Chapter 22
Robert's statement caused Kendrick and Silas's faces to fall. However, the surrounding patrons cheered at the free drinks, whispering, “What a rich guy! He's giving every table champagne. A bottle of Armand de Brignac costs $1,500! He's giving away $150,000 just like that!”
Kendrick's face darkened. Silas felt awkward. While a $150,000 spender was a huge client, he couldn't afford to offend someone spending $15,000 either. He found himself in a difficult position, looking helplessly at Naomi.
Kendrick stood up. "Robert, I know where your money comes from. You mortgaged your house to put on this act, but that doesn't give you the right to be cocky with me! We live in a law-abiding society, but believe me, you won't see the sun tomorrow after you leave this door."
Naomi, sitting nearby, stood up. "Oh, look at you. I'd think you owned the city if I hadn't lived here my whole life."
Kendrick's expression changed upon seeing Naomi. He recognized her from an auction; her family owned a local Yrinas enterprise. The Zabel family wasn't afraid of her, but his family, new to the city, knew not to cross her.
Seeing Naomi stand, Silas quickly approached, smiling obsequiously. "Ms. Labelle."
Silas's change in demeanor stunned Naomi's companions. "What's going on? Ms. Labelle? Does that mean Naomi's family owns Elephant Bar?" they wondered.
Kendrick stared, eyes wide. No wonder Robert could spend $150,000 at once. This bar belongs to Naomi's family! he thought.
Naomi waved impatiently. "Didn't you hear what Robert said? Do as he said."
"Yes, Ms. Labelle!" Silas immediately nodded, gesturing to the DJ.
A hundred bottles of Armand de Brignac glistened as waiters carried them overhead, delivering them to each table. The DJ announced, "I hope Mr. Zabel and Ms. Quesnell break up!" His sudden reversal from earlier well-wishes greatly embarrassed Kendrick.
Robert approached Kendrick's table, his gaze flitting to Kendrick before settling on Marilyn. Smiling faintly, he said, "I hope you all have a great time." He then waved and left, ignoring Linda, who had previously sat beside Marilyn.
Naomi glanced at Silas. "Tell the DJ to repeat that all night!" She then hurried after Robert, running out of the bar.
The Armand de Brignac bottles glistened, the DJ's voice echoing, "Break up break up" Kendrick, once the object of envy, was now the subject of bar-wide laughter. He clenched his fists, humiliated by the DJ's repeated announcement.
Watching Robert leave, Kendrick said fiercely, "Do you think you can fight me now with her backing you up? Just wait. You won't be laughing, and I'll make you kneel and beg for forgiveness!"
Naomi's former tablemates quickly messaged her, hoping to cultivate a relationship.