Chapter 67
Chapter 67:
Sophie glanced up and found herself face-to-face with Lila, who was draped on the arm of a bald, middle-aged man. Lila’s heavy makeup did nothing to soften the sneer she wore.
Sophie had no patience for her tonight. “There’s a waitlist. Maybe open your eyes,” she said flatly.
Lila let out a mocking laugh and clung tighter to her date. “Baby p>
The man immediately understood the cue, pulling a shiny card from his suit pocket and handing it to the server nearby. The server’s demeanor changed in an instant. “Right this way, please. Your private room is ready p>
Sophie watched for a beat, then stepped forward to ask, “Sorry, but how come they’re skipping the line p>
The server gave an apologetic bow. “VIP members receive priority seating and exclusive access to our private suites—no waiting required p>
“Understood,” Sophie replied quietly, making her way back to the waiting area, though her frustration simmered beneath the surface.
She had barely turned away when Lila called out, her voice thick with sarcasm. “Oh, come on, Sophie! Weren’t you putting on airs a second ago? Why not march in behind us now p>
Sophie didn’t bother answering, but Adrian’s jaw tightened, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
Lila shivered, picking up on his stare, but quickly tried to recover, lifting her chin. “So, who’s this mysterious guy with you? Last time, I thought he was just your hired muscle. Turns out he’s the husband? Or is he hiding under that mask because he’s too hideous to show his face p>
A wicked smile played at her lips as she added, “Or maybe he’s just worried the restaurant will throw you out when you can’t afford the bill p>
𝘛he 𝗯𝖾𝘀t rеa𝖽𝗶n𝗴 𝗲xре𝗋i𝖾𝗇𝘤𝗲 𝗈𝘯.сo𝘮
Sophie’s patience finally snapped. “That’s enough, Lila. Knock it off p>
Lila just pouted and lifted her shoulders. “What’s wrong? I’m only looking out for you. This place isn’t cheap, you know. Steaks go for thousands, and the cheapest wine will run you ten grand. Just don’t start bawling at the counter when your card gets declined. It would be a shame to see you embarrassed in front of everyone p>
She tossed her hair and strutted further into the restaurant, pausing to toss a smirk over her shoulder. “Go ahead—if you’re so impressive, let’s see you walk in now! All dressed up but stuck outside with the rest of us. People who don’t have money should stop pretending p>
Her voice carried, drawing stares from the waiting crowd—some curious, others whispering as they eyed Sophie and Adrian.
Sophie felt her cheeks burn with frustration, hands curling into fists, but she bit her tongue, refusing to cause a scene. She was just about to turn away with Adrian when he calmly reached into his wallet beside her, his movements unhurried. Without a word, he produced a sleek black card—simple, but unmistakably exclusive—and handed it to the server.
“My mistake. I forgot I had a membership here as well,” Adrian said, as if it hardly mattered.
The black card’s appearance drew a hush over the entrance. Even the server was caught off guard, examining the card closely. His eyes widened, and his posture changed in an instant—his smile doubled, and he gave an extra-deep bow. “Please forgive me, sir. I didn’t realize who you were p>
Lila’s confidence faltered, her smirk stiffening. “It’s just a regular rewards card, isn’t it? Those don’t mean anything special p>
She waved her scarlet nails in the air, still trying to play it cool. “I’ve seen plenty of p>
The server cut her off, his voice suddenly sharp and cold. “That is the VVIP card in our entire establishment. If you can’t speak respectfully to our VVIP clients, I’ll have to ask you to leave p>
Lila’s cheeks went from crimson to chalky white. Her mouth worked silently, but no words came out.
With his professional warmth restored, the server turned back to Adrian, bowing again. “Sir, your membership allows us to provide a completely private dining area. Would you like us to clear the space for your comfort p>
The other guests fell silent, attention glued to Adrian, hanging on his reply.
Adrian let the moment stretch, then glanced down at Sophie before responding. His voice was cool and steady. “There’s no need to clear the room. Just remove the two people who make me uncomfortable p>