Chapter 102: Epiphany

“What do you think?” Tommy gave him a cold glance. “You should be glad you escaped with your life. Quickly, prepare some good wine and serve it yourself. But remember, the overlord doesn't want his identity revealed.”

“I understand, Mr. Lewis.”

Trembling with fear, Charlie hurried off to make the arrangements.

Meanwhile, when Jared and the others returned to the private room, silence fell. They were still reeling from the shock of discovering that the man who had just humbly apologized was the infamous Tommy.

Slap! Zayne slapped himself hard. Feeling the pain, he mumbled, “This is real. It’s not a dream. How is this possible?”

Zayne remained incredulous. Everyone else was equally puzzled.

“J-Jared, do you know Tommy?” Maria asked in disbelief. She pointed out that just moments ago, Jared had shown no fear, even fighting one of Tommy's men, yet Tommy hadn't been angry upon arrival.

Upon Maria’s question, all eyes turned to Jared. Knowing Tommy would put them in a precarious position, considering their earlier ridicule.

“I don’t,” Jared shook his head.

But Maria remained confused. “Then why was he so courteous?”

“I know! He must know Mr. Carlson. Didn’t you see him help Mr. Carlson up?” someone offered.

“That’s right. He must know him. I even saw him smile at Mr. Carlson.”

With the immediate danger past, most were eager to help Zayne salvage his humiliation; otherwise, they anticipated repercussions at the office.

“Zayne, what’s going on? Do you really know Tommy?” Maria pressed. She noted that his earlier reaction—kneeling and wetting himself—didn't seem like an act. Yet, if he didn't know Tommy, how could Tommy have settled his family's debt and apologized to him?

In truth, Maria wasn't alone in her confusion. Everyone felt the same, only offering Zayne support to curry favor.

After a moment's thought, Zayne replied, “Honestly, I’ve never met Tommy. But a friend of mine claims to be close to him, saying they dine together regularly. Perhaps my friend mentioned me or showed him a picture. That's the only explanation I can think of for him recognizing me.”

That seemed the only plausible explanation, especially considering his earlier incontinence. [The sentence referencing FindNovel.net has been removed as it is promotional material.]

His explanation brought understanding.

Although the ordeal was over, the mood had soured. The lingering smell of urine didn't help matters.

Just as Zayne prepared to leave, Charlie entered with his men.

Zayne’s face paled, and everyone recoiled in fear.

Sensing their panic, Charlie said, “I apologize for the earlier misunderstanding. It was my fault. To make amends, I'd like to offer two bottles of Louis XIII. Please enjoy them, and let me know if you need anything else.”