C12 All the Money Was Waived!!

Duane had already given Freesia a heads-up that the entire meal was on the house.

But explaining that to his wife was another story.

So, he feigned an attempt to settle the bill.

Darcy couldn't help but chuckle. "Hey Lavinia, is your hubby making a run for it? I can't stop laughing, hahaha..."

"..."

Lavinia was seething.

She knew exactly how much money Duane had in his pocket; there was no way he could cover the cost.

And the thought of him trying to escape was infuriating.

How could he embarrass himself like this!

At that moment, Herbert casually lit a cigarette and mentioned, "Today, the Blessing Restaurant got a new owner. Have you guys heard?"

"Of course, we've heard. Rumor has it the new owner's quite the enigma, a real VIP," someone in the group added.

The news of the ownership change at Blessing Restaurant had already made the rounds among the city's elite.

Many had questioned Director Mills about the new proprietor.

But Duane had sworn him to secrecy, and he wouldn't dare spill the beans about someone even he was wary of, clearly someone of significant stature.

So, the consensus was that the new owner was a heavyweight.

"This enigmatic new owner has just promoted my cousin Freesia to general manager of Blessing Restaurant," Herbert said with a smug grin.

"What?!"

The revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd.

The name "Freesia" was already well-known.

Even though the previous owner of Blessing Restaurant was a Mr. Ma, it was his secretary, Freesia, who had made the place a hub for Fayedge's elite.

Without any notable background or power, Freesia had become a prominent figure in the city's upper echelons.

And now, it turned out she was Herbert's cousin and had been elevated to the role of general manager!

"Young Master Sanders, the sky's the limit for you," the crowd flattered.

Darcy, as his girlfriend, was ecstatic, her eyes sparkling as she playfully clung to him and whispered, "Honey, tonight, you can have whatever you want..."

Basking in his triumph, Herbert took a drag on his cigarette, legs crossed, and turned to Lavinia, "What I'm saying is, if you don't sign the agreement, you're not leaving here tonight."

At that moment, Lavinia's heart sank.

Freesia was untouchable, beyond what she or even the entire Xavier family could afford to cross.

She had clung to the hope of imploring her family, even kneeling before her grandmother to settle the bill.

But now, she realized her mistake.

Given her grandmother's temperament, not only would she refuse to come, but she might also sever ties by striking Lavinia from the family records.

"What do I do? What can I possibly do?"

Lavinia felt utterly helpless.

Just then, Duane returned.

Darcy saw him and couldn't help but smirk. "Oh, look who's back. I thought you ran off. Or did you figure out there's no escaping? Hahaha..."

"Run away?" Duane was genuinely puzzled.

He was unaware that everyone had assumed he had fled.

Lavinia, with eyes brimming with tears, shot him a furious glare, too angry to utter a word.

Duane's brow furrowed with concern. "Honey, the bill's been taken care of. Let's head home, okay?"

"Paid already?"

The room fell into a brief silence.

Then, Darcy burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. "Did you all catch that? Several hundred thousand, and he claims he's paid? Hahaha, could you be any more hilarious?"

"I'm about to laugh myself to death. He's quite the actor, hahaha..."

Lavinia was fuming, tempted to slap him senseless.

Duane, his frown deepening, addressed Darcy with a chill in his voice, "If you don't believe me, then summon the manager. Let's see if we're free to go. If not, we'll sign whatever agreement necessary. But if we can leave..."

"If you manage to leave, I'll acknowledge you as my 'master,' make your bed, and serve as your slave. How about that?" Darcy challenged, her excitement palpable.

She had done her homework; she knew Lavinia was out of borrowing options, so there was no way they could leave.

Duane added firmly, "And one more thing—you'll transfer the cost of this meal to my wife."

He had extended the dinner invitation out of respect for his wife, but since they showed no courtesy in return, he saw no reason to extend any to them.

"I agree!"

Darcy chimed in immediately.

Beside her, Lavinia, upon hearing this, desperately yelled at Duane, "Who gave you permission to agree? Have you lost your mind?!"

"Babe, trust me!"

Duane implored, locking eyes with her earnestly.

Darcy, unable to contain her glee, boasted, "I've got a recording of what you just said. No backing out now!"

Without delay,

she signaled for the waiter to summon the manager.

Shortly after,

Manager Guthrie approached. Darcy, pointing at Duane, asked with a grin, "Manager Guthrie, this gentleman here is looking to dine and dash. What's the consequence for that?"

While speaking,

she cast a smug glance at Lavinia, reveling in her imminent victory and the prospect of owning shares in her company, effectively becoming her boss.

In that moment, Lavinia felt the crushing weight of defeat.

She made a silent vow.

The moment she got home, she would file for divorce!

Just then,

Manager Guthrie spoke up respectfully, "The situation is this: all charges for this private room have been waived for today."

"What?!"

The announcement left everyone dumbfounded.

Waived?

That seemed impossible!

Lavinia and Maribel were equally shocked, as if they were living a dream.

It all made sense now why Duane was confident enough to make a bet.

He must have learned about the waived charges during his earlier absence.

"Manager Guthrie, what's the meaning of this?"

Darcy inquired, bewildered.

"Director Wardle has personally instructed us that there are esteemed guests present, and therefore all charges are to be waived," Manager Guthrie explained further.

"..."

Darcy was flabbergasted. If the meal was on the house, then Lavinia and her party could simply walk away scot-free.

She would lose the bet!

"You've lost," Duane said with a wry smile, "So, how about it? Ready to call me 'Master'? And remember, from now on, you're my servant."

"You..."

Darcy's face flushed with anger.

At that moment,

Herbert stepped forward and addressed Manager Guthrie, "Is my cousin, Director Wardle, around? Could you relay a message for me? Tell him there's no need for special treatment on my account. Charge us the full amount for the meal."

Upon hearing this, Darcy quickly snuggled up to Herbert's shoulder, exclaiming with excitement, "Honey, you're the best!"

She was thrilled not only about winning the bet but also couldn't believe Herbert's clout—managing to dine on the house!

Manager Guthrie silently berated the two fools.

Given their status, the idea of Director Wardle comping their meal was laughable!

Herbert himself was baffled.

Freesia was merely a distant cousin, with whom he wasn't particularly close. Perhaps her recent promotion to general manager had put her in such high spirits that she decided to comp the meal.

Lavinia felt the weight in her chest return.

So, it was his connection to Freesia that scored them the freebie. How else could Duane have afforded it?

Had she known about the wager, she'd have undoubtedly been in their corner!

Just when hope had flickered, despair loomed once more...

Lavinia was crestfallen.

Then, the private room's door swung open.

All eyes turned to see Freesia entering!

Her wavy locks cascaded over a crisp white shirt and a tailored blazer, accentuating her stunning legs—an irresistible sight.

Her sophisticated allure captivated every man in the room, a vision of intellect and sensuality they all desired.

"Cousin, what brings you here?" Herbert exclaimed, pleasantly surprised.

He was acutely aware that despite being distant relatives, the Sanders family, a prominent name in Fayedge, rarely mingled with Freesia, who was accustomed to the city's elite. It was unlikely she'd visit for such a trivial reason.

Yet there she was, gracing them with her presence, much to his delight and honor.

But Freesia merely gave Herbert a fleeting, indifferent look, then turned to Duane. With a respectful bow, she sincerely apologized, "Mr. Quarles, I'm terribly sorry for any inconvenience."