James immediately called to book a table, and he called Hawthorne directly. Hawthorne knew he was signing the contract with Mr. Pierce today, so he didn''t y games and answered the phone. "Mr. James, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Hawthorne''s deep, maic voice gave James pause for a second. *No wonder this guy has so many women falling for him.* James hated that he couldn''t crush him.


    "Mr. Everhart, I''m closing a deal tonight, and my client specifically requested your restaurant. How about booking The Crystal Room for us?" It was rumored that this private room was reserved for only the most distinguished guests, used perhaps once every three years. Its prestige was unparalleled, and booking it required proof of assets exceeding five hundred million. James was green with envy, vowing that one day Hawthorne would personally grant him ess.


    Hawthorne was silent for two seconds. James worried he would refuse, but, to his surprise, Hawthorne agreed. "How could I refuse a request from you for The Crystal Room, Mr. James? The fee is just a little steep, that''s all." He would never pass up an opportunity to make money off a major client, especially one like James.


    With a multi-billion dor project on the line, James scoffed at the word "steep." How expensive could it possibly be? "Money is no object. I''m hosting an important guest tonight. If you''re free, Mr. Everhart, why don''t you join us for a couple of drinks?" After saying it, James felt it was inappropriate and quickly corrected himself. “No, no, I mean, I''ll have a couple of drinks with you and my distinguished client."


    James was cautious. Until the contract was signed, it wasn''t time for him to gloat. Once the deal was sealed, he could finally prove to Hawthorne that he was a worthy rival. From James''s excited tone, Hawthorne could tell they had reached an agreement. The "important guest" he mentioned was obviously Mr. Pierce. The fish had taken the bait, and Hawthorne was more than happy to help reel him in.


    "For you to be hosting a major client, it must be for a massive project. We''ve known each other for years; it''s only right that I help you celebrate. Let me know if you need anything. Don''t be shy. However, I''m afraid I''ll need you to pay the booking fee for the room in advance. It''s about three million for the evening. For a man like you, Mr. James, that should be pocket change, right?"


    James was stunned. He never imagined that Hawthorne''s


    legendary private room would cost three million for one night. But he''d already boasted that money was no issue so he couldn''t back down now. Thinking of the billions at stake, three million was apdrop in the bucket. What mattered was his reputation. He had to show Mr. Pierce he had both the means and the connections, so he gritted his teeth and agreed. "It''s only three million. Just some spending money. It''s worth it for one night."


    Hawthorne rarely opened The Crystal Room to the public, mostly using it to entertain his own guests, so there was never a set fee. But since James was walking right into his trap, he saw no reason not to charge him. It would be a while before the multi-billion dor project imploded. In the early stages, there would be somerge cash inflows so three million was indeed a small sum for James right now. But if the whole thing went south one day, he''d be scrambling to find even a hundred dors to cover his debts.


    "Then I''ll dly ept. Congrattions on your impending sess, Mr. James. May your career soar. I hope some of your good fortune rubs off on me." They both knew they were mortal enemies, yet they exchanged pleasantries with perfect smiles. “Not at all, not at all. Just earning a little something. How could I possiblypare to you, Mr. Everhart?"


    Hawthorne had no desire to continue the charade. He cut the conversation short, and they both hung up. Hawthorne then had Hans go and pick up Patti, telling him to bring her to the office so they could go meet James together.


    Since James was serving himself up on a silver tter, with cash in hand, it would be rude not to attend the reception. Hawthorne loved big spenders who threw money around like it was nothing, especially when it all flowed into his ounts. Fools like that were a rare breed these days. Only James would be audacious enough to request The Crystal Room for three million a


    night.


    If the man himself didn''t feel he was being ripped off, Hawthorne certainly wasn''t going to talk him out of it. That would vite his professional ethics as a businessman. A few days had passed, and the swelling on Patti''s face had visibly gone down, though it was still a little red. When Hans told her Hawthorne wanted to take her out to dinner, she was thrilled.