Hearing Ava speak up for Jason, the slick-backed youth Lucas let out an awkward laugh, and didn't continue mocking him.
If he pushed more now, he'd look petty. Anyway, he'd already accomplished what he wanted.
When Jason first walked in, his looks drew plenty of attention — including from Tanya Covell. She had even leaned toward her best friend to quietly ask who the handsome guy was.
But after Lucas mentioned Jason "chasing a girl for years and failing," Tanya's interest clearly cooled. Lucas knew Tanya's type very well — she was realistic. Handsome alone wasn't enough. Handsome had to come after money.
The meal hadn't started yet, so everyone was drinking tea and chatting about high school memories and future plans.
Lucas spoke often, always circling back to subtly showing off — mentioning how he was already doing business, already making money. His Mercedes key fob sat conspicuously on the table. Despite it getting in the way, he didn't put it away. In fact, he slid it closer to where Tanya sat.
Even though it was cold, Lucas had his sleeves rolled up, letting his Rolex catch the light at every angle.
It was all so deliberate that anyone with a little emotional intelligence could see exactly what he was doing.
But it didn't matter — the result was what mattered.
Whether they liked his personality or not, several of the girls — including Tanya — clearly took notice. After all, wealth often overshadowed everything else. A rich guy being a little showy was not a deal-breaker.
And Lucas didn't stop at showing off — he showed attentiveness.
Tanya had long manicured nails and didn't like to touch the teapot. She didn't say anything. She didn't need to.
Lucas immediately poured her tea.
When she reached for a napkin, Lucas was already handing one over.
That combination — wealthy + attentive — worked. Tanya's focus shifted completely to Lucas. She giggled softly at his jokes and barely bothered to acknowledge anyone else — aside from her best friend.
Meanwhile, Ava was entirely unmoved by Lucas. She quietly chatted with the short-haired girl beside her about where to go for fun over the next couple of days. They had already graduated and were planning to spend a short break in the city before returning to Riverdale to look for work opportunities.
Ethan sipped his tea and leaned toward Jason with a small grin:
"See? Didn't I tell you? Some people haven't even entered society yet, and they've already copied all the bad habits."
He knew Jason didn't care at all about Lucas' earlier jab. The Emma chapter of Jason's life was ancient history. Now, Jason had far more women circling around him than he knew what to do with.
If Lucas knew even a fraction of Jason's current situation, he would never have dared open his mouth in the first place.
Jason couldn't even be bothered arguing with Lucas. If he really wanted to deal with him, it would take minutes.
"I thought it was something serious when you told me," Jason said to Ethan, casually smiling. "Turns out it's nothing."
Just then, a guy at the table asked, "Lucas, is everyone here now? I'm starving. Should we have them start bringing the food?"
"Not yet. One more friend is on the way," Lucas replied, not acknowledging the complaint at all.
"What friend? Someone from our hometown group?" the guy frowned. Everyone here was paying their own share; waiting for a stranger felt… disrespectful.
"He's not from the hometown group," Lucas said, chin up with pride. "But he's my guy. He's loaded. Networking, you get it? We'll need his car to go to the amusement park later anyway. My car alone doesn't fit everyone, and he can bring several luxury cars."
The guy was annoyed, but he couldn't refute that point, so he went silent.
Right then, Lucas's phone chimed. He immediately stood up and walked toward the door, acting as if someone of importance had arrived.
"Derek, you're here! Man, you look even sharper than last time!"
"Cut it out," a deep voice laughed. "You're the one who's been getting flashy ever since you bought that Rolex."
Lucas walked in with a young man — clearly the "rich friend" he'd been hyping up.
Even though Derek wasn't from the hometown group, he walked in like he owned the place. His eyes swept across the girls — and when he saw Ava Summers, his eyes clearly lit up.
But then, he caught sight of Jason.
His steps froze.
His expression changed instantly.
He stared — as if lightning struck him on the spot.
Lucas blinked. "Derek? What's wrong?"
Derek's throat tightened.
How could he forget the last time?
At the Hot Springs Resort, he'd tried to show off his car and talk down to Jason… only to later learn that:
Even, the resort's owner, was incredibly respectful toward Jason
Jason bought a villa outright — with full payment, no hesitation
Jason's background and resources were on a level he couldn't even comprehend
The humiliation and fear from that day had burned itself into his memory. He had spent months avoiding Jason and Holly Larson, afraid that one wrong move could end his life as he knew it.
And now?
He walked right into Jason Carter's gathering.
He made everyone wait for him — including Jason.
His scalp went numb.
His palms went cold.
Without hesitation — without even thinking — Derek quickly stepped forward.
And bowed.
"Mr. Carter… you're here…"
The entire table went silent.
Lucas's smiling expression froze mid-smirk.
Everyone else stared with wide eyes.