Chapter 157

Evelyn Laurent's fingertip traced the menu, pausing briefly at the price column.

Chef's Table was indeed expensive, but every dish had dazzled her during her last visit with Ethan Sullivan. Fresh ingredients, exquisite plating, even the tableware exuded luxury.

Her gaze swept across the dining patrons. A slight frown creased her brow.

The portions were simply too large.

Two women ordering four dishes meant wasted food and limited choices.

"Wait here."

Evelyn suddenly stood.

Lillian Rothschild grabbed her sleeve in panic. "Evelyn?"

Watching Evelyn stride toward the reception desk, Lillian's heart clenched. She hurried after her.

"Do you have private dining available?"

Lillian paled at the cool inquiry. "Evelyn! Private rooms require one-month advance reservations!"

She'd pulled countless strings just to secure this main dining area spot.

Evelyn patted her hand reassuringly before addressing the hostess. "A private room, please."

The hostess offered a professional smile. "May I have your reservation number?"

"No reservation."

The smile froze. "Apologies, but we can't accommodate walk-ins for private dining."

Evelyn considered briefly. "Then we'll take smaller portions to sample more dishes."

The hostess's expression turned peculiar. "Are you certain?"

Lillian stamped her foot anxiously. "Evelyn! They never do half portions here!"

She knew this establishment's ironclad rules. A billionaire had once been permanently blacklisted for demanding a larger private room.

"It's fine." Evelyn remained unruffled.

The hostess's face hardened. "Since you insist on breaking protocol, we must ask you to leave."

"My apologies!" Lillian bowed repeatedly. "My friend didn't understand. We'll return to our table."

She tugged desperately at Evelyn's sleeve, but the other woman stood immovable.

"We're not going back." Evelyn's quiet voice carried steel.