I find myself very drawn to you, and I don't mind treating someone who's here to freeload off us," he said.

He ordered some light snacks and three more drinks before generously gesturing at me. "I'm guessing you don't get to frequent upscale cafes like this very often. Order whatever you want. It's on me today."

Madison smiled in satisfaction, and the two proceeded to chat with each other as if I wasn't sitting right there with them.

"My parents will retire in another year or two. Their pension comes out to almost 20 thousand a month. They also have insurance, so the expenses for any major illnesses and medications will be covered," Huxley informed her.

"I see. My parents' pension is about ten thousand a month. Although they didn't take out an insurance policy, they've saved up quite a bit, so there's no pressure when it comes to their financial well-being after retirement," Madison replied.

"My hometown is in Lakerton, but if we get married, my parents can help with the down payment on a place here in Graybourne."

"That's good. I've been saving up for a house as well, and with your salary as a senior tech engineer, it'll be easy enough for us to handle the mortgage," Madison declared.

"My family is very generous. My parents will definitely contribute to our wedding and marital expenses, and we'll also get a car for the two of us."

"That works for me. I can tell you're sincere about this."

I was starting to get the feeling that the cafe had somehow turned into their private boudoir—which I imagined would look like one of those stark, lifeless furniture showrooms.

Clearing my throat awkwardly, I got up. "Since you two have hit it off so well, I'll take my leave now."

"Wait a second! Don't go just yet." Huxley stopped me with a grin.

He proceeded to scrutinize me with an appraising gaze, like he was studying some heavily discounted item the store was trying desperately to get rid of.

Eventually, he snorted and turned to Madison, saying, "Pardon me for being a little blunt, Madison, but I never thought that someone like him would think he was qualified to go on a blind date with you alongside me. I don't see a single logo on his clothes. They're clearly some off-brand knockoffs from the bargain bin.

"Hey, man. I bet your outfit cost practically nothing, right? I dare say you probably got the whole set for under 20 dollars. You sure are a frugal man."

While speaking, he casually rolled up his sleeve, revealing the watch on his wrist. Then, just as leisurely, he took out his wallet and set it on the table.

I gave it a cursory glance—a Chopard watch, one of the most common, mass–produced models, and an LV monogram card wallet, so painfully loud that it was as if he feared others might not recognize the brand.

Everything I was wearing, from my clothes to my shoes, had been custom-made by artisans from luxury fashion houses abroad. But there was no reason for me to share that information with two strangers.

Keeping my tone polite but distant, I said, "I just don't have the habit of carrying a watch or a wallet when I go out. These days, a phone is all you really need."

Huxley snorted once more. In the otherwise quiet cafe, he pointed at me and loudly mocked, "Hear that, Madison? He's broke, but he still won't admit it. I've never seen anyone try so hard to protect their ego!"

Everyone in the cafe looked at me, their gazes pitying.

Madison smirked and laughed along with him. "That's just how pathetic losers behave. He's not even in the same class as us. I'm going to have to give the person who set me up with him a piece of my mind. Why on earth did he introduce someone like this to me?

"To think that he graduated from a top university, only to have gotten nowhere after all these years. It's disgraceful, really."

Using two fingers, Huxley plucked two 100-dollar bills from his LV wallet and tossed them onto the table in front of me.

"It's rare that I get to meet someone from your social class in real life. Here. Consider it my good deed for the day. No need to thank me."