Jeremy took a deep breath.Initially, he had planned to keep Avery in the dark about the source of the money that had settled their daughter's medical bills. He had instructed the doctor to tell her that an anonymous benefactor had stepped in, but Noah's deceitful behavior had shifted his resolve. He had messaged the doctor on their way to the hospital, asking him to be honest with Avery, knowing that she would undoubtedly ask. "Say something, Jeremy," Avery snapped, her patience fraying at the edges as her husband maintained his silence. Clearing his throat, Jeremy began, his voice faltering as he set up into his fabricated explanation. "An old friend of mine...his father happens to be the director of this hospital," he stammered, the falsehoods slipping easily from his lips. "So I spoke to him about Mia's condition, and he kindly waived the bills." Jeremy's gaze shifted, his hands clenching and unclenching as he battled the guilt that threatened to consume him. Avery's br
Mrs. Williams scoffed, a harsh and mocking laughter filling the air. "There we go again, the proud but broke man," she jeered, her words dripping with contempt. "You think you de heavens restaurant are like those cheap restaurants you take Avery to every year on your anniversary? Where you are expected to spend peanuts here like you do on her," she taunted, clearly enjoying the discomfort she was causing. "Oh, Jeremy, if you weren't so full of pride, maybe you would understand how expensive a five-star restaurant can be. Instead, you waste your money, trying to make a show of wealth. Why don't you spend that money on your wife and daughter instead, so you don't end up back on the streets, begging for scraps like a dog?" Mr. Williams said, his face twisted in derision, cut in with a venomous remark. Jeremy, his expression unyielding, kept his gaze fixed on Avery. The hate and discouraging comments and insults hurled his way by the Williams held no influence over his behavior, for h
Avery wasn’t having any of it. She was fed up with her husband Jeremy, who was clearly more interested in being right than in being resourceful. “Jeremy,” she started, her voice tired and firm. “I think you’re taking this too far. It’s getting too much.”It didn’t make sense to Avery. If Jeremy had plenty of money, why would he keep splurging on her ungrateful grandparents? It wasn’t like they were ever going to appreciate the gesture. Jeremy was usually so frugal, always planning out every penny they spent. This sudden spending spree was really out of character for him. She had no idea what was going on with him, but she knew she wasn’t going to stand for it any longer.Mrs. Williams’ voice was as sweet as syrup, but Avery could hear the mockery in her tone. “Why stop him, dear? Let him spoil us. It’s not like we get to live this high life every day,” she chuckled. Then, turning to the chef, she snapped, “Hurry up and do what Jeremy told you. He’s trying to prove he’s not a total d
The restaurant had gone silent, all eyes fixed on Jeremy as he stood his ground. Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Peterson, and Steve were all frozen in shock, mouths slightly agape as they processed what Jeremy had just said.“Are you crazy?” Mrs. Williams gasped. “Do you have any idea how much that wine costs? You can’t possibly afford it!”Jeremy, still perfectly composed, met her gaze with a cool stare. “I’m fully aware of the cost, Mrs. Williams. And yes, I can afford it.”The revelation left the room reeling, a hush falling over the table as the three guests processed what Jeremy had said.“But how?” Mrs. Peterson finally managed to sputter, her eyes wide with shock. “How can you afford a wine that costs a hundred thousand dollars?”Jeremy, his words a sharp blade, pressed his point. “Or is that it, Steve?” he asked, his voice a quiet, dangerous whisper. “Are you afraid you won’t be able to pay me back?"Steve’s face twisted with rage. “I’ll pay you back, you arrogant bastard!” he spat, slam
The restaurant fell silent, the tension in the air thick and palpable. All eyes were on Jeremy, their gazes full of curiosity and concern. How was he going to pay for the expensive bottle of wine? The thought weighed heavily on everyone's minds.Avery, her eyes wide with concern, immediately tried to interrupt, her voice laced with worry. "Jeremy, let me help you with this," she said, reaching for her own purse. "I can split the bill with you, I insist."Jeremy, with a firm but gentle shake of his head, turned to Avery, his expression reassuring. "Avery, it's okay," he said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I can handle this. You don't need to worry."As Jeremy pulled the sleek, matte black card from his wallet, Steve and the waiter couldn’t help but stare, their eyes widening in surprise. The card, emblazoned with the emblem of a luxury brand, was the epitome of elegance and exclusivity, reserved for only the wealthiest of clientele.Steve’s anger and envy grew as he consi
As the waiter’s words sank in, a wave of confusion and suspicion washed over Jeremy. He couldn’t imagine Jefferson, had betrayed him or made an error of this magnitude. The thought was simply inconceivable.“There must be some mistake,” he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. “I don’t understand.”The Williams and Peterson made merry in Jeremy’s momentary discomfort, their faces breaking into satisfied grins. For once, Jeremy was off-balance, his usual aura of confidence and control shattered by the unexpected twist of fate.Steve, his eyes gleaming with malice, leaned forward in his seat. “Looks like the tables have turned,” he said, his voice low and threatening. “Now you can explain how you got that card. I’m sure the police will be interested in hearing your explanation.”"I'm sure you customized this card to look like the black card just to deceive people and get a woman on your bed," Steve said bitterly. Steve’s words, loaded with insinuation and scorn, sent a surge
The table erupted into uproarious laughter, cackling with amusement at the sight of Jeremy’s sudden comment.“The waiter should follow him!” Mr. White suggested, his booming voice cutting through the boisterous noise. “Make sure he doesn’t get away!”“We can’t let him off the hook that easily!” Mr. Williams chimed in, his face flushed with excitement.The waiter, a look of confusion and uncertainty on his face, shifted from foot to foot. “I have no problem with you following me,” he declared, his words brimming with audacity.The waiter, understanding his signal, nodded curtly to the burly bodyguard stationed at the restaurant entrance. Without hesitation, the muscular man set off in Jeremy’s direction, his pace brisk and purposeful.“Be careful!” Mrs Williams cautioned, her words ringing with a note of warning. “Jeremy’s a cunning one. Keep an eye on him, and make sure there’s no escape route in that bathroom for a criminal.”The bodyguard, his face betraying a hint of worry, ackno
Everyone on the table exchanged looks of disbelief, whispers of astonishment filling the air. They concluded that he had either lost his mind or was high on drugs, his bold announcement affirming their suspicions. Mr. Williams, his face a mask of resentment, turned his gaze towards Jeremy, his eyes searing with contempt. “Jeremy,” he began, his voice dripping with condescension, “you’ve exhibited a different level of madness tonight. And I’m curious, just how far down this rabbit hole of lunacy have you descended?”Mr. Williams’ eyes narrowed into slits, his tone sharp and tinged with incredulity. “You are aware, aren’t you, that Dan Stone is one of the most prominent CEOs in this city?“And yet, here you are, speaking of him as though he’s nothing but a street vendor. A mere commoner!” Mr. Williams shook his head in disbelief, his voice rising to a sneer.“Your arrogance, your lack of respect…I don’t know what’s gotten into you. But I’ll tell you this,” he spat out the words with v