The Binder

The trio—Zeb, Suzi, and Alice—wandered through the sprawling luxury mall, Lustre Galleria Grande. With its polished marble floors, dazzling chandeliers, and rows of high-end boutiques, it exuded an air of opulence. Zeb led the way, his sharp eyes scanning the stores for a suitable place to accomplish his hidden goal.

As someone unfamiliar with luxury shopping, Zeb wasn't particularly drawn to any brand, but he had heard enough to recognize a few iconic names. When his gaze landed on the Chanel storefront—its elegant black-and-white sign gleaming under soft lights—he decided it would do. After all, this was exactly the kind of place where he could easily spend $50,000 in one purchase.

Suzi and Alice trailed behind him, keeping a step back as they waited to see where Zeb would lead them. Their thoughts couldn't have been more different.

Suzi walked with a neutral expression, her thoughts focused on Zeb's earlier behavior. Why is he acting so carefree about spending so much money? she wondered, her feelings a complicated tangle of curiosity and concern.

Alice, on the other hand, was nearly trembling with excitement. Her eyes sparkled as she glanced at the gleaming displays of designer bags, dresses, and shoes in the shop windows. The mere thought of owning something from Chanel was enough to send her into a spiral of shameless scheming. If Zeb buys me something from here, I'd definitely let him sleep with me tonight. Who cares if this was supposed to be his blind date with Suzi? She shot a quick glance at her sister, a flicker of smugness in her gaze. I'll just steal him for myself. He's clearly rich—why should Suzi have him?

If anyone had known Alice's thoughts, they might have cursed her for being a treacherous, shallow opportunist.

When Zeb stepped into the Chanel store, Suzi's eyes widened slightly in surprise. She hesitated at the threshold, her gaze flickering between the luxurious displays and Zeb's calm demeanor. The extravagance of the store made her uneasy—she wasn't sure how to feel about Zeb choosing such a high-end shop.

Alice, however, practically squealed with delight. Her face lit up, her eyes darting from one designer bag to the next, mentally calculating which ones she could "convince" Zeb to buy for her. She clutched Suzi's arm, her excitement spilling over. "Oh my God, Suzi, Chanel! Can you believe it? He's really taking us here!"

Suzi forced a small smile, uneasy at Alice's blatant enthusiasm. "Yeah… I see."

Meanwhile, the brothers listening in through the earphones had gone quiet, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and horror.

"Why Chanel?" Marcus finally muttered, breaking the silence.

"Of all places, Chanel?" Ruzzel chimed in, his voice tinged with incredulity. "Zeb doesn't joke about spending money, especially when it's not his. Is he serious right now?"

But it was Zayn who reacted most dramatically. His face turned pale, and he slumped back in his chair, clutching his head. "No… no, no, no! This isn't just a joke anymore—this is revenge! He's going to blow all that money just to get back at me for this stupid blind date. Damn it, Zeb! Isn't this a little too much for payback?"

The brothers' voices crackled through Zeb's earphones as they bombarded him with frantic questions, trying to make sense of his actions.

"Zeb, are you insane?!" Zayn's panicked voice was almost a shout. "Get out of there! Just… just walk out and go somewhere else!"

Ruzzel tried to reason with him. "Zeb, come on, man. You've made your point. Don't actually spend that much on Zayn's card!"

Zayn groaned audibly, running a hand through his hair. It wasn't that he couldn't afford the potential bill—his family was wealthy enough to cover even extravagant expenses. What worried him was explaining such reckless spending to their parents. The last time he'd been caught in a spending spree, his father had lectured him for hours about responsibility and nearly grounded him. This situation wasn't just about the money; it was about avoiding another round of family drama.

"Zeb, listen to me," Zayn pleaded. "I can handle the cost, but if my dad finds out about this, I'm dead! Do you hear me? Dead!"

Ignoring their protests, Zeb smirked faintly, his voice calm and collected as he replied, "Relax, brothers. I got this."

His tone was so confident, so self-assured, that it left them momentarily speechless.

Zayn, however, couldn't let it go. "Got this?! What do you mean, 'got this'? Do you have any idea how much Chanel costs? I'm not made of money, Zeb! Well… I kind of am, but not for something like this!"

Zeb chuckled quietly, muting his earphones for a moment to enjoy the peace. The satisfaction of teasing Zayn made the risk feel almost worth it.

Inside the store, Zeb moved with a casual confidence that surprised even himself. The luxurious atmosphere didn't faze him—it was as if the Binder System had instilled a strange sense of authority in him, one that matched the setting.

"Good afternoon, sir," a sharply dressed sales associate greeted him with a polite bow. "How may we assist you today?"

Zeb glanced around, pretending to browse. "Just taking a look," he said casually, though his mind was focused on calculating how to reach the $50,000 spending goal without arousing too much suspicion.

Alice, meanwhile, had already wandered off, her eyes glued to a display of handbags. She turned to Zeb, batting her lashes and pointing to one of the bags. "Zeb, what do you think of this one? It's so gorgeous, isn't it?"

Zeb barely glanced at it before nodding noncommittally. "Sure."

Suzi, still standing quietly nearby, observed the interaction with mixed feelings. Alice's blatant attempts at flirting were hard to ignore, but Zeb's indifferent response gave her some reassurance.

"Don't hold back, ladies," Zeb said, his tone light and teasing. "Pick something you like."

Alice's face lit up at his words, while Suzi blinked in surprise. "Wait… are you serious?" Suzi asked cautiously.

"Of course," Zeb replied, his calm smile never wavering. "I wouldn't have brought you here otherwise."

His confidence left Suzi speechless, while Alice practically skipped toward another display, gleefully eyeing a designer dress.

Zeb didn't mind Alice's shamelessness—in fact, part of him was even thankful for it. Her eagerness to pick out expensive items meant he didn't have to rack his brain thinking of ways to hit the $50,000 target quickly. Letting her indulge in extravagant choices made his mission much easier. He maintained an air of nonchalance, acting like none of this mattered to him.

But as he glanced over at Suzi, standing awkwardly in the corner and clearly unsure of what to do, a pang of guilt hit him. She hadn't picked out a single thing, her expression hesitant and uncertain. Compared to Alice, who was buzzing around the store like a kid in a candy shop, Suzi seemed out of place—almost lost.

Zeb's mind worked quickly. He and the brothers had long since decided that Suzi was innocent, a girl who wouldn't bring harm to Zayn's family. They'd also agreed that Zeb would step in and substitute for Zayn during the blind date, playing the part of the "simple guy" with a humble background. But now, seeing how out of her element Suzi seemed, Zeb realized he couldn't just follow the script anymore. He had to do something that felt right, not just what the plan demanded.

Since acquiring the Binder System, Zeb now had access to a nearly unlimited pool of resources. The idea of money was no longer a barrier, and his priorities had shifted. He didn't need to play the poor, humble guy anymore—he could afford to make Suzi feel comfortable and appreciated. This wasn't just about the mission anymore. Zeb felt an urge to make things right with her, to make up for stepping in as Zayn on the blind date, even if it meant indulging in a bit of luxury. After all, Suzi had been caught in the middle of all this confusion, and she deserved more than just a hollow, one-time experience.

Zeb wasn't just following the plan; he wanted to give Suzi a chance to experience something she'd likely never been a part of—a world where money wasn't an obstacle, where she could enjoy herself without hesitation or guilt.

With a sigh, Zeb turned to one of the store's impeccably dressed sales associates and called out, his voice polite but firm, "Excuse me?"

The woman turned toward him, her demeanor completely professional. She didn't bat an eye at his casual outfit, focusing instead on the two elegant women who'd entered with him. Their well-dressed appearance seemed to reassure her that Zeb could at least afford the more modest items in the store.

"Yes, sir? How can I assist you?" she asked, her smile practiced and warm.

Zeb gestured to Suzi, who flinched slightly under the sudden attention. "Can you suggest something for her?" he asked, keeping his tone calm and polite.

The sales associate glanced at Suzi, who seemed to shrink even further under the scrutiny. "Certainly, sir," the woman replied. "What style are you looking for? Do you have a particular category in mind?"

Zeb tilted his head, as though considering the question. "Just recommend a few sets—a dress, some jewelry, a bag, shoes… that will work on her," he said nonchalantly.

The sales associate's professional façade faltered for a brief moment, her eyebrows lifting in surprise at the casual extravagance of his request. Still, she recovered quickly, asking with a hesitant edge, "And… the price range, sir?"

Zeb's lips curled into a confident smile. "Anything. Just dress her up. Price is not an issue."

For a moment, the sales associate simply blinked, clearly taken aback. It wasn't every day that a customer strolled into Chanel with such bold instructions. But after a brief pause, she composed herself and nodded sharply. "Understood, sir. I'll begin selecting a few pieces for her to try on." She turned to Suzi, her voice warm and professional. "If you'll follow me, miss?"

Suzi looked back at Zeb, her eyes wide with surprise. "Wait… what? Zeb, this isn't necessary—"

Zeb waved her off with a dismissive gesture. "Don't worry about it. You're here to enjoy yourself, right? Just try it out. If you don't like anything, you don't have to take it."

Suzi hesitated for a moment, but there was something about Zeb's insistence that made it hard to refuse. With a reluctant sigh, she followed the sales associate deeper into the store.

Meanwhile, Alice, who had been observing the interaction, fumed internally. Why is he giving Suzi special treatment? she thought bitterly, but quickly plastered a sweet smile on her face and resumed her browsing.

Back in the earphones, the brothers were struggling to process what they'd just heard.

"Did he just say, 'Price is not an issue'?" Marcus asked, his voice a mix of shock and disbelief.

"I think he did," Ruzzel replied, equally stunned. "Are we sure this is Zeb? Our Zeb? The one who used to argue over splitting the bill for takeout?"

Zayn, who had been silent up until now, suddenly erupted. "This is insane! What does he mean, 'Price is not an issue'? Does he even know what that means in a place like Chanel?!"

"Calm down, Zayn," Marcus said, though his tone suggested he was anything but calm. "Maybe he's bluffing. You know how Zeb can be."

But Zayn shook his head, frustration creeping into his voice. "No, you don't get it. Zeb doesn't bluff like this. If he says he's got it, he's actually doing it! And if he's really doing it, that means…" He trailed off, burying his face in his hands. "Why did I even give him my card?!"

Ruzzel tried to lighten the mood. "Well, on the bright side, you can technically afford it, right?"

"That's not the point!" Zayn snapped, his voice rising. "Yeah, I can afford it, but how the hell am I supposed to explain these charges to Dad? He's going to think I've lost my mind! Do you have any idea what kind of lecture I'm going to get?"

Despite his protests, Zayn couldn't ignore the fact that Zeb was the kind of person who wouldn't act recklessly. His brothers all knew that whatever game Zeb was playing, he had a reason for it. And that was enough to keep Zayn from completely losing his cool.

For now, all the brothers could do was listen, their nerves stretched thin as they waited to see how this would all unfold.

In the meantime, Zeb's decision to indulge Suzi wasn't just a matter of fulfilling a mission. It was his way of compensating for stepping in for Zayn on the blind date. He'd seen the hesitation in her, and he couldn't help but think she deserved at least a glimpse of the world that Zayn inhabited—one that was foreign and overwhelming to her, but one she deserved to experience, even if just for a moment.

The shopping guide who had assisted Suzi finished putting together the set, having decided to make three different styles so Zeb could choose which one best suited his taste. Both Suzi and the shopping guide glanced at him, with Suzi feeling a little awkward, unsure of how to react to the attention, while the guide seemed proud of her work. Zeb, however, took a moment to observe the outfits before nodding and saying, "Yeah, it fits her. Just pack them all with the other sets."

He then turned his attention to Alice, who was almost done with her selections. Her shamelessness reached new heights as she, jealous of Zeb's generosity toward Suzi, chose a set for herself—though she was mindful not to pick the most expensive ones. Alice, with her usual dramatic flair, looked at Zeb with pleading eyes, as if silently begging him to buy her the set she had chosen.

Zeb simply glanced at the items Alice was holding and nodded. "Pack those for that lady," he said, pointing at Alice.

Alice's face lit up with joy at the approval, jumping up slightly in excitement. "Thank you, Zeb!" she exclaimed, barely containing her happiness.

While the guide went about packing the sets, Zeb made his way to the counter to pay for everything. Just as he was about to hand over his card, he heard a familiar voice calling out to Alice.

"Well, well, if it isn't Alice," a woman's voice said, filled with curiosity. Zeb turned slightly to see Rhea—Alice's older cousin—walking into the store, her arm wrapped around the waist of a man who seemed much older than her. Rhea was in her mid-20s, but her "boyfriend" looked to be in his mid-40s, with a large belly that made it obvious he was no fitness enthusiast.

Rhea, catching sight of Alice and her shopping bags, smiled with mild surprise. "Alice, what are you doing here?" she asked, walking over to join her.

Alice, caught off guard, answered with a bit of a shocked expression. "Oh? Cousin, you're here too? Well, my good sister is having her first blind date, so I'm just accompanying her as a guide and guard." She waved her hand toward Suzi, who was standing nearby, also getting her sets packed by the guide.

Rhea raised an eyebrow as she took in the scene. Her gaze fell on the expensive items Alice was holding. "Wow, you're buying Chanel? And those look like the expensive ones! Did Uncle win the lottery or something? Is that why you're getting such a big allowance?"

Alice awkwardly avoided making eye contact. "No, cousin, this isn't from my dad. These are the items I chose. Suzi's blind date is paying for everything." She pointed toward Suzi, still looking a little uncomfortable with how this conversation was unfolding.

Rhea's curiosity only grew, and she turned to look at the direction Alice pointed, noting the guide packing Chanel items for Suzi. "So, where is this blind date guy of your sister's?" she asked.

Alice, still somewhat taken aback, nodded in the direction of the counter where Zeb was standing. "Over there," she said quietly, but her words faltered when Rhea's voice rang out, loud enough for everyone in the store to hear.

"Well, well, if it isn't you, the jobless poor bastard!" Rhea shouted, her tone dripping with disbelief as she pointed at Zeb.

Zeb looked over at Rhea nonchalantly, unbothered by the accusation, but it didn't stop the tension in the room from escalating.

Before Rhea could continue her tirade, Alice stepped in, a bit confused by her cousin's sudden outburst. "Cousin, what's going on? How can you call him poor? He's the blind date guy for my sister, Suzi. He took us to a fancy restaurant earlier and now is buying us Chanel. How could he be poor?"

Rhea scoffed, shaking her head. "You're bluffing, Alice. I know he's poor because we met yesterday. He rides an e-bike and just got fired from his job. No rich person would act like that." She then turned to point at a man standing nearby. "This is what a rich man looks like." She gestured toward Darius, a man in his mid-40s, dressed in a suit with an expensive-looking watch, standing with an air of confidence. "Darius here owns the delivery company that handles Zeb's old company's shipments. He's doing just fine."

Darius, hearing his name, stepped forward with a smug grin, his eyes lingering a little too long on Alice. "Hi there, beautiful sister-in-law," he said, using the term casually as if they were already acquainted, though Alice barely knew him.

Alice, now stuck between her cousin's accusations and the reality of the situation, nodded awkwardly at Darius but felt the weight of uncertainty. What was she supposed to say now? Her sister had just said Zeb was poor, yet everything happening around her seemed to contradict that.

With the situation growing more complicated by the second, the group, including Rhea and Darius, walked to the counter, where the guide was still packing their purchases. Alice, feeling more uncertain than ever, couldn't quite figure out what to do or say next.