The Ultimate Blackcard Revenge

chapter 3

"Good day, how can I assist you?" One of the attendants at the front desk greeted Charles as he approached. She scrutinized him for a few moments, her face twisting in distaste due to his attire.

"I am Charles Grey, and I wish to—"

"We do not accept any delivery services at Silver Plaza Hotel," the woman interrupted. "Our patrons are highly esteemed professionals who receive top-tier gourmet meals; they do not require food delivery. Kindly leave before one of our distinguished guests notices your unkempt appearance," she added, signaling for him to go.

"You heard her, take your leave now," Ethan chimed in, his expression full of mockery. "They have important people, like myself, to attend to. And when you go home, do try to freshen up; you're giving off quite the stench."

Charles disregarded his remarks and addressed the woman. "I'm not here to place an order. I'd like to pay for one of your exclusive offerings."

"You?" The woman raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Pay for a service?" She let out a short laugh before continuing. "You must not understand. This establishment caters to business moguls, not delivery drivers. You can't even afford decent clothing, let alone high-end services. Please, leave now, or I'll have security escort you out."

Charles calmly retrieved his card from his pocket. "I wish to join the top-tier membership of this hotel and purchase access to all premium offerings you provide." He handed over the card.

The woman snatched it from him before tossing it back onto the counter dismissively. "Listen to me, you foolish beggar. Our highest membership costs one million dollars, and only a select few in this city can afford it. Perhaps you're confused, or maybe looking for work—when a position opens up for janitorial or kitchen staff, come back then." She gestured for him to leave.

Ethan watched the exchange with amusement, shaking his head. He couldn't fathom what drove his poor brother-in-law to such absurdity in one of the city's most exclusive hotels. "When will you realize that you're nothing in this city? A failure like you should be ashamed to show his face. Excuse me, I'm here to pay for my own membership."

Yet Charles stood firm. "You're going to regret dismissing me," he said coldly. "Trust me, you'll regret it."

The woman snickered and called her colleagues forward to join in the mockery.

"Vivienne, Marco, come and see this pauper wasting our time," she called.

"What’s going on?" One of them asked, amused. "Didn't you tell him we don't accept deliveries here?" They all looked down on Charles because of his shabby attire and laughed.

"I did," she replied, "but he insists on paying for our most expensive membership. I can’t fathom how someone who can't afford decent clothing could ever manage such a feat. Even if he sold everything he owns, he wouldn't have even a hundred dollars to his name."

Her colleagues burst into laughter, pointing at Charles' worn shoes and ragged clothing. "Please leave," one said. "There are guests waiting who actually belong here. This is not a place for beggars."

Charles shook his head, smiling confidently. "Why don’t you swipe my card and find out if I can afford it? Isn't that the simplest way to resolve this?"

The staff members exchanged uneasy glances; despite his appearance, they were now intrigued.

"I can’t wait to see their reactions when they realize I can afford the top membership," Charles thought to himself. He was no stranger to mockery because of how he looked, but today, he was going to surprise everyone.

Reluctantly, the woman took his card. "If this doesn't go through, I'll have security throw you out and make an example of you," she warned. Charles simply nodded and flashed a wide grin.

"Are you insane?" Ethan sneered, nudging Charles. "I can't wait to see them throw you out. You’ll get exactly what you deserve. That's where you belong."

Charles ignored him and stood patiently, waiting for the confirmation of his payment. He planned to deal with Ethan later.

The room fell silent as the woman swiped Charles' card. Everyone held their breath, expecting a rejection, but to their surprise, the transaction went through.

Moments later, the machine at the front desk beeped. "Transaction successful."

The staff, including Ethan, were stunned. Their gazes locked onto Charles as though he had just sprouted another head.

"This can’t be right," Ethan muttered, still holding onto his disbelief. "I know this man. He's a delivery driver. There's no way he can afford such an amount." He grabbed Charles by the collar. "Where did you get this card from? Did you steal it?"

"Sir, please refrain from causing a scene or we will have to ask you to leave," a staff member warned, addressing Ethan, who reluctantly let go of Charles, seething with anger.

No longer dismissive, the staff now regarded Charles with respect.

"We deeply apologize for the earlier treatment," the woman said, her tone completely changed. "Please accept our sincerest apologies for everything we said. We're eager to serve you and provide you with the best services."

The others looked at Charles with awe, while Ethan simmered in the background. This was the first time someone of his standing had ever been able to afford the top membership, making him the fourth person in the entire city to do so.

"I’d like to sign up for every premium service you offer," Charles declared. "Also, please arrange for a complete wardrobe overhaul. Bring the best luxury brands you have."

"Understood, Mr. Grey. We'll begin processing your membership immediately," the woman responded. After a few moments, the membership card was ready and handed to Charles.

"Please allow me to contact the relationship manager to escort you to your private suite," she added, smiling warmly. "And as for the man who caused you distress, what should we do with him? The comfort and security of our guests are of utmost importance."

Charles turned to Ethan, a grin forming on his face. Finally, it was time for him to turn the tables. "Please ensure he's banned from ever setting foot here unless he can match the membership f*e. Should he attempt to return, I want him thrown out immediately," Charles instructed.

"Your wishes will be honored."

"What?!" Ethan staggered back in disbelief. "You don’t have the authority to ban me from this place. Do you know who I am? I’m the eldest son of the Bennett family, and my family owns a major corporation here. How dare you treat me this way?"

"Sir, we ask that you leave the premises now," one of the guards said firmly, stepping forward.

"Let go of me!" Ethan shouted, furious. "I'm here to pay for the membership. How can you treat me like this?"

"Do you have one million dollars?" the woman asked pointedly. Ethan lowered his gaze in humiliation, unable to answer. "If you cannot afford our highest membership, you are no longer welcome here. For your harassment of a premium member, we are permanently barring you from this hotel. Escort him out."

"This is unjust!" Ethan yelled as the guards dragged him away. "Charles, this isn't over!"

"Is there anything else you require?" the woman asked Charles once Ethan had been removed.

"No," Charles replied, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

At that moment, a young and attractive woman approached Charles in the lobby.

"I'm Alison Miles, the relationship manager here," she introduced herself, extending her hand.

"I'm Charles," he replied, shaking her hand.

"Please follow me," she invited, leading Charles into the heart of the hotel.

"Welcome to Silver Plaza Hotel, the sanctuary for the elite and influential individuals in our city."