With a sneer, Matthew ignored Cole and headed for the Opulent Club.

Beside him, Cole snickered. “Are you still determined to enter, despite what I just said? Just wait; the guards will surely intervene.”

As Matthew approached, the two security guards outside looked momentarily surprised. “Welcome,” they greeted respectfully.

Witnessing this, Cole looked astonished. “How could you allow someone like him to enter? He doesn’t meet the qualifications,” he reminded the guards.

One of the guards smiled. “He’s a member of the Opulent Club, which certainly qualifies him.”

Cole was puzzled. How could Matthew possibly be a member? He’d divorced his wife and was left with nothing; he shouldn’t be qualified to enter, let alone be a member.

“You should still check his credentials,” Cole insisted. “He doesn’t have the qualifications to enter.”

The guard smiled. “I will report this to my superiors later.”

Cole stood with a dissatisfied expression. Disregarding him, Matthew walked into the lobby, passing the exquisite garden-like landscape before heading toward the elevator.

Cole followed, ready to enter the first-floor lounge. However, noticing Matthew heading for the elevator, he widened his eyes in surprise. “Matthew, are you planning to go to the second floor?” he asked incredulously.

Seeing him, Matthew impatiently said, “Get lost. Whether I go to the second floor or not is none of your business!”

Cole’s face darkened with anger. “The fact that you were able to enter the first floor earlier must be because the club’s database hasn’t been updated,” he spat. “They must have thought you’re still the owner of Evergreen Group. Entering the first floor was just luck,” he accused. “I don’t even have the qualifications to enter the second floor, so you better not even think about it!”

As they spoke, Marty suddenly caught up with them. After being informed of Matthew’s arrival by the first-floor guards, Marty promptly came over to greet him. Spotting Matthew by the elevator, he waved in recognition.

Cole felt flattered, assuming he was being personally greeted by Marty. He knew that Marty, the club’s manager, possessed a considerable network of connections and power in Lambda City.

Cole smiled. “Mr. Miller, I met you last time when I acquired my membership card. I’m honored that you remember me!”

Marty replied casually, “Who are you? I wasn’t greeting you.”

Cole realized his mistake and felt embarrassed, at a loss for words.

Marty walked toward Matthew. “Mr. Grant, welcome to Opulent Club. Allow me to escort you upstairs.” As he spoke, he gestured to the open elevator door, then respectfully invited Matthew to step inside.

Matthew nodded and entered the elevator.

Watching this, Cole’s mouth hung open in disbelief for a long time. He believed Matthew was left with nothing and wondered why Marty treated him with such respect.

As the elevator doors slowly closed, he seemed to suddenly pull himself together. “Mr. Miller, you should verify his identity. He’s been stripped of everything now…” His words trailed off as the elevator doors slid shut.

Cole felt somewhat resentful. Why was Matthew able to capture the hearts of their female classmates despite not being as wealthy as him during their school days? And why was he able to succeed after graduation despite lacking an influential background? Matthew had divorced and was left with nothing after being released from prison.

In Opulent Club, entry to each floor was determined by one’s status or influence. Cole could only access the first floor, while Matthew was able to ascend to the second. “On what basis, though?” Cole thought resentfully as he stared at the elevator doors, long closed.

Inside the elevator, Marty had overheard Cole’s words. Adopting a flattering tone, he remarked, “That guy just now was really annoying. Mr. Grant, would you like me to take care of him?”

Matthew glanced at Marty and calmly replied, “Sure, you can slap him a few times later.”