Vlad really had no reason to disbelieve his response, and even if it was a lie, what did it matter? He had lied about his own past so many times over the years that sometimes he found it difficult to keep track. Since he had come to New York, Helena was the only one he'd shared a great deal of his past with - and even with her he'd left quite a bit out. "I see. You never imagined yourself as an actor, then, I assume."
He laughed at Max's incredulous tone, shaking his head. "Not as much as it looked like. Numerous small bills give the illusion of being worth more than if you were to simply slip someone a twenty." He raised his glass in a sort of mock cheer before taking a sip, noting with satisfaction that the bartender had not disappointed. "You see? It always works, and I appreciate the compliment. I have always wanted to be called awesome."