Chapter 69
Colton was fuming.
“Just you wait!”
Melany's expression reflected her frustration.
Being called trash was an insult that stung both of them.
However, Melany did not dare to confront Rebecca, the only daughter of the Green family.
She had already embarrassed herself enough for one day and did not want to add more disgrace to her record in this restaurant.
“Colton, don’t let it get to you.
It’s not worth losing your cool over this.
It’s just a project.
Let’s all take a breath and calm down,” Melany chimed in, trying to play the peacemaker.
“Besides, Colton and I were planning on having dinner in the VIP room now.
We don’t have time for this nonsense.
Excuse us.
” She linked her arm with Colton’s and motioned to the waiter.
“Waiter, over here! We’d like to reserve a private room on the top floor.
”
Jasmine Restaurant was renowned for its stunning garden and luxurious ambience.
The establishment had won numerous awards for its design, and the private dining room on the top floor offered stunning views across the garden – truly the jewel in the restaurant’s crown.
Colton glanced quickly at the two women, ready to take Melany away.
"Melany, let's go.
There's no time to waste.
"
But when the waiter approached, he seemed uneasy.
"Mr.
Stevens, I apologize, but would a room on the second floor be helpful? The top floor is full.
I'm very sorry for the inconvenience.
"
After delivering this news, he turned to Allison and Rebecca.
"These two ladies had already made a reservation, according to our system.
"
No one had expected to meet here.
Colton, seething with anger, couldn’t believe he was being denied something he wanted, even after offering to pay.
He pulled his silver VIP card out of his wallet.
“I’m an annual member.
Is this really something you can’t handle?”
The waiter’s expression became even more worried.
“I sincerely apologize, sir.
Our policy states that once a room is booked, we cannot reassign it.
”
Melany cast a helpless glance at Allison.
“I’m sorry, Allison.
Colton just wanted to make this a special evening for me.
How about you let us have the suite? We’ll pay whatever you ask.
”
Her tone was sweet, but the underlying challenge was unmistakable.
"You're always so understanding.
I'm sure you wouldn't want to ruin our date, would you?"
Colton scoffed.
“Why worry about money? We’re silver members, which means we’re more valuable than these bums.
You two can find another place.
We’ll take the room on the top floor.
”
The waiter, sensing the escalating tension, looked at Allison and Rebecca.
“Ladies, we also have a lovely window seat available, with a beautiful view of the swans.
The air is fresher up there, and we could offer complimentary foie gras and caviar.
Would you consider upgrading?”
Rebecca clicked her tongue in annoyance.
“Stop trying to sell me on this.
We booked the room first, and I don’t see what’s so special about a silver card.
Everyone has one.
”
As she rummaged through her bag, she suddenly realized with a jolt that she had left her wallet at home.
“Damn… I forgot,” Rebecca muttered.
There was an awkward silence.
Taking advantage of the moment, Melany smiled with satisfaction.
“Rebecca, there’s no need to put on a show if you don’t have one.
We’re all friends here.
No one is going to make fun of you.
After all, it’s hard to get into this place.
Becoming a member requires spending at least a million and an invitation from the restaurant itself.
It’s not as easy as it seems.
”
It seemed that the young lady from the Green family was not as impressive as he expected.
Colton wore a smug expression as he added, “If you don’t have the card, I suggest you find another table while you still can.
You might even lose the window seat if you wait.
” His arrogance was palpable; he was confident of his advantage.
The Jasmine restaurant had originally served as a private dining room for a select group of powerful people, and gradually became a members-only establishment.
For those in the know, the food and the garden were secondary; the real value lay in the contacts forged within those walls.
Colton had inherited the card from his grandfather, and he was sure that a young woman like Rebecca, despite her pedigree, would not have access.
Rebecca, never one to back down, rolled her eyes.
“You’re underestimating me.
” She pulled out her phone and prepared to call someone to bring her the card.
“I’m not backing out,” she declared.
But before she could make the call, Allison put a reassuring hand on her arm.
"We won't make things difficult for you.
Bring your manager here," Allison said, turning to the waiter.