Chapter 23

Evelina raised an eyebrow, unable to suppress a smirk."Really? I had no idea."

Unbeknownst to Esme,Evelina habitually reserved the more expensive Platinum Suite, which explained her ignorance of the Gold Suite's relatively modest price.

Esme,unaware of Evelina's usual preferences,flashed a victorious grin. "It's understandable that you wouldn't know. Such places aren't common knowledge among housewives. But don't worry, you'll catch on to the finer things in life."

Evelina couldn't help but find the situation comically absurd.

Caleb,meanwhile,bristled visibly, his temper on the verge of erupting.

At that moment, the previously dismissive receptionist transformed, her demeanor becoming obsequiously sweet as she addressed Esme. "A guest for the Gold Suite? That's exceedingly rare. We hardly ever have those occupied."

With a deferential bow, she continued, "You must be Mrs. Gibson, right? Mr. Gibson is a fortunate man-having a wife who is both beautiful and sophisticated."She ushered Esme forward.

Esme, soaking in the flattery, shot Evelina a triumphant glance that seemed to say, "Clearly, I'm the rightful Mrs. Gibson."

Holding her head high, she replied, "Cary really wanted to reserve the Platinum Suite, but unfortunately, it's off-limits to the general public."

The receptionist nodded eagerly in agreement."Exactly, the Platinum Suite is reserved exclusively for our major shareholders."

She added, "In my three months here, I've only seen it opened for one of Aglonard's top magnates, a person of immense wealth and influence."

Esme paused in her tracks, then swiveled back towards Evelina, her tone thick with feigned kindness."Don't be shy, Miss Marsh. Join us for dinner.Cary and I would love your company."

Evelina responded with a measured smile. "|appreciate the offer, but I'll decline."

Caught off guard, Esme's face contorted slightly."I was just being polite..."

The receptionist interjected sharply, "Don't insult our guests. With that attitude, you're hardly fitting for our establishment. You're lowering our standards."

She signaled to security. "Please escort these troublemakers out."

Caleb moved protectively in front of Evelina, his gaze steely. "I suggest you fetch your manager.Immediately." 3

The security team paused, uncertain.

Meanwhile, the receptionist insisted, "And who might you be to demand-"

"Stop," a commanding voice interrupted. The manager approached, his expression grave. "Move away," he instructed his employee.

Evelina deftly retrieved her sleek Platinum membership card from her purse and presented it."We'll be dining in the Platinum Suite."

"Of course, one moment please." The manager respectfully accepted the card and hurried off to confirm its validity.

Muttering quietly, the receptionist scoffed, "That's definitely a counterfeit. She doesn't look like someone who could own a Platinum Card."

Esme adopted a concerned expression. "Ms. Marsh, this is Aglonard's top dining venue. It's fine if it's out of your budget, but trying to pass off a fake card is quite inappropriate."

As more crowd turned their attention towards the scene,Esme amplified her voice for the benefit of the restaurant manager. "I apologize for any confusion caused. I'm certain Ms. Marsh had no intention of causing a scene-"

The manager returned, his face stricken with embarrassment, but not towards Evelina.

With utmost respect, he bowed slightly to Evelina."Ms. Marsh,please accept my apologies.Your Platinum Suite is prepared. Allow me to escort you and your guest personally."

Esme's facade crumbled visibly, as if she had been struck.

Incredulity marked her features. How could Evelina,merely a housewife, an orphan, possess a Platinum Card?

Caleb chuckled softly. "Looks like you've never actually seen a Platinum Card, Ms. Barton. No hard feelings though; you'll grow accustomed to finer settings in time." His words mirrored her own earlier condescension.

Esme's jaw was clenched so tightly that it seemed her teeth might shatter. Her smile faltered.

Evelina casually flicked the card between her fingers and said sweetly, "I'm afraid you and Cary won't be joining us tonight. My friend might be tough, but even he can't digest a meal with a cheater and his mistress."

As Esme's forced smile finally fell away, her eyes began to brim with tears."Cary and I love each other _1 1

Evelina interrupted her sharply, "Then you should probably urge him to finalize our divorce. You're not doing any favors to your so-called 'virtue' by hanging onto a still-married man. Whatever good name you thought you had, you're shredding it."

Whispers swept through the onlookers. "She's the mistress? Unbelievable.How shameful."

"You're despicable!" Esme burst into tears, covering her face as she rushed out, presumably to complain to Cary.

Evelina watched her go without a flicker of sympathy.

The receptionist turned pale and approached hurriedly,stammering, "Ms. Marsh-I-I had no idea you were Mrs.Gibson.Please forgive my error. I didn't intend-"

"Perhaps it's best you find a different role," Evelina responded coldly, directing her gaze to the manager. "If she's incapable of proper guest recognition,why is she even employed here? The person who recommended her should reconsider their position as well." 1

"Absolutely, Ms. Marsh," the manager replied,nodding earnestly. His career was too important to jeopardize over a misjudgment.