Chapter 3I Let My Bully Steal My Billionaire Black Card

"Fifty thousand?" Brooke laughed, though it sounded a bit thin. "Sophie, just because that sounds like a fortune to your family doesn't mean it’s a problem for mine. My parents spend that on a weekend in Aspen. Stop projecting your broke-girl anxiety on me."

"Fine," I said, putting my hands up. "Have a great night."

I turned and led Riley and Tessa out the front door. We didn't go far. I led them around the side of the building to the private residence wing—the part of the resort my parents kept for family. It had its own heated pool and a private entrance.

"Is she actually going to be able to pay?" Riley asked as we settled into the plush velvet sofas in the suite. "I saw her screaming at her mom on the phone last week over a two-hundred-dollar overdraft fee."

"Not a chance," I said, sipping a sparkling water. "Her bags are fake, her 'lifestyle' is a lie, and tomorrow morning, the bill is coming due."

We spent the night in luxury. We soaked in the private mineral bath, ordered room service steak, and watched movies on a screen the size of a garage door. It was the most peaceful sleep I’d had all semester.

The next morning, around 11:00 AM, Elena sent me a text: They're at the front desk. It's time.

I woke the girls, and we made our way to the lobby.

The "birthday party" looked significantly less glamorous in the harsh light of morning. They were all hungover, clutching their bags, looking exhausted but satisfied. Brooke was standing at the center, looking like she was ready to make a grand exit.

"Oh look," Lexi sneered as she saw us. "The strays are back. Did you sleep in the Uber?"

"Actually, we slept great," Tessa chimed in, grinning.

"I bet," Brooke said, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. "Listen, I’m feeling generous. If you’re hungry, I can probably get the kitchen to bring out some leftovers for you. On me."

"Dream on, Brooke," Riley said. "We’re just here to see you off."

Brooke rolled her eyes and turned to the desk. She pulled my black membership card out of her designer knockoff bag and slid it across the marble counter.

"We’re done here. Charge it to the card."