Mrs. Williams scoffed, a harsh and mocking laughter filling the air. "There we go again, the proud but broke man," she jeered, her words dripping with contempt. "You think you de heavens restaurant are like those cheap restaurants you take Avery to every year on your anniversary? Where you are expected to spend peanuts here like you do on her," she taunted, clearly enjoying the discomfort she was causing. "Oh, Jeremy, if you weren't so full of pride, maybe you would understand how expensive a five-star restaurant can be. Instead, you waste your money, trying to make a show of wealth. Why don't you spend that money on your wife and daughter instead, so you don't end up back on the streets, begging for scraps like a dog?" Mr. Williams said, his face twisted in derision, cut in with a venomous remark. Jeremy, his expression unyielding, kept his gaze fixed on Avery. The hate and discouraging comments and insults hurled his way by the Williams held no influence over his behavior, for h

The restaurant had gone silent, all eyes fixed on Jeremy as he stood his ground. Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Peterson, and Steve were all frozen in shock, mouths slightly agape as they processed what Jeremy had just said.“Are you crazy?” Mrs. Williams gasped. “Do you have any idea how much that wine costs? You can’t possibly afford it!”Jeremy, still perfectly composed, met her gaze with a cool stare. “I’m fully aware of the cost, Mrs. Williams. And yes, I can afford it.”The revelation left the room reeling, a hush falling over the table as the three guests processed what Jeremy had said.“But how?” Mrs. Peterson finally managed to sputter, her eyes wide with shock. “How can you afford a wine that costs a hundred thousand dollars?”Jeremy, his words a sharp blade, pressed his point. “Or is that it, Steve?” he asked, his voice a quiet, dangerous whisper. “Are you afraid you won’t be able to pay me back?"Steve’s face twisted with rage. “I’ll pay you back, you arrogant bastard!” he spat, slam

As the waiter’s words sank in, a wave of confusion and suspicion washed over Jeremy. He couldn’t imagine Jefferson, had betrayed him or made an error of this magnitude. The thought was simply inconceivable.“There must be some mistake,” he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. “I don’t understand.”The Williams and Peterson made merry in Jeremy’s momentary discomfort, their faces breaking into satisfied grins. For once, Jeremy was off-balance, his usual aura of confidence and control shattered by the unexpected twist of fate.Steve, his eyes gleaming with malice, leaned forward in his seat. “Looks like the tables have turned,” he said, his voice low and threatening. “Now you can explain how you got that card. I’m sure the police will be interested in hearing your explanation.”"I'm sure you customized this card to look like the black card just to deceive people and get a woman on your bed," Steve said bitterly. Steve’s words, loaded with insinuation and scorn, sent a surge

Everyone on the table exchanged looks of disbelief, whispers of astonishment filling the air. They concluded that he had either lost his mind or was high on drugs, his bold announcement affirming their suspicions. Mr. Williams, his face a mask of resentment, turned his gaze towards Jeremy, his eyes searing with contempt. “Jeremy,” he began, his voice dripping with condescension, “you’ve exhibited a different level of madness tonight. And I’m curious, just how far down this rabbit hole of lunacy have you descended?”Mr. Williams’ eyes narrowed into slits, his tone sharp and tinged with incredulity. “You are aware, aren’t you, that Dan Stone is one of the most prominent CEOs in this city?“And yet, here you are, speaking of him as though he’s nothing but a street vendor. A mere commoner!” Mr. Williams shook his head in disbelief, his voice rising to a sneer.“Your arrogance, your lack of respect…I don’t know what’s gotten into you. But I’ll tell you this,” he spat out the words with v

The power and prestige Dan Stone enjoyed had been built upon the foundation of his relationship with Nathaniel, Jeremy's father. For years, Dan had served as his most trusted aide, loyal and devoted to the man who had given him a new lease on life. When Nathaniel had finally decided to retire, he had gifted Dan with a generous sum of money, connections, and a reputation that had allowed him to establish his own empire.It was this bond, this shared history, that had forged a deep sense of duty and gratitude in Dan towards Nathaniel and, by extension, Jeremy.The moment he had received the message from Jefferson, Dan Stone knew he had to act swiftly. With Jeremy being a guest of the Nathaniel family, he recognized that this was a crucial moment for him to prove his loyalty and devotion to his former employer's legacy.Without hesitation, Dan had excused himself from a crucial business meeting, knowing that this opportunity was more valuable than any deal he could strike in his office