Chapter Seven

Chapter seven

“If you're this concerned about marriage,”

Damein said quietly, not even bothering to make eye contact as he adjusted his sleeve.

“Don't be. I'll tell Uncle Bernard today the engagement is off.”

Upon hearing what Damien just said the color rose in Jessica’s cheeks, clashing with her expensive foundation.

Her fingers tightened around her Fendi clutch until her knuckles went white.

“Oh. My. God.”

Victoria grabbed her friend's arm. “Jessica, he's totally doing that reverse psychology thing! My ex tried the same move last month!”

Jessica's shock transformed into fury.

“I see right through you,”

she hissed, stepping closer. Her designer perfume wafted between them like a weapon.

“Playing hard to get? Acting all mysterious and disinterested?”

Her laugh was sharp enough to cut glass.

“What dating guide did you get this from?”

She tossed her highlighted hair, speaking loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear.

“Renting luxury cars, hiring actors to play chauffeurs, now this 'I don't care' act of yours?”

Her lips curved into a cruel smile. “Face it – you're just a nobody from nowhere, desperately trying to seem interesting. But guess what? Expensive props can't hide what you really are – poor.”

Seeing Jessica doesn't want to believe his words Damien walked past them without another word, his footsteps unhurried as he approached the restaurant door.

His simple robes, casting a long shadow across the marble entrance.

“Did he just—”

Victoria's jaw dropped, her bubble tea forgotten in her hand.

“Is he actually—”

“Wait,”

Jessica grabbed her friend's arm, perfectly manicured nails digging into her designer silk.

Her lips curved into a predatory smile.

“Let's give it a minute. Security here is thorough, they will kick him out soon.”

“Ohmygod, yes!”

Victoria fumbled with her phone, positioning it discreetly.

“This is going to be epic. Should I start recording?”

The two ladies positioned themselves by the ornate fountain, pretending to check their makeup while stealing glances at the entrance.

Jessica adjusted her Hermès scarf with practiced casualness, already imagining the satisfaction of watching Damien being escorted out.

“Five minutes time, we will see the village fool being kicked out,”

She smirked, reapplying her lipstick.

“I don't want to be anywhere near that village fool, when they drag him through the lobby people might think we're with him. How embarrassing would that be?”

“Welcome to Crystal Palace restaurant,”

the receptionist smiled professionally, her crimson uniform immaculate.

“For today's dining the restaurant only operates on members only, may I see your membership card?”

“No membership,”

Damien replied quietly.

The lady wanted to say something when Damien reached into his sleeve, retrieving the gold card Sophia had given him.

“Would this suffice?”

Upon seeing the Gold card the receptionist's practiced smile froze as she registered the card's distinctive golden sheen. Her hands trembled slightly as she held it. “One... one moment, please.”

She pressed her earpiece with trembling fingers.

“Manager David? Your immediate presence is required at reception.”

Within seconds, a distinguished man in a tailored suit appeared, practically gliding across the marble floor. His eyes widened at the sight of the card.

“Most honored guest,”

Manager David bowed deeply, genuine respect replacing professional courtesy.

“The luxury Suite has already been prepared. Please, allow me to escort you personally.”

He gestured toward the private elevator, reserved for the restaurant's most elite guests.

“Our executive chef has just received a fresh delivery of matsutake mushrooms.. I know you would love them, Sir.”

Twenty minutes later, Jessica and Victoria sauntered through the main entrance, their designer bags swinging.

“See?”

Jessica smirked, scanning the elegant lobby.

“Not a trace of that little village doctor. They must have shown him out through the service entrance.”

She adjusted her Cartier bracelet with satisfaction.

“Crystal Palace restaurant knows how to handle these social climbers without making a scene.”

“Thank god we waited,”

Victoria giggled, already composing a social media post about a fool trying to fake his status.

“Can you imagine if we'd been here when security dragged him out, everyone would definitely look at us.”

“The luxury Suite offers complete privacy—”

Manager David was saying when a sudden hush fell over the corridor. Staff and guests alike pressed themselves against the walls as War Goddess Serenity approached.

Everyone stepped aside immediately they saw her coming but Damien did move.

Her aide hurried behind her, juggling shopping bags from luxury desserts.

“War Goddess, your car is—”

Serenity's steps faltered as she spotted Damien.

immediately her perfect red lips curved into a cold smile.

“Well, what a... coincidence.”

Her voice carried the weight of battlefield command.

“Seeking employment in the kitchens, perhaps?”

At that moment Manager David's fingers tightened nervously around the gold card, caught between professional duty and social pressure. Immediately Sweat beaded on his forehead as he opened his mouth, then closed it.

“You know,”

Serenity adjusted her ceremonial pistol gun, the gesture practiced and intimidating.

“a position here in the kitchen, a dishwasher wouldn't be beneath you. The salary is quite good for... someone of your stranded.”

She swept her gaze over his simple robes.

“Better than chasing impossible dreams, wouldn't you say? Eventually, you'll have to accept the reality of our different worlds.”

Again Manager David shifted uncomfortably, the gold card burning in his hands. His mouth opened slightly wanting to explain the situation. But then it closed immediately as Serenity's imposing presence seemed to fill the corridor.

Twenty years of managing elite clientele hadn't prepared him for this particular dilemma and he doesn't want to get into trouble.

Damien barely glanced at Serenity as he walked past, as if her carefully cultivated aura of power was nothing more than decorative lighting.

“The private room?”

he asked quietly.

“Yes... yes, this way.”

Manager David murmured, hurrying to catch up.

Serenity perfectly shaped eyebrows rose at this perceived insolence, but before she could respond, her phone buzzed seeing it was Dr. Kyle.

She strode toward the exit, her aide scrambling to keep up.

“Dr. Kyle?”

she answered, stepping into the cool evening air.

“War Goddess!”

His voice crackled with unusual excitement.

“The most extraordinary thing... happened at the Jonathan residence today... a young doctor with abilities I've never seen before!”

Upon hearing what Dr. Kyle just said, Serenity's steps slowed.

“What do you mean?”

“His diagnostic skills, his techniques... they're beyond anything in modern medicine. War Goddess, he might be able to help your grandfather!”

Serenity's perfect posture straightened further, her earlier disdain forgotten.

“Tell me everything about this doctor.”

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