Chapter 4

I switched chats and hinted to a few influencer friends with eight-figure followings that they might want to attend Ella's wedding because there would be something worth seeing.

The moment I sent the message, my phone started lighting up nonstop.

None of my friends could resist a spectacle. They immediately swarmed Ella's account, all declaring that they wanted to "witness this dream wedding."

Their attention sent Ella's ego soaring.

Within three minutes, more than ten screenshots popped up in the high school group chat, all showing Ella bragging about the influencers' comments.

The sycophants in the chat immediately began fawning all over her.

Tom Brooks, Ella's number-one lackey in high school, started taking bets. "A hundred bucks says Sophie chickens out and doesn't show up in two days!"

"I'll match that hundred! If she actually shows her face, I'll eat this marble table whole!"

Ella immediately replied with a smirking sticker.

"Don't be so mean. I've already had the bridesmaid dress put on display at the entrance. I even ordered an extra-wide chair just for her. If she doesn't come, all that effort will go to waste."

A wave of praise followed.

"Ella's beautiful inside and out. If it were me, I'd have security throw her out!"

I tapped out a reply. "I'll bet $10,000. I'll be there on time two days from now, and I'll make sure none of you ever forget it."

The chat went wild.

Tom was the first to pile on. "Ten grand? Sophie, did working at some fast-food joint fry your brain?"

Ella followed with a voice message, every word dripping with that familiar mock concern. "Sophie, if you don't have the money, don't pretend you do. You got good grades, sure, but that doesn't guarantee a good job. There's no need to show off money you don't have in the group chat. If you lose, Jack isn't going to bail you out."

I ignored their taunts and transferred $10,000 to the escrow account set up for the bet.

System notice: [Sophie Aubert has deposited $10,000.]

The chat exploded again.

"Oh my God, she's serious?"

"Where would she get that kind of money?"

"She probably borrowed it from an online lender. She'll do anything to keep up appearances."

Ella sent another voice message. "Well, if Sophie's that confident, we'll all see for ourselves in two days. Ten a.m. on the lawn at Blue Rose Manor. Be sure not to be late."

I picked up my cold coffee and drained it in one swallow. "Don't worry. I'm not running.

"I'm looking forward to it. My only worry is that your wedding won't be grand enough."

Three seconds later, Ella fired back, "You just wait and see!"

She had wanted to watch me be jealous and humiliated, and had not expected to be challenged in front of everyone.

Minutes later, Ella made a splashy announcement on her profile, unveiling the wedding's ultimate luxury upgrades.

The champagne in the tower was upgraded to Armand de Brignac. Every flower was replaced with Bulgarian roses flown in for the occasion, and she even hired three string ensembles, each charging a six-figure fee.

I couldn't help but find it amusing as the extravagant charges piled up.

Congratulations, Jack.

The morning after next, Jack would finally get his wish and marry a perfect bride carrying over a million dollars in debt.