When The Heiress Gets Dumped

---- Chapter 4 "Chloe! There you are!" Jess' s voice cut through the morning buzz of "Brew & Bites," my usual coffee spot. She was with Marky. They both looked smug. This was not going to be a pleasant encounter. | was just trying to get a latte. "We need to talk," Marky said, stepping forward. He looked like he hadn't slept. Jess clung to his arm, her hand protectively on her still-flat stomach. "About what?" | asked, keeping my tone even. "About the money you owe me," Marky said. | almost laughed. "Excuse me?" "All those dates," Jess chimed in, her voice saccharine. "The dinners, the gifts.

Marky spent a lot on you. It' s only fair you reimburse him, now that you' re... not together." They were serious ---- This was beyond pathetic. It was almost performance art. | took a slow sip of my pre-ordered coffee. "Marky," | said. "Are you actually trying to bill me for dating you?" "It's the principle of the thing," he mumbled, avoiding my gaze. Jess nudged him. "He was very generous," she insisted. Amused. That' s what | was. Deeply, wonderfully amused. | pulled out my phone. "One moment," | said. | scrolled through my contacts. "Ah, here we go." | dialled. "Mr.

Rodriguez, good morning. Chloe Kessler. Yes, fine, thank you. | have a small matter in Charlotte. Could you pop over to Brew & Bites on Elm Street? Yes, now would be good. Thank you. | hung up. Marky and Jess exchanged confused glances. "Who was that?" Jess asked, suspicion lacing her tone. "Just a friend," | said. ---- We waited. | enjoyed my latte. They fidgeted. Ten minutes later, a sleek black town car pulled up. Mr. Rodriguez stepped out. Sharp suit, sharper eyes. He was one of my family' s top lawyers. He spotted me and walked over, carrying a thin leather briefcase. "Ms.

Kessler," he said, a polite nod. Marky and Jess stared. Rodriguez exuded an aura of quiet power they clearly weren' t used to. "Mr. Jenkins, Ms. Bellweather, | presume?" Rodriguez said, his voice smooth as silk. They nodded, looking uneasy. "Ms. Kessler informs me you' re seeking reimbursement for dating expenses incurred by Mr. Jenkins." Marky puffed up slightly. "That' s right. She owes me." Rodriguez opened his briefcase. He pulled out a neatly itemized printout. "Interesting. | have here a list of gifts and financial considerations provided by Ms. Kessler to Mr.

Jenkins over the past six months." He began to read. ---- "A down payment of $15,000 for a 2022 BMW 3 Series. A vintage Rolex watch, market value approximately $12,000. Courtside tickets to three Hornets games, valued at $2,500. Various designer clothes, estimated $7,000. A weekend trip to Asheville, including a suite at the Grand Bohemian, $4,000." He paused. Marky' s face was white. Jess looked like she was going to be sick. "The total, Mr. Jenkins, comes to $40,500. Not including numerous dinners and smaller incidentals which Ms. Kessler generously covered.

Your claim, | believe, was for...?" Marky stammered, "I... uh... it was just a few dinners..." "So, shall we discuss repayment terms for the $40,500, Mr. Jenkins? Or would you prefer to drop your rather... optimistic claim?" Rodriguez' s smile didn' t reach his eyes. | decided to add a little flourish. | walked to the counter. "Another latte, please." | paid with my Amex Black Card. The barista, a young guy with wide eyes, whispered, "Is that... a Black Card?" Loud enough for Marky and Jess to hear. Their heads snapped towards me.

Dawning horror spread across their faces as they saw the ---- card, then looked at Rodriguez, then back at me. The pieces were clicking into place for them. Loudly. "Who... who are you?" Jess whispered, her smugness gone. | just smiled. Mr. Rodriguez cleared his throat. "| believe we' re done here." Marky and Jess looked utterly defeated. | picked up my fresh latte. "Have a lovely day," | said, and walked out, Rodriguez following. The image of their shocked faces was quite satisfying. As we got into the town car, Rodriguez said, "Your father sends his regards.

And a reminder about his upcoming visit." Right. That.