The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Chapter 7

Felix turned and saw Sasha.

Just his luck.

He didn't want to argue with her, but he decided to say, "Sasha, you don't have to worry about what your father said. There's no future between us. I'll break the news to him in a month."

Sasha chuckled. "At least you're self-aware. That saves me the trouble. You'd better stick to your words, or you'll regret it when I do it my way."

Ruth chimed in, "You might not know how popular Sasha is now. She has more admirers than she can count, and many of them are from wealthy families. You're no match."

Then, she glanced at the tail lights of the disappearing Rolls-Royce Phantom. "Renting a fancy car might change your appearance, but it won't change who you are inside."

Felix nodded, relieved Sasha wasn't pursuing him. He never liked her, not three years ago, and certainly not now. Her family's company's success had only made her more arrogant and superficial.

As Felix headed into Luxe Dining, Sasha scowled, and her disdain became evident. "Are you deaf? I said you need a reservation and a membership card to dine here. Don't expect me to take you in."

However, Felix ignored her.

Sasha thought she was warning him out of kindness and felt disgusted by his ignorance.

"Ruth, let's wait a bit. If he gets kicked out and tries to blame me, it might involve even my dad."

"Good idea. We can't let him take advantage of us."

From their spot, they could see the restaurant's front desk. Felix had already walked up to it.

"Good evening, sir. May I have your membership card or phone number, please?"

Felix shook his head. "I don't have one."

Though the receptionist maintained a polite smile, there was a hint of mockery in her eyes. "I'm sorry, sir. We operate on a member reservation basis. You might want to try another restaurant."

Felix reached into his pocket and pulled out the Golden Card Wendy had given him. "Will this work?"

The receptionist's demeanor changed instantly. She became extremely respectful as she said, "Sir, my deepest apologies. With this card, you are one of our most esteemed guests. Would you prefer to dine in the main hall or a private room?"

This was the first time she'd seen someone with the Kinsley family's Golden Card. Suddenly, Felix seemed so much more attractive.

"Get me a private room," Felix replied.

Although he was dining alone and could have made do with a meal in the main hall, he didn't want to risk running into Sasha. She would definitely ruin his appetite.

Plus, he preferred a quick meal, which wouldn't disrupt the restaurant's business.

"Sir, my name is Donald, the manager of Luxe Dining. It's an honor to have you here. Please follow me," greeted Donald Peck, who had been instantly notified of the Golden Card's appearance.

"Sure."

Outside, Ruth nudged Sasha, who was engrossed in her phone.

"Hey, Sasha, what's going on? Felix's not getting kicked out but being escorted by someone who looks like the restaurant manager. Could his status be greater than we thought?"

Sasha glanced up briefly and scoffed.

"Nonsense. He probably made a fuss about wanting to dine here. The manager is likely taking him somewhere discreet to handle the situation without disturbing the other guests."

Ruth's eyes lit up. "You're right. That guy's so clueless. Luxe Dining is owned by the Kinsleys, the wealthiest people in the city. He doesn't know what he's getting himself into."

Meanwhile, Felix was led into a private room. However, his expression soured immediately. The room was so large and opulent that he felt awkward dining alone.

"Could you find a smaller room? I'm just here for a simple meal," he said.

"Of course. Please follow me."

Given that Felix possessed the Golden Card, any lapse in service could cost not only Donald's job but also the general manager's. Therefore, he quickly complied with his request.

As they retraced their steps, a woman in a long white dress walked toward them.

Her presence was commanding, and even though she wasn't deliberately showing off, her demeanor made passersby instinctively step aside, clearing a path.

Felix sighed. He only wanted to have a meal, but his luck seemed to be taking a nosedive—first running into Sasha outside, and now encountering Xena. It was starting to ruin his appetite.

Xena noticed Felix but didn't pause her stride. With a cold tone, she remarked, "To land a job at Luxe Dining must be quite an accomplishment for you."

Her arrogance was palpable, as usual.

Felix had no desire to explain to her. After all, Xena was no ordinary person. She was the formidable goddess of war. Even if Felix were the manager of Luxe Dining, it wouldn't make a difference.

Besides, their marriage was in Curtis' hands, and Felix had no intention of currying favor with her.

In fact, the sight of Felix brought Xena a sense of satisfaction, as the more he integrated into high society, the more he would understand her elevated status.

She was confident that he would eventually find the situation absurd and might even voluntarily destroy the marriage contract.

Upon entering another private room, Xena found a middle-aged man inside. He was of average height but had a sly, calculating look in his eyes.

"Xena, please take a seat. I've ordered some of your favorite dishes."

Perry Glover was Xena's uncle. After all, not just anyone could invite her out for a meal.

"Uncle Perry, don't be so formal. You've got into some trouble again, haven't you? You didn't mention it over the phone, so it must be serious."

Perry shifted awkwardly. "Let's eat first. We can discuss it while we eat."

Xena didn't press further and sat down. She then said with a serious tone, "I heard from my deputy that you've been associating closely with Kane. Just a heads-up—thread carefully.

"Kane is no ordinary man, and his background is quite tangled. Even I haven't managed to find any useful information about him. I trust you understand the implications."

Kane Guerra, also known as Lord Kane in the underground circles of Avesburgh, was a figure of immense power feared by many. Even the wealthiest families had to show him respect.

When Perry was about to respond, Xena's phone rang. It was from Xander.

"Dr. Fielding, do you have any news?"

Xena's voice was laced with anticipation, her focus moved entirely to Curtis' condition.

"Sort of. I didn't meet the miracle doctor, but I did come across a young man at Kinsley Mansion today. His medical skills, while not up to the legendary miracle doctor's standards, are impressive and might be sufficient to treat your grandfather.

"I must admit that I'm quite impressed."

Xena was surprised to learn that there was someone with medical skills surpassing Xander's and that he was just a young man.

"What's his name? Where can I find him?"