Matthew disliked being called “sir.” It felt inappropriate, especially recently. Worse, the offender was an old man, nearly his grandfather's age.

He grabbed a chair and sat. “I’ll sit, but please call me something else.”

Ansel handed him a cup of coffee, then stood aside. “I can’t. Rules are rules.”

Matthew realized Nicholas had likely established these rules. Nicholas had always been enigmatic. Even now, Matthew didn't know Nicholas's true name, occupation, or background.

Matthew decided to ask Ansel, “Can you tell me more about my mentor?”

Ansel shook his head. “Complete your first task, and you’ll learn everything. Here’s a letter outlining your task. Read it.”

As he spoke, Ansel produced a brown envelope.

Matthew was speechless at Nicholas's persistent mystery. Still, he suspected Nicholas was no ordinary person. The medical skills Nicholas taught were incredible, and the martial arts were formidable.

Holding the envelope, Matthew felt closer to the truth. He almost tore it open, but changed his mind, pocketing it to read later at home.

Seeing this, Ansel said, “The Opulent Club was built to serve you. No matter what you want, I’ll do my best to make it happen.”

Matthew suddenly remembered Rachel's business meeting on the second floor. He stood. “I’m going to the second floor to find someone.”

Ansel offered to accompany him. “I’ll take you there.”

Matthew raised a hand. “I can go myself.”

Ansel stopped immediately. “Take care, sir. If you need anything, let me know. It’s my honor to serve you.”

“Sure,” Matthew said. After a chime, the elevator doors opened, and he stepped inside.

Exiting the elevator, he noticed the second floor’s interior differed from the others. It was designed like a fancy office, with extensive use of luxurious hardwood. A faint woody scent permeated the air.

Many private rooms lined the second floor, each with a name: the Prestige Suite, Luxe Suite, Elite Suite, Lunar Suite, Garden Suite, Serenity Suite, and so on.

Reaching the Luxe Suite door, he heard a familiar voice. “No thanks, I don’t drink—not even a sip.”

Recognizing Rachel’s voice, Matthew was relieved he’d found the right place. He pushed open the door.

Rachel was startled to see him. “How did you get to the second floor?”

Jeffrey, equally shocked, exclaimed, “You’re supposed to stay on the first floor, Matthew! How did you sneak up here? You’re in deep trouble now.”

Matthew walked in, pulled up a chair, and sat beside Rachel. “In trouble? You’re overreacting.”

Worried, Rachel glanced at the door. Though no one was chasing Matthew, she felt uneasy. “How did you get here?”

Matthew chuckled. “I came from the ninth floor.”

Rachel panicked, but Matthew continued to joke. No one could access the ninth floor of the Opulent Club.

Rachel gently hit him. “I’m freaking out, and you’re still joking! How did you get in here?”

Matthew felt troubled. “Like I said, I came down from the ninth floor.”

Jeffrey said coldly, “I can only access the second floor. Even my grandfather is only eligible for the third. Yet you claim to have been on the ninth? That’s ridiculous.”