Chapter 237

"Relax." Xavier Stapleton waved his hand with feigned generosity, his gaze lingering on Evelyn Sinclair. "Last time you made excuses about bringing your husband. What's one more person at dinner? I can afford it."

He suddenly leaned in close to Evelyn, lowering his voice just enough for everyone to hear. "Evelyn, though your husband... really isn't worthy of you, we all know the truth. He's just a shield, right?"

"I get it," Xavier breathed into Evelyn's ear as he pressed closer. "You could've just asked to eat at Ocean Palace instead of staging this 'accidental' meeting."

Evelyn's expression remained impassive.

Lewis Bright frowned deeply.

"Sir, please step back." Lewis shoved Xavier away.

"Old man's really committed to the act," Xavier sneered internally while forcing a smile. "Fine, fine. I know you're just doing your job as the 'butler.' I'll humor you tonight."

He slapped Lewis's shoulder with excessive force, making others wince. "I'm the most easygoing person!"

Before he could finish, Charles Candy came hurrying over.

"My sincerest apologies!" He rubbed his hands together obsequiously. "My staff failed to recognize our distinguished guests. The Ocean Hall is ready for your party."

Xavier immediately straightened his posture.

He recognized Charles from visiting Ocean Palace with his father. Assuming the manager had alerted the owner about their dispute, Xavier smirked triumphantly at Evelyn and extended his hand.

"About time. Your manager needs to learn some—"

His hand hung in midair.

Charles walked right past him, hesitating briefly between Evelyn and Lewis before decisively approaching Evelyn.

"Right this way, madam."

The Kingsley Group assistant had only mentioned Lord Alex hosting an important guest without specifying details. Charles wasn't taking any chances.

The Ocean Hall was their most exclusive private dining room.

When Lord Alex visited, only the best would suffice.

Under Xavier's stunned gaze, Evelyn and Lewis were ushered toward the hall like royalty.

"This..."

Xavier's face burned.

The moment Charles left, all staff followed in procession, leaving only one waiter who recited mechanically, "Sir, we have other private rooms available."

"We're leaving!" Xavier exploded. "Kingsbury has plenty of restaurants! Let's relocate our team building!"

Wendy West chimed in, "You'll regret offending our boss! This place will be shut down!"

The waiter bowed with a mocking smile.

Since when did small fries dare call themselves 'boss'?

Xavier stormed toward the entrance with his entourage.

A line of black-suited security blocked their path.

"Apologies. No passage allowed temporarily."

Xavier gaped. "What? This is your main entrance!"

A supervisor hurried over. "Our VIP is arriving. The front is secured. Please use the service exit."

"Service exit?" Xavier's voice cracked. "You expect me to—"

The supervisor's smile didn't reach his eyes. "If you refuse..."

He signaled the guards. "Escort them out."

A guard pressed his earpiece. "Copy that."

Turning to the supervisor, he reported, "His Lordship's arriving. Doesn't want to see riffraff."

With a wave, security personnel seized Xavier's group and dragged them toward the back.

They were dumped beside reeking garbage bins.

Sewage water pooled around their shoes.

Never in his life had Xavier suffered such humiliation.

"You'll beg for my forgiveness!" he shrieked hysterically.

The supervisor and guards advanced.

Xavier bolted faster than a startled rabbit.

He didn't dare look back to see who the VIP was.

Only when safely distant did he stop to assess his disheveled team. His face burned anew.

Someone was missing. "Where's Roman Young?"

Even his usual punching bag had vanished...

"Boss, should we still do team building?" Wendy panted.

"Damn right!" Xavier spat through clenched teeth. "Money opens doors anywhere!"

......

"Lord Alex, Xavier's been handled," a guard reported.

Alexander Kingsley nodded curtly. "Monitor him. Ban him from every reputable Kingsbury restaurant for a month."

Charles approached again. "Lord Alex, the young lady is already in Ocean Hall—"

Alexander raised a hand. "I'll go myself."

He could find the Ocean Hall blindfolded.

Beneath his black coat, his bandaged hand clenched slightly...