Chapter 11
Hearing me ask the manager to come settle the bill, Archer let out a long sigh of relief.]
He probably thought I was backing down, preparing to pay my way out of this drama like I always did.[]
He even showed an approving smile to me:
“You really know to apologize by paying the bill. Celeste isn’t petty–she won’t hold it against you.“]
Celeste glared at
with pure
hatred. Though tears still hung on her face, her eyes were blazing with triumphant smugness.
Her little finger secretly hooked around Archer’s, as if silently showing off to me.
2.0
So gross…
Soon, the restaurant manager walked in with two servers, carrying a POS machine and a long receipt.[]
Despite sensing the toxic atmosphere on our side, the manager maintained excellent professional composure, walking expressionlessly to Archer and Celeste.
“Mr. Hayes, Miss Sterling, good evening. Thank you for dining at Crystal Lounge.”
The manager bowed slightly and handed over the bill.]
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“We’ve calculated tonight’s total consumption: 23 dishes plus beverages and service fees, totaling $76,500. Please review.“]]
Hearing the $76,500 figure, Celeste’s eyes lit up as if this astronomical number were a medal of honor.
She looked at me provocatively, waiting for me to pull out my credit card and pay for her vanity like some pathetic ATM.]
Archer cleared his throat awkwardly, coughed twice, then said to the manager in a matter–of–fact tone:]
“Minus the fifty grand we prepaid initially, the remaining $26,500 can be collected from that lady over there.”
Then he pointed at me.
“She’ll pay.”
The manager’s professional smile remained unchanged.
“I’m sorry, sir. According to our system, there’s no record of any prepayment for tonight’s private room reservation.“]
“We only handle collection. As for who specifically pays, you can discuss it amongst yourselves and inform us.“]
Archer’s expression instantly froze like he’d been slapped.[
He stared at me in complete disbelief.[]
I timely stepped back, creating distance between us, then gave him the most innocent smile.]
“Sorry, manager. I don’t know these two people. We’re just passing by to watch the show.“]
”
Having already coordinated with the restaurant beforehand, the manager and servers were very cooperative and didn’t try to stop us.
So, my friends and I just turned and headed for the exit.[]
“Daphne! Stop right there!”
“Where are you going? You haven’t
paid
Arther and Celeste finally panicked, their voices cracking with desperation
I turned back and waved at them both, smiling with pure
“I didn’t eat anything. What’s it
“Do I even know you two?”
to
me!
dee.
With that, ignoring their frantic shouting behind me, I led my friends in a graceful exit.]
They tried to chase after us but were immediately blocked by two tall security guards.[]
“Please settle your bill before leaving!“]]
Archer frantically tried to push past the security, but Crystal Lounge had a complete system for dealing with customers who tried to skip out on bills,
Seeing she couldn’t catch up to me, Celeste finally realized the seriousness of the situation.
She panicked, genuinely terrified this time, clutching desperately at Archer’s sleeve.[]
“Archer… maybe… maybe you should pay first? Otherwise they won’t let us leave!”]]
Archer was also sweating profusely with anxiety.[]
“I want to pay too, but where would I get the money? $76,500! God, it’s not $65!” Celeste was dumbfounded.[]
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“How can you not have money?! Aren’t you…. what do we do now? Daphne is already gone!”
Archer was getting a splitting headache from her nagging and irritably shook off her hand.[]
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“It’s all your fault! If you hadn’t insisted on showing off and ordering all those expensive dishes, would it have doubled like this?!“[]
“I originally had $75,000, but now it’s all gone paying for your dress. Where would I get more money?!“]]
Realizing neither could pay, they began frantically blaming each other like rats in a sinking ship.[]
Finally, Archer couldn’t take it anymore and slapped Celeste right in front of everyone.]]
ww
And Celeste, who had always been treasured by Archer, had never suffered such humiliation.
She went absolutely feral and pounced on him, clawing and scratching.
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Before the restaurant could even call the police, the two started fighting each other like wild animals.
That scene was truly the best birthday gift I could have received!]
