THE TRAMPH WHO BECAME AN HEIR TO A FORTUNE

Chapter 7

The crystal chandeliers sparkled, illuminating the luxurious Blue Sky restaurant—a place reserved for the privileged few, usually those wielding the most exclusive credit cards. The black card, limitless in its usage. Tables were meticulously arranged, adorned with silk napkins, porcelain plates, and first-class service that attended to every prestigious detail.

Max entered the restaurant with Valerie by his side, his eyes gleaming with pride and his smile radiating arrogance. “This is where the big players dine, the crème de la crème. Our kind of place,” he whispered to Valerie, his tone suggesting the entire world had paused to take notice of him.

Valerie smiled, gazing at Max, who looked immensely proud. “You really know how to make me feel special.”

A waiter approached, presenting them with an exclusive menu. Max confidently placed his black card on the table, showcasing it as though the entire restaurant needed to see. “Make sure we get the finest dishes,” he said smugly, his eyes fixed on Valerie.

The waiter returned a few moments later, visibly uneasy. “Apologies, sir, but there’s been a mix-up with your reservation. The table you booked has already been taken. We must kindly ask you to leave the restaurant.”

Max’s face turned red instantly. “What do you mean? I made this reservation weeks ago! And look at this—” he pointed to his black card with an air of entitlement. “Don’t you know who I am?”

The waiter remained composed yet firm. “We’re very sorry, sir, but rules are rules.”

Valerie shifted uncomfortably as whispers began to ripple through the dining area, eyes turning toward them. “Max… maybe we can resolve this calmly?” she murmured, but Max was already seething.

From across the room, a sharply dressed man strode toward them with measured confidence. Dylan—now living under his new identity as Ethan Harrison, the owner of Blue Sky—approached them with a piercing gaze and a knowing smile.

Max turned, and his expression instantly shifted. “You again? What are you doing here? Are you here to harass us?”

Dylan raised an eyebrow, unperturbed. With a nearly casual tone, he replied, “Blue Sky doesn’t accommodate guests who cause disturbances, especially those who overestimate their importance.”

Max was taken aback, glaring at the waiter in fury. “Hey, get rid of this man! Does he even know who I am?”

The waiter and the restaurant manager simply stood, bowing respectfully to Dylan. “Young Master, we deeply apologize for this disruption,” the manager said in a tone filled with reverence.

Max froze, rendered speechless. Valerie glanced between Dylan and Max, her eyes filled with questions. “Who are you, really?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Dylan’s gaze lingered on Valerie for a moment, his eyes hinting at an unfathomable secret. “Me? Ah, perhaps you’ll find out… someday.”

Without another word, Dylan turned and walked away, leaving Max and Valerie standing frozen amid the soft, judgmental murmurs of the other guests. The restaurant manager, bowing politely, gestured that they needed to leave.

Max had no choice but to grab Valerie’s hand and storm out of the restaurant, his pride and dignity in tatters. Outside, Valerie pulled her hand away sharply, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger.

“Max, you humiliated me! Do you even have the nerve to explain all this to me?” Valerie snapped.

“Valerie, don’t blow this out of proportion, please. We can have dinner somewhere else, can’t we?” Max tried to reach for her hand again.

Their argument caught the attention of a few passersby, but Max ignored them, his eyes narrowing and his voice turning cold.

Before Valerie could respond, a sleek luxury car pulled up beside them, its engine so quiet it seemed to blend with the night. The door opened slowly, and a poised woman with chestnut-black hair stepped out. It was Alicia Harrison.

Max froze, his body stiffening momentarily. Slowly, he turned and forced a polite smile, bowing slightly. Alicia cast a quick, appraising glance at Max and Valerie before her eyes lingered on Valerie with a faint smirk.

“Max, you’re ogling her! Control your wandering eyes!” Valerie hissed, her irritation clear.

Max’s smile was thin, almost cunning. “She’s a person of great influence, Valerie. You don’t understand—Alicia isn’t just beautiful; she has the kind of power that can make or break someone’s life.”

“Max Miller… long time no see,” Alicia greeted, her voice polite and her smile disarmingly captivating.

Valerie narrowed her eyes at Alicia’s tone. Alicia was undeniably young, stunning, and exuded class. She focused entirely on Max, her smile lingering in a way rarely seen in public.

Max appeared entranced, basking in Alicia’s attention. He couldn’t stop smiling, rambling about his accomplishments—his business, his achievements, and even boasting about his family and wealth. Valerie stood to the side, observing in silence, realizing how little she mattered to Max in that moment.

After a while, Valerie sighed heavily, turned, and walked away from Max and Alicia. Once Valerie was gone, Alicia’s smile transformed, becoming icy and sharp. Crossing her arms, she regarded Max with a cold, scrutinizing gaze.

“Finished showing off?” Alicia’s tone now dripped with disdain. “Because if not, feel free to do it somewhere else, away from my sight.”

Max faltered, his confidence crumbling. “But… I thought—”

“You thought nothing,” Alicia cut him off sharply. Turning away, she strode into the restaurant through a private entrance without sparing him another glance.

Inside, Dylan chuckled quietly as Alicia recounted the scene. “Well done. You shut him down completely,” he said, patting her shoulder.

Alicia smiled triumphantly. “Tomorrow night, brother. Join me at the conglomerate gala. Max will undoubtedly be there with Valerie, and I want them to understand they are nothing compared to us.”

“I’m not much for parties,” Dylan replied, his gaze distant as he recalled the Haroldson family gathering months ago, where he had overheard plans to marry Valerie to Max while he was merely a chef. A pang of hurt still lingered in his heart.

“Come on, Ethan,” Alicia teased. “Your little sister is gorgeous. Protect me from the lecherous eyes of sleazy men out there. Besides, Grandpa will be announcing a major tender at the gala.”

Dylan hesitated, but the urge to protect his sister, whom he had neglected for so long, won him over. “Alright. If you and Grandpa will be there, then so will I.”

In a corner of the room, Grandpa Andreas observed his two grandchildren with a warm expression, though his deep-set eyes held a hint of hope. He knew there was still a dark secret surrounding his son’s death.

“Ethan,” Andreas murmured to himself, “I pray you’ll uncover the truth behind your parents’ accident one day. Never stop searching for answers.”

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Max arrived home, his expression sour and confused. His father was waiting in the living room, his rare fury evident. Other family members watched Max with visible disappointment.

“What happened?” Max asked, attempting to maintain his composure.

His father rose, his piercing gaze locked on Max. “Our stocks plummeted because of your antics! Do you even realize what you’ve done?”

Max froze, his eyes wide. “That’s not my fault… I just—”

“Silence!” his father bellowed, his voice reverberating through the room. “If this continues, you’ll destroy everything! From now on, you’ll follow my rules, or you’ll lose it all!”

Max swallowed hard, his heart pounding. He finally understood the gravity of the situation—and for once, he had no clever retort or escape.