Chapter 1

I had just risen from the private dining room of my brother's restaurant, ready to leave.

A female manager in a professional suit swiftly blocked my path.

Her face wore a standard professional smile.

But her eyes carried an unmistakable disdain.

"Madam, you haven't settled the bill yet," she said, turning her tablet towards me.

The screen displayed a staggering number.

I raised an eyebrow slightly.

I had invested seventy percent in this restaurant.

I always settled through internal accounts.

It seemed the new manager didn't recognize me.

"Charge it to Mr. Beniere's account," I said calmly.

"He will handle it."

The manager's lips twisted into a mocking smile.

"This is a Michelin Three-Star restaurant," she said.

"We don't accept credit."

She handed me the printed bill.

Her fingers pressed so hard they almost tore the paper.

I glanced at the details.

Private room view fee: eighty thousand.

Chef's special inspiration fee: one hundred twenty thousand.

Even the tableware maintenance fee was listed at thirty thousand.

This was blatant extortion.

I couldn't help but sneer.

"Call Mr. Beniere here," I said.

"I'm his sister."

The manager suddenly stepped forward.

Her perfume hit me in the face.

"Stop pretending," she hissed.

"I recognized you long ago."

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

"Caleb Beniere has your photo in his phone," she said.

"He video calls you every night."

Only then did I notice the name on her badge.

Chloe Valentine.

So this was the girlfriend my brother had been hiding.

"Scared now?" she asked, her tone triumphant as I remained silent.

"Dare to seduce my boyfriend," she said.

"Don't blame me for being ruthless."

She suddenly raised her voice.

"Security! Someone's trying to dine and dash!"

Two burly guards immediately approached.

They grabbed my arms, one on each side.

I tried to struggle.

But their grip only tightened.

"Take her to the back to cool off," Chloe said with a cold laugh.

"We'll wait for the police."

I was forcibly dragged towards the service area.

Passing staff members lowered their heads.

Clearly, this was a common occurrence.

The door to the storage room slammed shut.

Darkness enveloped me.

Only a faint light seeped through the crack of the door.

I leaned against the cold wall.

Slowly, I took out my phone from my handbag.

The screen lit up.

Reflecting my calm expression.

Good.

If someone wants to play.

I'll play along.