The argument echoed through the restaurant.
Diners turned to stare.
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
Someone pointed at Sophia Sullivan. "A Black Gold Card holder? At her age?"
Another shook their head. "Never judge by appearances. She might be an heiress."
Only the wealthy and privileged dined here.
They understood the card's significance.
Every gaze held scrutiny.
Sophia observed them coldly.
Her lips curled in derision.
"I just wanted a quiet meal. But flies keep buzzing."
She strode to the front desk.
Slender fingers pressed against the scanner.
Suddenly, the lighting shifted.
Crimson and azure lights flooded the dining room.
A mechanical voice announced:
[Welcome, Black Gold Cardholder #001!]
Gasps filled the air.
A wineglass nearly slipped from someone's grasp.
"Number one? That's personally issued by the owner!"
"Only ten exist worldwide. She must be someone important."
Liam Winston's pupils contracted.
He stared at Sophia.
This woman who once cooked for him.
Now seemed like a stranger.
Memories surged.
Her bending over flower arrangements, neck curved gracefully.
Her bustling in the kitchen, apron tied neatly.
All illusions.
Chloe Evans turned pale.
She tugged Liam's sleeve. "Let's go."
The man didn't budge.
He seized Sophia's wrist.
"You've been deceiving me all along?"
Sophia shook him off.
Her gaze glacial.
"Wasn't it you who wanted me to mimic Chloe's docility?"
Her eyes flicked to Chloe's pained expression.
She laughed softly.
"Now you ignore your new love's stomachache to harass your ex-wife."
Leaning close, her breath warm against his ear:
"Could it be... you've fallen for me?"
Liam's breath hitched.
His heart pounded strangely.
"I only love Chloe!" he snapped.
But his voice trembled.
Sophia turned away.
Her skirt flared decisively.
Leaving Liam rooted in place.
Chloe's sobs faded into the distance.