Chapter 1

The waiter's face instantly turned pale.

"Sir, I don't understand what you're talking about. There must be some misunderstanding."

"There's no misunderstanding. I heard what you said."

I repeated the word for 'pauper' in the foreign language he'd used.

"I didn't realize a waiter could have such an attitude. Is this how you treat your customers? Apologize now, or this won't be the end of it."

Since it was my girlfriend's birthday, I didn't want to make a scene. I just wanted a sincere apology.

However, I didn't expect this waiter to be so shameless.

"Sir, I'm afraid I didn't insult you. I have no reason to apologize."

I snorted. I didn't want to waste time arguing with someone like him.

"Fine. Get your manager. I'll talk to her."

I recalled that the manager of this branch was my mom's distant cousin. We'd had dinner together once. She'd definitely recognize me.

The moment I mentioned the manager, the waiter straightened up like he'd suddenly found his backing.

"Apologies, but our manager isn't someone just anyone can meet."

He looked me up and down. His eyes were full of disdain.

"You're dressed from head to toe in knockoff brands, and yet you still try to act rich. What are you, some kept man living off a woman?"

My girlfriend, Candace Primrose, had just returned from the restroom and happened to hear that. Her voice turned ice-cold.

"Why don't you explain what kind of person my boyfriend is in detail? You're just a waiter. What gives you the right to judge your customers?"

She was dressed in high-end designer clothes and had an authoritative presence.

The waiter's attitude completely changed when he saw her. He even adjusted his collar and flashed what he thought was a charming smile.

"Miss, I'm so sorry, it's all just a misunderstanding. Our manager is busy and not in the store at the moment. How about I serve you food first? Don't let some poor guy ruin your mood."

As he softened his voice, he subtly flexed what little muscle he had while trying to impress her. It made my blood boil.

Before I could react, Candace stepped back in disgust. Her tone was firm.

"Call whoever is in charge, and wipe that greasy look off your face. You're ruining the mood for all the diners here."

Her words made his face turn pale. Noticing the surrounding customers' curious glances as the drama unfolded, he clenched his jaw in frustration.

"Fine. I'll get the manager. You'll regret this."

I smiled. We'd see who'd regret it.

A few minutes later, a woman dressed in branded business attire walked over.

I was a little surprised. She wasn't my mom's cousin. I didn't recognize her.

"You're the manager?"

She lifted her chin arrogantly.

"Who else would I be?

"I heard you've been giving my staff a hard time. Sir, I advise you not to pull this kind of bullying stunt. If this gets blown up, you'll be the one embarrassed. I'll give you two choices. One, apologize to my employee and enjoy your meal peacefully. Two, I expose this online and make it known to everyone you're a kept man. It's your choice."

Candace and I exchanged a look and burst out laughing.

It was our first time meeting someone this shameless. We were actually impressed.

Seeing our silence, the waiter thought we were scared.

"I told you you'd regret it. I refused to get the manager, but you kept insisting."

He then eagerly pulled out a chair for the woman. He looked at her with clear admiration.

"Ms. Lindt, you're amazing."

The manager closed her eyes. She was clearly enjoying it.

Watching the scene, I found it almost amusing.

"I choose option two. You'll regret doing this."

After I said that, Candace and I turned around and walked out of the restaurant without looking back. We left the two of them fuming and shouting empty threats behind us.