Chapter_59
Chapter 59
As Abel and Emmeline stood in the heat, the security guard quickly approached, holding a large umbrella to shield them from the scorching sun. However, the temperature under the umbrella seemed to rise, and the air grew hot and humid, making it difficult to stay comfortable.
“How about this?” Abel proposed, adjusting his stance. “I’ll cover the living expenses going forward. I can’t keep eating at your place for free.”
Emmeline shook her head, slightly taken aback. “Don’t worry about it. It’s really not much money.”
Abel was insistent. “Your cooking is better than the Ryker family’s chef, who makes sixteen thousand a month. I’m lucky to have found such a great cook, so I’ll pay you twenty thousand dollars.”
Emmeline blinked in surprise. Is Abel serious? Does he really think I’m that poor?
“I’ll send you this month’s payment right away,” he continued, pulling out his phone and transferring twenty thousand dollars to her account. “Now I won’t feel bad about eating at your place,” he added with a smile, tucking his phone into his pocket.
“Alright then,” Emmeline said, still a little stunned. She smiled, accepting the payment by pressing the confirmation button.
“In addition,” Abel went on, “I’ll encourage my employees to visit your café. The service here is excellent.”
Emmeline’s eyes widened at the suggestion. Mr. Ryker, this really isn’t necessary! If the café becomes too busy, I won’t have time for anything else! I still have my medical research to focus on, and I need to go back to Adelmar from time to time. The café’s business can’t get too successful!
Abel seemed oblivious to her concerns as he turned to leave. “You go back first. I’ll come over for dinner this evening. Since I’ve already paid for the meal, I’ll make sure to return.”
Emmeline, still in a daze, nodded absentmindedly. “Four dishes and one soup,” she repeated, trying to refocus on the task at hand.
“Yes,” Abel smiled and waved before walking away.
“Mr. Abel!” A woman’s voice called out from behind them.
Both Abel and Emmeline turned around to find Alana approaching. The moment Alana spotted Emmeline, her expression soured. “Why are you here?” she demanded, her voice cold.
“I’m here to give Mr. Ryker something,” Emmeline replied, pointing to the package that Abel had been holding earlier.
“A suit?” Alana exclaimed, raising an eyebrow. “Do you already know about the banquet, Mr. Abel?”
“A banquet?” Abel frowned. “What banquet?”
“Auntie Julianna is holding a big banquet to celebrate the return of her three grandchildren,” Alana explained, her tone patronizing. “I’m here to give you your outfit. Try it on to see if it fits.”
All eyes turned to the elegantly wrapped gift box Alana was holding.
“It’s Beltramian haute couture,” Alana continued, “The newest fashion style of the year. It cost over two hundred thousand dollars!”
Abel glanced at the package in her hands, then back to the one he had in his own. “But I already have this one,” he said casually, gesturing to the suit in his possession. “It’s quite nice.”
Alana sneered, eyeing the suit Abel was holding. “Doesn’t this look cheap? Mr. Abel, are you sure you can wear something like that?”
“How come I can’t wear it?” Abel shrugged nonchalantly. “The Ryker family’s forefathers were wharf laborers who carried sacks. We’re not special in any way.”
Alana’s face drained of color. Did Abel just turn down the haute couture suit I’m offering?
“Please return the suit,” she insisted, her voice tight with frustration. “Two hundred thousand dollars is excessive. It’s just a suit.”
Abel, seemingly unfazed, turned on his heel and walked toward the building. “I’ll leave the two thousand dollar suit to you,” he called back over his shoulder. “It’s really a waste of money.”
“Mr. Abel!” Alana tried to follow him, but she was stopped by a security guard holding an umbrella.
Emmeline, still standing off to the side, clicked her tongue. “Two thousand dollars for a suit? What a waste of money.”
“What do you know!” Alana snapped, her temper flaring. “Is it possible for the banquet at Meriwether Mansion to fall short of the one at Levan Mansion? Julianna wants to brag about the three grandchildren you gave her. Rosaline, of course, refuses to fall behind!”
Emmeline couldn’t help but murmur to herself, “So I’m the cause of all this fuss?” She hadn’t realized the depth of the rivalry and drama surrounding the Ryker family. If I’d known, I would’ve stopped the triplets from investigating.
“You just wait,” Alana said, her eyes narrowing at Emmeline as she took in her shabby appearance. “You’ll disgrace the entire family at the banquet.”
With a haughty, satisfied smile, Alana turned and sashayed toward her sports car, leaving Emmeline standing there, feeling somewhat perplexed by the entire interaction.
Emmeline didn’t waste time dwelling on it. She donned her helmet and hopped onto her electric bicycle, eager to leave the scene behind.
Alana, however, stood fuming, unable to shake the feeling of resentment and jealousy that bubbled up inside her as she watched Emmeline ride off carefree, her demeanor completely unaffected by Alana’s provocations.
Not long after Emmeline arrived at the café, Adrien showed up as well.
