Chapter 223: Enemies on a Narrow Road
After speaking with Dennis Donovan, Arabella Donovan called Caspian Rhodes to ask him out to dinner to discuss business. It was as if Caspian had been waiting for her call; he agreed instantly and even offered to pick her up.
When they arrived at Delicacy Pavilion, the small eatery had a long line, just as before. From a distance, they could see the queue snaking from inside all the way out the door.
Caspian Rhodes wasn’t intimidated by the sight. "I’ve long heard that while this restaurant may be small, its food is exceptional. Many food-loving executives in Brynn love coming here, and gourmands from all over are drawn by its reputation. I’ve even heard of people buying a house and settling down in Brynn just for a taste of their cooking."
This was the first Arabella Donovan had heard of this. She knew the food was delicious, but she never imagined it was so famous that even an outsider like Mr. Rhodes would be aware of it.
"The food here is truly amazing. The owner’s elders and my grand-uncle are good friends. If we weren’t worried about imposing by coming too often, my grand-uncle and I would be here every day."
"So there’s that kind of history. I’ve heard many people talk about this place, but I guess you have to see it to believe it. I’ve always wanted to come give it a try. Unfortunately, they don’t take reservations or deliver, so the only way to eat here is to queue in person. I’ve talked about it a few times but could never find the time, so I’ve never had the chance. Today’s timing is perfect. So, shall we... get in line?"
"No need, no need." Arabella Donovan pulled out the black VIP card an old madam had given her, looking a little smug. "I helped the owner with a small favor, so they gave me this card. It lets us use one of their private rooms without having to wait. We should still be discreet, though. Let’s slip in quietly to avoid being seen by the other customers and causing any unnecessary drama."
Caspian Rhodes glanced at the black card in Arabella’s hand, a single eyebrow raised. ’For the restaurant to break its long-standing rules and make an exception for her, what she did for them was likely more than just a "small favor." ’
But he wasn’t the type to pry into others’ private affairs, so he nodded in agreement. "That’s wonderful. And you’re right to be cautious. We’ll pretend we’re looking for someone, slip inside, and then just grab a waiter to open a private room for us. That way, we won’t draw any attention."
’It’s so easy talking to a smart person.’ Arabella Donovan gave him a playful OK sign and led him inside.
It turned out that being discreet really worked. The last time she was here, the customers in line had complained because a server personally escorted her group upstairs, making it obvious they were guests.
This time, with no server to lead the way, the two of them walked in confidently, looking as if they were rushing upstairs to meet someone. The customers queuing downstairs noticed but didn’t pay them much attention.
Once they were upstairs, Arabella Donovan flagged down a young waitress in the restaurant’s uniform. Handing her the card, she grinned and said, "Excuse me, miss. Could you please open up Private Room Number One for me?"
The young waitress was perceptive. After seeing the emblem and text on the card, she didn’t jump to a conclusion. Instead, she led the pair to a corner of the second-floor dining hall and said politely, "Could you two please wait here a moment? I’ll go get our supervisor."
The waitress was quick. In less than two minutes, a man who looked to be about Raphael Foster’s age came hurrying over with her.
"You must be Miss Donovan, correct? Why didn’t you give us a heads-up that you were coming? We would have come down to receive you personally."
The supervisor’s attitude toward Arabella Donovan made Caspian Rhodes even more certain. ’The favor the restaurant owner owes her is definitely a big one.’
Arabella Donovan, however, was a little embarrassed by his warm reception. "You don’t have to be so formal. We’re already inconveniencing you by being here. If we’re too conspicuous, the regular customers waiting in line downstairs will have complaints again, which would reflect poorly on you."
Hearing this, the supervisor surmised that Miss Donovan must have heard about the incident downstairs during her last visit. He couldn’t help but feel touched, and his smile grew more sincere.
"Thank you for your consideration. But please, don’t worry about such matters. We will handle them appropriately. All that matters is that you enjoy your meal and have a wonderful time in our restaurant. That is the greatest validation of our work."
"Allow me to escort you both to Private Room Number One. It’s the dinner rush right now, so the owner is still overseeing the kitchen. I’ve already sent someone to notify him. If you’ll just wait in the room for a bit, I’m sure he’ll be over to see you shortly, Miss Donovan."
"Mr. Foster is here today?"
"The owner usually inspects the main restaurant and the various branches in rotation. Today just happens to be this location’s turn."
"That’s fantastic! Mr. Rhodes, you’re in for a real treat today. The food at this restaurant is delicious, but the dishes Mr. Foster personally cooks are the best of the best."
As she said this, Arabella seemed to remember something and turned to the supervisor. "If Mr. Foster is busy, please don’t bother him. We’re just here to eat; there’s no need to make such a fuss."
"It’s no trouble. The owner is mostly just making his rounds. The restaurant rarely has any major problems," the supervisor said as he led them toward Private Room Number One.
The private room was located away from the main second-floor dining area, in a more secluded and quiet section. Logically, since Arabella and her party were being so discreet, there was little chance of any further disturbances once they were inside.
But as fate would have it, just as they reached the door to the room, an angry shout erupted from behind them. "You there! Stop!"
Startled, Arabella and the others instinctively turned toward the sound.
When she saw who had shouted, the smile on Arabella’s face collapsed. "What are you doing here?"
It’s a small world, and enemies are bound to cross paths. The one who had shouted at them was none other than Timothy Donovan, the very person who had been in a standoff with Serena Donovan the night before.
"I should be the one asking that question. What are *you* doing here?"
"What else does one do at a restaurant besides eat? In any case, I don’t believe I need to report my whereabouts to you."
"You!"
"Timothy, what’s going on? Why are you taking so long to get something?" Before Timothy Donovan could retort, Victor Donovan came over.
He, too, was taken aback upon seeing Arabella and Caspian, and his expression immediately soured. "Are you... following us?"
Arabella: "???"
’Oh my God! This old bastard must have a persecution complex! I was just trying to enjoy a nice dinner out with someone, so why do I keep running into these jerks? Can’t a girl get a decent meal in peace?! From now on, I absolutely, positively have to remember to check my horoscope before leaving the house!’
Caspian Rhodes: "..." He could tell that a certain someone was at her wit’s end.