Quinn, noticing Hailey's near-catatonic state, leaned over her shoulder. "What is it? Did he respond?" Quinn read the messages aloud.

"WHOA!" Ruby shrieked, stifling a laugh with a pillow. "Did he just... acknowledge the size?"

Quinn dissolved into giggles, nudging Hailey playfully. "Girl! You grabbed the man's gear shift! You're definitely the boldest one here! And now he knows what a big boy he is!"

Hailey buried her face in a pillow, groaning. "I thought it was a weapon! I was drunk and panicked! I can't look at him again!"

Hailey, still scorching with embarrassment, tossed her phone onto her bed. Quinn and Ruby, now sitting cross-legged on the floor, paused their giddy discussion about Ming to look at her.

"Hailey, you have to reply!" Quinn urged, a knowing grin on her face. "He literally apologized for the size of his—"

"Don't say it!" Hailey moaned, burying her face in a pillow. "He's so blunt! I've never been so mortified. I thought it was his tactical flashlight, or maybe his wallet, or—"

"It was his 'gear shift lever,' sweetie," Ruby corrected, drawing out the words with dramatic flair. Ruby was slightly interested, and if Max was off the table (drunk and broke), Ethan was a high-value curiosity. "And he knows it. He's teasing you, Hails. It's working."

Hailey finally sat up, hugging her knees. "But what about my hand? My wet hand, Ruby! I totally gave myself away!"

Quinn scooted closer, sympathetic but playful. "Hey, don't worry about it. You're beautiful, and anyone would be excited to be that close to you." Quinn squeezed Hailey's arm affectionately. "Besides, you're perfect."

Hailey looked down, fiddling with the hem of her pajama shirt. "No, I'm not. I'm short, and... well, you know." She gestured vaguely at her chest.

Ruby rolled her eyes playfully. "Girl, your little boobs are perfect! They're like smooth, expensive truffles—small, but totally premium. Not everyone wants big, floppy balloons. Don't worry about it." Ruby reached out and gently teased Hailey's small breast with a finger, making Hailey giggle nervously.

Quinn joined in, softly running her hand over Hailey's chest, a common, innocent gesture of comfort and intimacy during girl talk. "See? Precious. Now, stop worrying about the car lever and let's talk about the important things."

"Okay, important things," Hailey said, gratefully changing the subject. "Ruby, are you going to let Max live?"

Ruby instantly straightened, the playful mood replaced by a business-like glare. "That pig is paying, in cash, for my trouble. Getting so drunk he abandoned me? The nerve! He's lucky he's Max—he's cute when he's sober, and his family is loaded. But he's going to buy me that new Gucci bag I saw, and he will apologize on bended knee."

"Typical Ruby," Quinn sighed, but with affection. "Max is funny, and he's rich, so it works. But seriously, Ruby, didn't those guys scare you? Jason and his team? The Escalades?"

"Please. They're gorgeous, and those cars are fully armored—I checked the plates," Ruby replied confidently. "Danger is expensive, and Ethan is covered. That's the only thing that matters. Speaking of boys who might be worth an investment..." She looked at Quinn, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Oh, shut up!" Quinn blushed, pushing Ruby away. "Ming is different. He's not rich, but he's brilliant, totally dedicated, and he's going to change the world with his robotics degree. He's my type—super smart and focused. I don't care if he's poor now; I'm happy to work my butt off so we can both succeed later."

"See, Hails?" Ruby nudged Hailey again. "Quinny is going for brains and potential. I'm going for inherited wealth and a good sense of humor. What about you? Ethan has both, plus the biggest... lever we've ever heard of."

Hailey blushed again, picking up her phone to reply to Ethan. "I just... I want to trust him. He was so upset about Jason, and then so normal about... that. He's confusing."

"I just remembered!" Ruby exclaimed, recovering, and gave Quinn a knowing look. "Forget about his gear shift for a second. We have much bigger news: Guess who Ming kissed tonight!"

Quinn's eyes widened. "Seriously?! The silent physics genius finally did it? Tell me everything!"

The girls instantly forgot about Hailey's humiliation and immersed themselves in the much more innocent excitement of Ming and Quinn's first kiss, leaving Hailey to suffer her embarrassment in peace.

....

Meanwhile, back in his room, Ethan was still waiting for Hailey's response, the Chloe situation weighing heavily on his mind.

[She's probably having a council meeting right now. They're deciding the optimal return message that conveys both humility and high interest. It's science, Champion.]

Finally, a message arrived from Hailey.

Hailey: I'm doing better now. Thank you for asking. And... you didn't scare me. You were just... surprising. I don't really know how to talk about... that stuff.

Ethan smiled. She was innocent, but brave enough to continue the conversation.

He immediately sent a comforting reply, choosing his words carefully to deepen the emotional connection, not just the physical one.

"I know, Hailey. I understand. No need to worry about it again. Now, tell me about Ming and Quinn. Did the romance bloom after I left?"

Just as he was about to put his phone down, it vibrated with a new message. It wasn't Hailey. It was Chloe.

Chloe: I'm doing okay. Thank you for asking. Just a little overwhelmed. I think Ming has a real shot with Quinn, but your friend Max is going to have to work for it. I have a piece of advice for him: Ruby is really into Hermès. It might be a good idea for him to show up tomorrow with a bag.

Ethan burst out laughing. Even in her distress, Chloe was perceptive, efficient, and delivered actionable intelligence.

[A woman who knows market value, Champion. A true gem! Hermes is a solid investment with high emotional yield.]

Ethan knew he had to pass this information to the unfortunate Max. He had seen good chemistry between Max and Ruby during dinner and knew Max genuinely liked the girl.

Ethan got up and walked out of his room toward Max's.

On the way, he saw Ming standing by his door, texting furiously, a huge, goofy smile plastered across his face.

"Ming!" Ethan called out softly. "A little bird told me she's crazy about you."

Ming jumped with pure joy, practically dancing on the spot, before Ethan walked past and into Max's room.

Max was curled up in the fetal position in bed, an extra pillow clamped over his head, quietly moaning and clearly fighting off a severe hangover. He looked like he was crying.

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