"Do you comprehend the exorbitant prices we demand for our culinary offerings? A modest meal here could effortlessly set you back over a hundred grand. This is not an establishment catering to penniless individuals such as yourselves," declared the supervisor with an air of condescension.Joanna, ever mindful of avoiding unnecessary expenses or entanglements, let out a resigned sigh. "Travis, it's not worth it. Let's explore other dining options or perhaps I can cook at home."Unyielding in his resolve, Travis dismissed Joanna's suggestion. "No, there's no need for us to leave. This marks the first time I'm treating all of you to dinner, and I'm adamant about ensuring it's a splendid experience."Turning to the supervisor, Travis asserted, "You there, fetch your superior. I wish to speak with the person who holds the ultimate authority in this establishment."Amusement echoed among the supervisor and his cohorts. "We boast a multitude of bosses here; precisely which one are you alludi
Stepping into Cloud Palace felt akin to entering a genuine royal abode, their senses overwhelmed by the exquisite furnishings and exuberant lavishness that adorned its interior."Please come this way, Sir. This is our best VIP room," guided Vic Davidson, leading them towards a spacious enclave that radiated opulence.Despite the grandeur, Madame Alice found herself fidgeting, an uneasiness stemming from the unspoken understanding that dining in a VIP room often translated to a heftier bill. An advocate for practicality, she hesitated, "Why don't we just dine in the main hall? Let's skip the VIP room." Her knowledge of the unwritten rules in entertainment and dining outlets informed her decision, mindful of potential financial repercussions.The lush decor of Cloud Palace surpassed even the palaces she had witnessed on television, further intensifying her reservation about opting for the VIP room. Concerned that the bill might exceed their budget, Madame Alice proactively suggested for
The prospect of dining for free, for the rest of their lives, seemed surreal, prompting Joanna to interject, "Mom, I'm pretty sure Travis has a very good relationship with Mr. Davidson, that's why..." She cast a hopeful glance toward Travis, seeking affirmation and understanding in the midst of this unexpected turn of culinary fortune.Stepping into the role of mediator, Travis interjected with a reassuring tone, "Yes, definitely. Vic used to be a very good friend of mine; that's why he treats us like his family. There's no need to feel uneasy about that."Vic Davidson, visibly touched by Travis's mention of familial bonds, was on the verge of tears, his voice quivering as he expressed, "Yes, oh yes, that's so true... We are family. I owe a lot to Mr. Danforth; you wouldn't understand if I begin to explain. Please make yourself comfortable; don't stand on ceremony here."Despite these heartfelt assurances, the Blooms remained hesitant to delve into the expansive menu and place their o
As the complicated details of Professor Blaine’s explanation unfolded before their attentive ears, a trace of anxiety painted Matthew’s expression. With a furrowed brow, he inquired, “So, if I understand correctly, acquiring an Eterna pill is practically impossible now?”Professor Blaine acknowledged with a solemn nod, “Indeed, it has become an exceedingly rare commodity. Although I did hear rumors of an exorbitant ten million paid for such a pill in an auction a few years ago.” then he sighed and continued, “I know it's meaningless for you to know all about Eterna since it is almost impossible to find one of the pills these days."Matthew, deep in thought, contemplated the professor’s words. His head tilted, eyes narrowed, a sense of déjà vu lingered as the name Eterna resonated within him.He struggled to place where he might have encountered that term before.Amidst the contemplative atmosphere, Allison, too, experienced a sudden revelation. Her eyes widened in realization, and she
Madame Alice, harboring a deep-seated disdain for the Blooms, vehemently declared, “Since they need something from this useless family, we shouldn't make it easy for them to get it because they won't appreciate us, I'm sure of it.” She had reached her limit with Madame Emma, who had made her life miserable even during her marriage. The disdainful treatment continued after her husband's demise, relegating them to insignificance.Joanna, curious about Travis's perspective, cast a gaze in his direction, contemplating his potential response. She secretly concurred with her mother; her grandmother was unlikely to express gratitude, even after they saved her life. Perhaps her mom's suggestion was worth considering.Travis, sensing the weight of their expectations, released a sigh, accompanied by a reassuring smile. He voiced his uncertainty, stating, “Do you guys think that family still has something we want? I'm not sure anymore.”Madame Alice, undeterred, pointed out, “They have a pletho
As the ambulance sped off towards the hospital, Matthew’s intention to follow was abruptly halted by Jonathan. He signaled for Charlotte, their wives, and the children to pursue the ambulance, leaving Matthew momentarily bewildered.Taking advantage of the moment, Jonathan motioned for Matthew to join him in a discreet corner at the hotel for a confidential conversation. Intrigued and seeking answers, Matthew acquiesced, shadowing Jonathan to the secluded spot.With a raised eyebrow, Jonathan delved into the heart of the matter. “So, Joanna gave you the cold shoulder, eh?” His voice carried a hint of disbelief.Matthew released a heavy sigh, his head bobbing in agreement. “Seems like they’re being furious, understandably. After all, we tossed their precious pill to the ground, giving them a taste of humiliation. Mom’s plight doesn’t seem to be registering on their radar.”Jonathan emitted a scoff, a disdainful note in his voice. “That ungrateful brat. It’s high time they learn the mos
Jonathan found out that Joanna and Travis were dining at the Earth Palace after sending someone named Lenny to find out their whereabouts.Upon receiving this critical piece of information, Jonathan’s face contorted into a perplexed expression.“Earth Palace? What the hell are they doing there? Are you absolutely certain that’s their current whereabouts?” Jonathan sought confirmation.Lenny met Jonathan’s gaze with a confident nod. “Yes, boss, they’re currently having a meal there.”Jonathan, contemplating the situation, nodded. “Very well, let’s go make an unexpected appearance.” he declared.Accompanied by Lenny and his group of thugs, Jonathan and his entourage were on the verge of launching a forceful entrance into the Earth Palace to track down Joanna and Travis.A formidable array of a dozen security guards, impeccably dressed in suits, appeared as human barricades stationed stoically at the entrance, forming an unyielding barrier that restricted any attempts at entry into the e
Wearing a smile, Travis brought out the pill, displaying it in front of Jonathan as he calmly stated, “Speak to me with courtesy, and you might find yourself in possession of this pill.”Jonathan’s gaze remained fixed on the small object resting in Travis’s palm. In a burst of desperation, he shouted, “Hey, you! Hand over that pill to me this instant!”Joanna, unable to contain her disbelief, let out a scoff at her uncle’s audacity. “What’s this uncle? You guys had rejected the pill and had even thrown it away when we had given it to grandma as her present. How could you even have the face to come back asking for it?""Address me as Uncle, yet lack an ounce of respect, Joanna. So what if we discarded it? Once given, it becomes ours to do with as we please.” Jonathan retorted with a smug tone. “I’m presenting you with two options now: surrender the pill, and I’ll compensate you with a hundred grand, or face the consequences as I hand you over to Lenny and his gang.”Travis interjected