Liam Winston's face darkened with fury.
His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists.
"We'll see about this!"
Chloe Evans stood beside him, equally displeased.
The word "trash" stuck in her heart like a thorn.
But she didn’t dare provoke Isabella Robinson openly.
Today had already been humiliating enough.
She refused to become a laughingstock again.
"Don’t be upset, Liam."
Chloe softened her voice, linking her arm through his.
"It’s not worth ruining your health over something so trivial."
She turned to Sophia Sullivan and Isabella with an apologetic smile.
"Ladies, let’s not argue further."
"Liam and I have a reservation in the VIP lounge."
"We don’t have time for petty squabbles."
She beckoned to a waiter, her tone crisp.
"We’d like the top-floor private dining room."
The White Tea Restaurant was renowned for its exquisite gardens.
No expense had been spared in transplanting rare flora during its construction.
Top horticulturists and feng shui masters had meticulously designed the space.
It had won multiple international awards.
The top-floor VIP lounge offered a panoramic view of the entire garden.
It was the most prestigious seating in the restaurant.
Liam shot the two women a cold glare.
"Let’s go, Chloe."
The waiter hurried over, hesitating.
"Mr. Winston, the top-floor lounge has already been reserved."
He bowed respectfully to Sophia and Isabella.
"These two ladies booked it first."
Liam’s chest tightened with frustration.
He slammed his silver VIP card onto the table.
"I’m an annual member. Are you telling me you can’t accommodate us?"
The waiter grew more flustered.
"Sir, policy prohibits double-booking private rooms."
Chloe gave Sophia a pleading look.
"Sophia, Liam planned this dinner specially for me."
"It’s our anniversary celebration."
"Could you possibly give up the lounge for us?"
Her tone was sweet, but there was an edge beneath it.
"We’re willing to compensate you generously."
"You’re so understanding—you wouldn’t ruin our special night, would you?"
Liam scoffed.
"Why pay them? Silver cardholders have priority."
"Tell them to take another table."
Trapped, the waiter tentatively suggested to Sophia,
"The window seats are lovely, ladies."
"You can see the swans, and the air is fresher there."
"We’ll offer complimentary foie gras and caviar."
Isabella let out a derisive laugh.
"Cut the nonsense! We booked first."
"A silver card? Big deal—who doesn’t have one?"
She rummaged through her purse, then froze.
Her cardholder was left in her room.
"Dammit!"
Isabella muttered under her breath.
Chloe’s lips curled in triumph.
"No need to pretend, Isabella."
"We understand this restaurant has high standards."
Liam’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
"No card? Then step aside."
"Keep delaying, and you’ll lose the window seats too."
His confidence came from knowing the restaurant’s exclusivity.
White Tea had started as a private dining spot for elite figures.
It later became strictly membership-based.
Patrons came less for the food and scenery—
And more for networking opportunities.
The silver card had been a favor from Mr. Winston Sr.
Someone as young as Isabella couldn’t possibly qualify.
Isabella rolled her eyes.
"Snob!"
She pulled out her phone to summon her card.
"I’m not backing down today!"
Sophia gently stopped her.
"Wait."
She turned to the waiter, calm but firm.
"Bring your manager here."