Chapter 2 A Lavish Showdown

"Sylvia, what exactly are you trying to do? I like Liana. So what? I'm still going to marry you!"

He grabbed my shoulders, shaking me like he could shake sense into me, but looking at his face made my stomach turn. I spat out, "Who told you you're even worthy of marrying me?"

Lawrence's eyes went wide with shock.

"I saved your life! Without me, you'd be dead! Of course, you owe me this marriage. I admit I've been a little reckless lately, but once we're married, I'll treat you right."

I opened my mouth to reply, but before a word came out, Liana came running. Seeing Lawrence holding me by the shoulders, she burst into tears.

"Lawrence, you two…"

Lawrence panicked and released me, pulling Liana into his arms.

"I was just teaching this rude servant a lesson. Liana, today I've not only booked your favorite top celebrity, but I'm also renting the entire luxury hotel for you. Crying your makeup off now would be a shame."

She froze for a moment, then screamed in pure delight. "Oh my God, Lawrence, that's insane! You're so rich!"

Her scream drew a crowd of curious classmates.

"No way. A top celebrity? That must cost a fortune!"

"Is it the priciest hotel downtown? I've never even dreamed of this. What's going on? Why is Lawrence throwing a party again?"

Liana stood among them, cheeks flushed with happiness. "Lawrence, today is our first anniversary, right?"

Lawrence looked at the shy, blushing Liana, practically drooling. "Liana, I remember every single moment with you. This is my way of making our time together feel special."

Then, he spun toward me and shot me a glare that could freeze fire.

"Stop standing there. Go get my card replaced immediately. If Liana's mood is ruined because of a delayed payment, you'll regret it."

I couldn't hold it in and laughed. "Regret what? Waiting for you to kneel in front of me, begging me to pay?"

The classmates, shocked I still had the nerve to argue, yanked me down to the floor.

"Sylvia, there's a limit to showing off. If it weren't for Lawrence's mercy, you wouldn't even be standing here!"

"I swear, Sylvia, don't mistake someone's kindness for weakness. Lawrence is the son of a billionaire. He would never ask you for money!"

"Exactly! So what if his card's broken? Lawrence could pay millions with just a face scan. He's a big deal around here. Who doesn't know him?"

Hearing the praise, Lawrence struggled to keep his smug grin in check. "Alright, I like to keep things low-key. Stop flattering me. Sylvia, go arrange it."

I had wanted to refuse, to let him embarrass himself in front of everyone, but seeing Lawrence basking in the adoration, another idea struck me.

"Arrange the whole hotel for you and Liana, hire the top celebrity, right? Perfect. But Lawrence… Do you actually have the money?"

He glared at me like I'd insulted him. "How could I not have money? Get moving. Stop being in my way!"

With his approval, I immediately called the hotel in front of everyone.

The manager hesitated when I requested to clear out all the guests. "Ms. Young, if you want the entire hotel for a day, what about the guests already checked in?"

I glanced at Lawrence and smiled.

"Mr. Lawrence Carter insists the hotel be cleared today. He's celebrating an anniversary with Liana. As for the other guests, handle it however you like. Lawrence has more than enough money. Just give them compensation if needed."

Seeing a sure-paying client, the manager no longer hesitated and agreed.

After listening to what I said, the classmates looked at Lawrence with newfound awe.

"That's insane. Kicking everyone out just for an anniversary. Lawrence, you really are powerful."

"That must cost a fortune! Lawrence, what exactly does your family do?"

Lawrence smirked, basking in the praise. "You don't need to know. Our family's the richest in the city, and privacy is everything to us."

The words "richest family" sent the classmates buzzing like flies.

…

Meanwhile, I texted the hotel manager, 'Just relaying a request for my classmate. I won't pay for it.'