Sophia threw her hands up in exasperation. "Wait, Alex! That''s not what I-"


    She never got the chance to finish. Almost on cue, the supervisor bustled back into the fray.


    In a ce like this-where VIPS wed for dominance by tearing down their rivals'' dignity—those without status had few options.


    When elephants fi


    ght, it''s the grass that suffers.


    Lacking any real authority, the staff had no choice but to bring in their highest- ranking official.


    After all, if one has no sword, one must learn to dance in the shadows of those who do.


    That official arrived in the form of a sharply dressed general manager, whose very presence could hush a room. Clearing his throat, he stepped forward with an air of cold efficiency.


    "I''m the general manager," he announced, his voice cutting through the tension. "How may I be of assistance?" Jack practically shoved a finger in Alex''s face.


    "Emally! Listen up-we''ve got ourselves a freeloading loser over here," he snarled. "I want him kicked out immediately. I refuse to eat in the same room as this nobody."


    The General manager arched an eyebrow. "Sir, that''s highly unlikely. Our security is quite strict. We don''t just let random folks wander in."


    Jack brandished his favorite line like a weapon. "Clearly, you have no idea who you''re dealing with. We''re Gold VIPs. He''s not! If you value your job, you''ll do what we say. That''s an order."


    Florence, eyes glinting with contempt, added, "He''s making us lose our appetite. Throw him out-now."


    Arms folded, the general manager released a slow, measured sigh. "And which guest, specifically, do you want removed?"


    Jack pointed again, as though Alex were some foul rodent. That guy. Right there." The general manager''s calm facade hardened once he got a good look at Alex.


    A thin, almost mocking smile tugged at his lips. "I see. Gentlemen, I''m afraid you''re making a serious mistake."


    Jack mmed his fist on the nearby table, rattling the water sses. "What mistake? He doesn''t have a Gold VIP card, does he?"


    The General Manager remainedposed. "No, he doesn''t


    Jack''s sneer deepened "Exactly. So stop wasting time and do your damn job."


    "Sir," The general manager added. "It doesn''t matter if you''re Gold, tinum, or the President himself. This man"-he inclined his head respectfully at Alex-“happens to be the owner of Cheval nc Restaurant."


    An electric hush fell over the group as though someone had yanked the power cord on the entire dining room.


    Jack''s jaw dropped so low it might''ve hit the floor.


    Florence looked like she''d swallowed a lemon whole.


    Meanwhile, Charles, who''d been casually observing, suddenly tensed with surprise.


    Jack eventually found his voice, though it came out strangled. "What? Him? Owning this ce?"


    Florence''s disbelief was even sharper. "Impossible! He''s got no money—he''s dirt poor! This must be some cruel joke.''


    The general manager''s patience was wearing thin. "Believe me, folks, it''s no joke. I''d strongly advise you to mind your tone."


    He gave them a disgusted once-over. "I''ve rarely seen anyone so brazen as to pull these stunts in our restaurant."


    Jack sputtered, unable to reconcile this twist. "He must''ve swiped somebody else''s money or...or... scammed it off one of his so-called ''friends,'' right, Mom?"


    Florencetched on to that theory. "I wouldn''t put it past him! He''s always freeloading off women. He must''ve conned one for the cash to buy this fancy spot."


    Alex rolled his eyes. "That''


    none of your concern. What you do need to understand is that I have the power to tell you to leave. Not the other way around."


    Florence and Jack flushed with anger. Sure, they were momentarily humbled, but it only made themsh out more.


    They turned using eyes on him, still desperate to assert some shred of superiority.


    The general manager cleared his throat. "Mr. Alex, would you like us to remove these disruptive guests?"


    Alex shook his head with a cool smile. "No, that''s all right. Since they''re paying customers-and apparently VIPS -let''s give them our best hospitality. Send a bottle of our best wine, on the house."


    "Right away, sir," the general manager replied courteously


    Florence let out a causticugh. “Look at him, acting so high and mighty. Typical free-loader behavior-trying to win us over with cheap wine."


    Jack sneered. "No thanks, ''boss.'' We''re not beggars, we don''t need your pity. And don''t for a second think owning a restaurant makes you our equal." He swung an arm toward Charles. "In fact, my friend here is more aplished than you''ll ever be."


    Charles quietly cleared his throat.


    His gaze flicked to Alex, coldly dismissive. "I have no interest in yourplimentary handouts," he drawled.


    "What''s a million or two to me? I''d rather pay my own tab than be in your debt."


    Florence seized the moment to rub it in. "Hear that, Alex? Owning this ce doesn''t mean squat next to Charles. Born into a truly noble family. You? You''re an orphan, scraping by on shady deals. Don''t you dare think you''re anywhere near our level."


    Jack-hiked up his chin. "Yeah, once youpare your so-called worth to Charles''s fortune, you don''t even rate as a footnote. Count your blessings we still let you breathe the same air."


    Charles gave a suave shrug, ying up his role. "Florence, no need to go too far. I was just lucky enough to be born in a good family." Despite his humble words, his smirk oozed arrogance.


    "Hear that? That''s ss," Florence said sweetly. Then she shot Alex a re. "Meanwhile, all you''ve got is this... restaurant."


    Alex, weary of their theatrics, simply replied, "Feel free to enjoy your meal. Or leave if you can''t stand it here. I have better things to do than babysit you." With that, he turned on his heel to leave.


    "Hold up!" Sophia rushed after him. "Alex, is this really your ce? Where''d you get the money?"


    He didn''t break stride. "I''m broke, remember? It was a gift Satisfied?"


    "A gift? Let me guess-Jasmine again?" Sophia pressed, her brow creasing. "You''re going to pawn off your soul to that woman?"


    "It''s none of your concern," Alex replied curtly. "But I''d say you''ve got bigger fish to


    fry. You clearly adore. Charles-go focus on making him happy, maybe seal the


    deal." He brushed past her and disappeared.


    Sophia clicked her tongue in frustration.


    She couldn''t understand why he was acting so petty, and it dug at her pride


    Of course, her mother and brother were probably fueling the drama, but still-did Alex really have to be so... difficult?


    Back in one of the private suites, Alex settled into a plush chair, looking somewhat deted.


    Lyra poured him a fresh ss of wine. A teasing smile curled her lips.


    "I saw you out there, Alex," she murmured, swirling her ss. "You and Sophia looked about ready to bite each other''s heads off."


    Alex shrugged. “We always sh. She''s not exactly gentle with words, and I''m not great at holding back." Lyra''s eyes sparkled mischievously. "Don''t stare at me like that—I''m not about to y peacemaker. This little feud of yours does give me the upper hand, you know. While you two tear each other down, I get to make my move."


    He shot her a sideways nce. "Oh yeah? And what move might that be?"


    Lyra leaned in, her voice dropping to a yful purr. "Don''t y dumb. I''m perfectly happy topete with my so-called best friend for you. From where I''m standing, you''re fair game."


    Alex rubbed his forehead. "That''s not the point. I''m worried Charles might harm Sophia somehow. He doesn''t exactly seem like Mr. Wonderful, and she''s your friend. I don''t want to see her get hurt."


    Lyra smirked, taking a slow sip of wine. "Is that so? You caring for her well-being? That''s almost sweet."


    Then she set her ss down and arched a brow.


    "But don''t think for a second that changes anything between us. If you still harbor


    feelings for her, I won''t mind a littlepetition. I''ve already set my eyes on you- and I never back down from something I want."