The Billionaire Gardener

Chapter Ten

Soon, the waiter and another waiter brought Ralph’s orders, and Andre, Stuart, and Victor opened their mouths wide. Diana was equally surprised. She didn’t know what Ralph had ticked on the menu but was sure they were the cheapest of the items. But Ralph had gone ahead to order the most expensive wine, food, and dessert!

The waiters placed the order in front of Ralph and Diana. The first waiter brought a card reader out.

“You have to pay now!” He instructed.

“Now, I’m sure he will soon be thrown out. How can he even afford all of those?” Andre said confidently while Victor and Stuart nodded in agreement.

Ralph dipped his hand in his pocket and brought out his Elite Reserve Card. The two waiters were stunned to see the cheap-looking man holding the prestigious card. Stuart had seen it before. He only wanted to confirm if it was original. Andre and Victor were surprised yet again. How could a common gardener have such a card that they did not have?

“I am sure that is fake. Get ready to arrest him.” Victor sat forward to have a better view of how the card would be declined by the machine. Andre could not help sitting as he stood up and moved closer, shouting, “this man is a fraud, everyone.” Others in the hotel turned towards the unfolding scene with keen interest.

“He has stolen someone’s card and now everyone is going to witness how fraudulent this loser is!” He announced further.

“Let’s apologize and leave now before it’s too late. Do you want to go to jail?” Diana was fidgeting.

“Take the card and do the needful fast. Let’s see who will be put to shame!” Ralph ordered the stunned waiter who collected the card and inserted it into the card reader. Within a blink, it displayed Ralph’s name and requested a pin. Graciously, Ralph inputted the pin and the transaction of over 3 million dollars was approved.

Andre could not believe his eyes, neither could Victor. Stuart was dumbfounded. Diana did not know whether to be happy or sad. The waiter apologized several times and promised to do better next time.

“Sir, if you need anything else, please let me know.”

People started scolding Andre.

“It’s because he has no such card.”

“He must really be envious.”

“Maybe the man should give him some money to keep him quiet.”

“He acted so stupidly, calling everyone’s attention for nothing.”

“He must be a spoiled brat.”

The insults were endless. Andre returned to his seat with wobbly feet. He felt so ashamed of himself. At the same time, he was confused about what just happened. How could Ralph possess such a card! He even knew the correct pin, and his name was displayed on the screen. Victor and Stuart were also having the same thoughts.

Diana opened her mouth to talk.

“Ask no question. Whatever question you have will be answered when we get home. Like I have been saying, enjoy the moment and worry less. Excuse me. I need to use the restroom. I will be right back.”

Ralph stood up and walked towards the gent’s. When he got inside, he made sure that no one was within earshot. Then he put a call through to Attorney Smith.

“Hello Mr. Ross.”

“Yes. I need something quickly. I am in Rovers Royale with my wife, but some guys would not allow us to enjoy our time together in peace. I want them sent out of the hotel immediately.”

“Sorry about that, Mr. Ross. Please supply the names of these people, and I will get Sophie Thompson to carry out your order immediately.”

“Sophie Thompson?”

“Yes. She is the director of Rovers Hotels and Resorts. She will handle it perfectly.”

“Forward her contact; let me give her the instruction directly to make it faster.”

When Ralph returned to their table, Stuart was already seated by Diana, telling her sweet words to woo her. Without hesitation, Ralph held him up by the neck and flung him towards Andre. The force made Andre and Stuart find themselves on the floor with the chairs turned over them. Victor stood to help them up.

“Are you okay, darling?” Ralph asked as he reclaimed his seat.

Diana nodded. She was short of words. A lot of questions were playing on her mind. Was this person Ralph or his clone?

Just as Andre, Victor, and Stuart were about to attack Ralph, a group of security guards walked towards them. One of them spoke.

“We have the instructions from Mr. R.R. to throw you out of here. He observed that you are causing a nuisance within his property. However, I would want you to willingly leave right now.”

“What? Do you know who I am? The Executive Director of Rovers Group. Even Sophie, your boss cannot tell me that.” Victor blurted.

“Well, you are the Executive Director; no one is disputing that, but the one who owns you and the whole of Rovers said he doesn’t want you here as you are disturbing the peace of the whole place. So, respect yourself and leave before we throw you out.”

“And how did he know that?” Andre asked adamantly.

“There are CCTVs everywhere. He can see you if he wishes.”

“Who is he? He should come out and face me. Does he know how much I mean to Rovers Group. Stop hiding and come out now!” Victor kept shouting at the top of his voice attracting the attention of all and sundry to himself.

The guards had to throw them out when they refused to leave. All the while, Diana wondered what was going on. Ralph had said the trio would be thrown out, and they had. Who was he? A soothsayer? A seer?

Ralph leaned towards Diana, speaking softly, "Let's just say I have my ways of making things happen. Don't worry darling; eat and make merry for your time has come."

As Victor, Andre, and Stuart were escorted out, the onlookers were buzzing with speculation and curiosity.

With the disruptive guests removed, the atmosphere in Rovers Royale gradually returned to normal.

Diana couldn't shake off the feeling that Ralph held more secrets than she ever imagined. As they continued their evening, the questions lingered in her mind, leaving her eager for the explanations Ralph promised.