Chapter 54
The manager respectfully handed the card back to Daphne with both hands. He wasn't sure why he'd listened to Sebastian; he couldn't even make eye contact with him.
Tyonne, seeing the manager cower, decided to push her luck. "Ms. Yeager," she said, "it seems your relationship with Mr. Turner is anything but ordinary. I've truly misjudged you."
One of the influencers behind Tyonne whispered, "Mr. Turner? Is he the Mr. Turner from Turner Group?"
Another was shocked. "Wait, is that really him? What's he doing with Daphne? He even stood up for her! Could it be?"
A layer of cold sweat formed on the manager's forehead as he overheard the conversation. Each influencer was someone he couldn't afford to offend.
He quietly wiped the sweat and, adjusting his tone, turned to Daphne with newfound respect. "Ms. Yeager, you'll need to call Mr. Zelinski if you truly want this suite. I'm afraid it's beyond my authority to decide."
Daphne finally understood: in the world of the wealthy, true power stemmed not from money, but from influence and connections. Throwing money around wouldn't work; only authority could open doors. Fortunately, Sebastian had plenty of that.
"Time to call Mr. Zelinski and ask him why he hired someone as spineless and opportunistic as you to manage this place," Sebastian said, stepping out to make a call. His earlier imitation of deference had dissipated upon his return.
The manager's phone rang simultaneously. He nodded repeatedly with an ingratiating smile. "Yes, Mr. Zelinski. It was my mistake. I didn't recognize who I was dealing with. I truly didn't know he was Mr. Turner. I'll immediately reassign the suite Mr. Farrell had reserved to Ms. Yeager. About the price waive all the fees? Yes, of course. Consider it done."
The manager's shirt was soaked with sweat when the call ended.
Tyonne's face twisted in anger when she heard the suite had been reassigned. The influencers behind her looked equally awkward.
Yvonne glared at the manager furiously. "What do you mean my suite is being given to her? I reserved that for me! Aren't you afraid I'll come after you if you offend me?"
The manager, caught between a rock and a hard place, was on the verge of tears. "Ms. Smith, it's not that I don't want to help you. It's just that my boss has a personal connection with Mr. Turner. He personally gave the order, so my hands are tied. I can arrange another suite for you, if you'd like"
"Fine! Enjoy your moment, Daphne! You have Mr. Turner to back you up today. Let's see how long you can keep it up! I'll hear about this!" Yvonne, furious, nearly jumped in anger. She slammed her bag against the counter a few times before storming off.
Daphne's mood instantly lifted.
The manager's demeanor completely changed. He became polite and respectful, as if the obsequious and mocking person from earlier had never existed. "Ms. Yeager, this way, please."
Daphne shot him a disdainful glance before ignoring him completely. "Lead the way."
Once inside the suite, she asked Sebastian, "What did you say to Mr. Zelinski? How did you convince him to risk offending Wilson over something so trivial?"
"Of course, there were benefits involved. But that's a secret. I can't tell you," Sebastian feigned mystery.
Daphne rolled her eyes and pursed her lips arrogantly. "Fine, don't tell me. I don't want to know."
The dishes were brought to the table one after another. After filling her stomach, Daphne raised her wine glass and began thanking everyone present. "Ava, you stood by me without hesitation and left Starstruck Entertainment with me, risking your career and future. I'm deeply touched. I can't promise much, but I can guarantee I'll never replace you as my manager as long as I'm in the entertainment industry."
Ava's eyes reddened. Her voice trembled with emotion. "Daph, don't worry! We'll have a successful career together! I'll give it my all to secure the best resources for you. Let's start a company and work hard to build"