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Novel Catalog
Chapter 31: Treat at a Sky-High Price
Seeing Cason’s grim expression, Kaliyah quickly noticed the change and a satisfied smile spread across her face.
“I didn’t realize Ms. Easton was acquainted with Mr. Gage,” Kaliyah said, her voice light but pointed. “I had worried that after the divorce, she would struggle, but now it seems that with Mr. Gage’s support, her life in Seattle will be just fine.”
As Cason listened to Kaliyah’s gentle words, the coldness in his eyes slowly faded. Kaliyah had always been understanding and kind, and he realized once again how much she truly cared for him. She was everything he needed, and only she deserved to be with him for the rest of his life.
He thought to himself that his frustration had likely stemmed from seeing Ainsley, who had always been so obedient, now interacting with another man.
He leaned in and kissed Kaliyah softly on the forehead. “Don’t worry,” he said gently, “I’ll always be by your side.”
Meanwhile, Ainsley, Serina, and Manuel had just settled into their private room when a man wearing a chef’s uniform—decorated with several badges—entered, holding a golden chef’s hat.
“Mr. Gage, you’re here?” The chef looked pleasantly surprised. “I’ve been developing some new dishes lately. You must try them!”
But then, his eyes widened when he noticed Ainsley sitting at the table. “Ms. Easton? What a surprise to see you here!”
Ainsley had heard of the prestigious standards at Pearl Hotel. Even the least experienced chefs here had earned international certifications, and each dish was crafted with precision. The chef in front of them was one of the top chefs, whose expertise and reputation were not easily accessible to everyone.
Ainsley hadn’t expected to encounter Roman, one of the top chefs at Pearl Hotel, today.
She smiled and nodded at him. “Roman, nice to see you again.”
Roman exchanged a quick glance with Manuel, clearly surprised to see the two of them together. He hadn’t expected Manuel to bring someone new to the hotel so soon after all these years of solitude.
Manuel, undeterred, opened the menu and placed it in front of Ainsley. “Ms. Easton, since tonight’s meal is your treat, please feel free to choose the first dish.”
Roman raised an eyebrow, clearly startled. What? He had been working at Pearl Hotel for years, and no one, especially someone like Manuel, would be so direct. He knew how expensive the dishes were here, and now Manuel was letting Ainsley choose?
Manuel glanced at Roman’s expression, then back at Ainsley. “I know you enjoy a good variety of foods. I would suggest the crisp beef, grilled fish, and fish tacos.”
Ainsley smiled, slightly surprised. “You seem to know my tastes well, Mr. Gage.”
Manuel gave her a soft chuckle, his gaze calm and sincere. “I remember you enjoying similar dishes when we dined together last time.”
Ainsley was taken aback. She hadn’t expected him to pay such attention to detail. It was considerate of him, though she couldn’t help but wonder if he treated everyone this way.
“Well, I trust your judgment, then,” she said, closing the menu. “I’ll go with your suggestions.”
What Ainsley didn’t know was that Roman’s dishes were priced at over $16,000 each, a steep cost for any meal, let alone one offered as a treat.
Roman inwardly cursed, both impressed and irritated. Although he had made a name for himself by working at such an exclusive hotel, he still couldn’t help but feel concerned about Ainsley. She had only just divorced, and with no assets of her own, how much money could she really spare?
But Roman respected Ainsley—she was always so gracious. He decided he would speak with the manager and see if a discount could be applied for her. He also couldn’t help but feel some sympathy for her as she had been doing housework for years, and now she was in an unfamiliar position.
Noticing Roman’s momentary hesitation, Ainsley spoke up. “There’s no need to make exceptions for me. I’m happy to pay the full price.”
Roman’s admiration for Ainsley only grew. He sighed, nodding. “Fine. But next time, I’ll treat you to a meal.”
After Roman left, Manuel took a moment to clean up the wet towel and cutlery that had been placed in front of Ainsley. He neatly arranged them according to her preferences, a small but thoughtful gesture.
Ainsley watched him, a strange warmth filling her chest. She had been so caught up in the events of the day, but now she noticed just how considerate he was.
Before she could thank him, Manuel spoke first in his calm, low voice. “Ms. Easton, thank you for looking out for Serina today. I’m sorry to put the responsibility of this dinner on you.”
Serina, who had been quietly listening, raised an eyebrow and spoke up. “This meal might be expensive, but Manuel, you should at least treat Ainsley to a few meals in return!”
Ever since Serina had asked about Manuel’s feelings for Ainsley in the car, she had been determined to help them get closer. Seeing them together, she was even more convinced that Ainsley was the right person for him.
Just then, a group of people passed by the private room, their laughter floating into the space. Serina’s eyes sparkled as she stood up. “I think I heard one of my classmates outside. I’ll go say hello. You two go ahead.”
She quickly left the room, already scheming in her mind. I hope Ainsley and Manuel become a couple tonight, she thought, leaving them alone in the room.
The room now felt much quieter, with only Ainsley and Manuel remaining. A sense of awkwardness lingered in the air.
