The Gourmand, a renowned Cansington restaurant, was the grandest in the area, though its seating was tiered. Private rooms, ranked in order of luxury, were designated Diamond, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Black Iron. A public hall also served diners. Even a meal in the public hall cost thousands of dollars. It was peak time, and the hall was crowded. The line stretched over thirty people long.

Gladys began to complain. "You're useless, Benjamin! Look at Howard—a Bronze member at The Gourmand. He walks right in! And you? Some soldier! No money, no power…Look at John's son-in-law, a Silver member. One call, and a waiter rushes to greet him. Ugh! Why did my daughter marry a poor man?"

Gladys's complaints continued, fueled by the wait. She repeatedly berated her husband and insulted Thea's husband. James, accustomed to her barbs, ignored her, avoiding an argument. Turning to Thea, still in line, he said, "Wait here, Thea. I'm going to the store across the street for cigarettes."

"Okay," Thea replied.

James left. As the Callahans settled into chairs near the entrance, a voice, tinged with malice, said, "Oh? Thea? What's wrong with your face?"

Thea turned to see Belinda Frasier, a former university classmate—daughter of the wealthy Frasiers and a former campus beauty—approaching in a skimpy outfit, heavily made-up.

Thea recognized her immediately. In university, Belinda had been pursued by many; Thea, by contrast, had been considered unattractive. Belinda, aware of Thea's rise to prominence (including her friendship with Alex Yates, chairman of Celestial Group), had also heard about the facial injuries inflicted by Trent Xavier. Thea's restored appearance had made her a media sensation; she was even called Cansington's most beautiful woman.

Jealousy consumed Belinda. Seeing Thea's bandaged face, she laughed loudly. "This is the most beautiful woman in Cansington? Look, everyone! This is Thea Callahan, the media's 'most beautiful'! Look at her face! Does she look beautiful to you?"

Belinda's outburst drew attention. Voices murmured, "That's Thea Callahan?" "The chairwoman of Eternality? She doesn't look like the news pictures." "I heard she's Alex Yates's sugar baby. I wouldn't want her, even if I were paid."

More insults followed. Angry, Thea snapped, "I've never done anything to you, Belinda. Why are you humiliating me?"

When Thea let her guard down, Belinda yanked away her bandages, revealing her healing facial wounds. Belinda laughed hysterically, pointing. "Look, guys! The most beautiful woman in Cansington!"

The Callahans, seated nearby, looked away, ashamed to be associated with Thea. Gladys moved her chair as far as possible, wanting to avoid being identified as Thea's mother.

Thea panicked, lowering her head, mortified.

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