Chapter 29

To everyone's surprise, Diane frowned and said, "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I won't be able to join. You can go with them, Severin."

Henry's smile froze. Her refusal was discourteous.

The Shanahans were taken aback. William immediately stepped forward. "What are you talking about, Diane? Mr. Henry invited you to dinner because he respects you. How could you refuse?"

He then smiled ingratiatingly and said to Henry, "Mr. Henry, my wife has been a little spoiled, but it's just a bit of temper. Please don't take it to heart!" Catherine was equally startled. "What are you talking about? You need to go, Diane! Refusing Mr. Henry's invitation is unbecoming!"

The Shanahans had longed for such an opportunity, but never received one. Diane had been given this privilege, yet refused. If Henry was displeased and blamed them, the Shanahans would be in serious trouble. The thought of the repercussions from a first-tier family sent shivers down their spines.

Diane smiled awkwardly. "I didn't refuse out of disrespect. My daughter, Selene, has been waiting at home for almost an hour. It's not good for a young girl to wait alone so long."

Severin added, "That's right! My daughter is waiting for me. Let's just call it a day."

Henry was speechless. "But I've already reserved the VIP room. Perhaps someone could drive Miss Diane back, and she could bring your daughter to join us for lunch?"

Diane smiled, embarrassed. "I couldn't possibly accept that! We wouldn't want to keep you waiting, Mr. Henry!" She didn't want to offend him further, so she turned to Severin. "You should stay with Mr. Henry. I'll go back to Selene. I'm worried she's waited too long."

Severin frowned. "Perhaps someone could send us back so we can pick up Selene and return?"

Henry was overjoyed at Severin's agreement. "No problem at all. There's still time!"

Severin said, "You can order. We'll be back in a jiffy."

"Certainly. We'll order and wait for you in the third-floor VIP room!" Henry agreed with a smile.

Trevor and Easton exchanged speechless glances. They were astonished by Severin's cordial relationship with Henry, and Henry's willingness to wait for them.

As Severin led Diane away, he paused and looked back at Trevor and the others. Henry understood immediately and said to Trevor, "Luck isn't on your side today, Trevor. The auspicious time has passed. It's best to cancel the wedding. The noise from the second floor will spoil our appetites, and Severin might not be in the mood to drink with me."

"C-c-cancel?" Trevor's face fell. Cancelling after all the preparations would be incredibly embarrassing.

"Is something wrong? Must I repeat myself?" Henry's expression darkened. He said to Denzel, "Denzel, have your security clear the place. Five minutes."

"No problem!" Denzel grinned.

"We'll leave," Trevor gritted, defeated. There was nothing he could do.

(The repeated promotional line has been removed.)