Colton was fuming. “Just you wait!”
Melany’s expression mirrored his frustration. Being labeled trash was an insult that stung both of them. However, Melany didn’t dare confront Rebecca, the only daughter of the Green family. She had already embarrassed herself enough for one day and didn’t want to add further 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. Everyone, let’s take a breath and cool down,” Melany interjected, trying to play peacemaker. “Besides, Colton and I were planning to dine in the VIP room now. We don’t have time for this nonsense. Excuse us!” She linked her arm with Colton’s and waved for the waiter.
“Waiter, over here! We’d like to book a private room on the top floor!”
The Jasmine Restaurant was famed for its stunning garden and luxurious atmosphere. The establishment had racked up numerous awards for its design, and the private room on the top floor offered a breathtaking view of the entire garden – truly the crown jewel of the restaurant.
Colton shot a quick glance at the two women, ready to whisk Melany away.
“Melany, let’s go. No time to waste.”
But when the waiter approached, he seemed uneasy.
“Mr. Stevens, I apologize, but would a room on the second floor work? The top floor is fully booked. I’m truly 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 anticipated running into each other here.
Colton, simmering with anger, couldn’t believe he was being denied something he wanted, even after offering to pay. He pulled out his silver VIP card from his wallet. “I’m an annual member here. Is this really something you can’t manage?”
The server’s expression turned even more troubled. “I sincerely apologize, sir. Our policy states that once a room is reserved, 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 are always so understanding. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to spoil our date, right?”
Colton scoffed. “Why bother with money? We are silver members, which means we are more valuable than these walk-ins. You two can find another spot. We are taking the top floor room.”
The waiter, sensing the escalating tension, looked to Allison and Rebecca.
“Ladies, we also have a lovely window seat available, with a beautiful view of the swans. The air is fresher there, and we would provide complimentary foie gras and caviar. Would you consider switching?”
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 purse, she suddenly realized with a jolt that she had left her wallet at home.
“Damn it… I forgot it!” Rebecca muttered.
An awkward silence filled the air.
Seizing the moment, Melany smirked. “Rebecca, no need to put on a show if you don’t have it. We’re all friends here. No one’s going to mock you. This place is hard to get into, after all. Membership requires spending at least a million and an invitation from the restaurant itself. It’s not as simple as it seems.”
It seemed the young lady from the Green family wasn’t as impressive as she’d hoped.
Colton wore a smug expression as he added, “If you don’t have the card, I suggest you find another table while you can. You might lose even the window seat if you wait.” His arrogance was palpable; he was confident in his advantage.
The Jasmine Restaurant had originally served as a private dining space for a select few powerful figures, gradually evolving into an exclusive, membership-only establishment. For those in the know, the food and garden were secondary; the true value lay in the connections forged within these walls.
Colton had inherited his card from his grandfather, and he was certain a young woman like Rebecca, despite her pedigree, wouldn’t have access.
Rebecca, never one to back down, rolled her eyes. “You’re seriously underestimating me.” She pulled out her phone, prepared to call someone to bring her card. “I’m not backing down from this,” she declared. But before she could make the call, Allison placed a calming hand on her arm.
“We won’t make things difficult for you. Bring your manager here,” Allison said, turning to the waiter.
“Calling the manager won’t help. Are you really trying to sabotage our date on purpose, Allison?”
Melany barely finished her biting comment when a middle-aged man appeared, drawn by the commotion.
Colton, recognizing the restaurant’s manager, puffed up with arrogance. He waved his silver card like a trophy. “We’re claiming the top floor’s room!”
Seeing the manager approach, Melany flashed a smug grin. “My apologies, Allison and Rebecca. I didn’t mean for things to get so awkward. How about I treat you both to dinner to smooth things over?”
“Shove it! I don’t need your pity dinner!”
Rebecca was resolute; they weren’t about to relinquish the VIP room on the top floor.
But the manager’s focus had shifted entirely. The moment he laid eyes on Allison, his surprise morphed into shock, and then pure joy. Ignoring Colton’s silver card, he stepped forward and bowed deeply to Allison. “You should have called ahead! We would have rolled out the red carpet for you!”
“How has your boss been lately?” Allison asked, her demeanor calm and collected. “It’s been a while since I dined here. I seem to have misplaced my black card, but I trust the promises made to me still hold?”
The manager froze momentarily, puzzled. Allison was the one in charge here, but why did she phrase it like that?
His confusion evaporated quickly. The instant he caught her pointed gaze, he understood. “Of course, Ms. Clarke! Not only do you still have your black card, but you hold exclusive privileges. When you dine here, we clear the place just for you!”
He turned to the stunned waitstaff. “What are you all waiting for? Start preparing the top-floor room! From now on, treat Ms. Clarke as if she owns the place!”
Melany was left speechless, her confident smile frozen in disbelief. Allison had a black card?
Colton was equally flabbergasted. “This has to be a mistake! There are only ten black cards in the world, and there’s no way this woman has one!”
Melany raised her voice, trying to rally the attention of the onlookers. “Colton’s right! How can you just close the restaurant for anyone who walks in?”
The manager’s attitude turned frosty.
“I’m fully aware that you are a silver cardholder,” the manager replied, his tone stiff. “But according to our rules, Ms. Clarke’s status surpasses even that of a black card. And if Ms. Clarke wanted to shut down the restaurant permanently, we would comply without batting an eye.”
Colton stood there, dumbfounded. This was beyond outrageous! He couldn’t wrap his mind around the idea that Allison could possess a black card.
Furious and feeling cornered, Colton directed his sarcasm at Allison. “Where’s your black card? Got any proof? Or are you going to pull a Rebecca and say you conveniently forgot it?”
A cold sweat trickled down the manager’s back, but with Allison staying silent, he dared not speak. Deep down, he was already considering revoking Colton’s silver membership. He feared that if another scene like this unfolded, he wouldn’t be able to smooth things over.
Allison regarded Colton with a bewildered expression. “It’s just a card. Why would I carry it around? And regardless of someone’s status, the rules of the Jasmine Restaurant don’t allow cutting in line.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.