Chapter 262: Flight

Javier stared at his wine glass, his gaze shifting. He blushed, his lies exposed. Pride prevented him from admitting his deception.

They had filled their glasses, believing the wine to be a limited-edition Sauvignon Blanc and wanting to savor it. This, unfortunately, was their undoing.

"Why do you care?" Javier snapped, turning away from Jared. "Whether or not we had a drink with Mr. Lowe, we still met him! But I want to see you pay for this meal! How dare you try to dine at Mr. Lewis's expense? He'll wipe that smirk off your face when he finds out!" He sat down, his back to Jared.

"Who says I have to pay?" Jared countered, flashing a smile as he sat. "You all ordered food, too. Besides, I have no money. Let's see who can leave!"

Benedict and his family were stunned.

"What do you mean, Jared? Didn't you say you were treating us? Are you backing out?" Benedict asked, his brow furrowed.

"Yes," Jared said indifferently. "I've changed my mind. Since I'm not paying, none of us are leaving. And Tommy will hold it against all of you!"

Without his parents present, Jared showed no respect for Benedict and his family, relatives he'd never liked.

Benedict and his family were shocked. They never expected Jared to renege.

"Don't play games, Jared! Pay the bill!" Javier, anxious, surged toward Jared.

Jared glared. This bastard doesn't respect me, despite my age. And he called me useless? Jared had been waiting for this moment.

As Javier approached, Jared slapped him hard, sending him sprawling.

"Son, are you alright?"

"Javier!"

Benedict and his family rushed to Javier's side. He glared at Jared, but his greater concern was Tommy. If Jared doesn't pay, Tommy will come after us!

"Dad, what if Jared doesn't pay? Will Mr. Lewis come after us?" Javier asked nervously.

"Don't worry," Benedict reassured him. "Simon knows Mr. Lewis; he can speak to him. Mr. Lewis even gave Simon two bottles of excellent wine. He won't mind our meal!" Turning to Simon, he added, "If Jared doesn't pay, please tell Mr. Lewis. Let him deal with Jared, and leave us alone."

"Huh?" Simon stammered, bewildered. How can I do that? I don't even know Tommy! He kept these thoughts to himself.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Javier, touching his reddened cheek, regained his composure. He glared at Jared. "Did you hear that, Jared? We'll see who Tommy comes after!"

Jared ignored him, pouring himself tea and sipping it calmly.

Meanwhile, Tommy and Glen were outside, followed by a puzzled group Glen had brought. They wondered why such an influential person would dine in a modest room. A secret visit?

Tommy led Glen to Jared's room. "Mr. Chance is inside, Mr. Lowe."

Glen nodded and was about to open the door when Devin stepped forward to do so.