Everyone present was well aware of the kind of mentality a director or producer might have when proactively asking for someone like Nora Scott’s WeChat, given her fame and looks.
Nora Scott’s refusal was understandable.
However, since they weren’t harboring such vile thoughts, and considering it was Nora who first put them in an awkward position, they couldn’t sympathize, only feeling that Lily Turner’s behind-the-scenes mockery was quite satisfying.
Faced with their blatant mockery and fault-finding, Nora remained unfazed, scanning the room with a lazy and casual tone, "Well, I don’t just add anyone."
Damn, have some shame, will you?!
Everyone’s indirectly mocking you, and you’re really daring to boast like that?
"Besides," Nora poured herself a bowl of soup, continuing leisurely, "I just found it hard to refuse, so I came for a meal."
In other words: the invitation was too enthusiastic, she reluctantly agreed to come for a meal, with no intention of expanding her social circle.
I’m just here for a meal; who do you think you are, I don’t care at all.
Sophie’s mouth twitched hard.
Twisting words like these make it seem like she was begging Nora to join the gathering.
The others were inexperienced, having seen all sorts at dinner tables but never someone so shameless, especially one with such "startling words" that could instantly freeze the atmosphere...
Each was rendered speechless by her, turning into mute.
Has no one ever taught you how to speak human?
"Knock knock knock." Check latest chapters at novel(ꜰ)ire.net
In such a silent and awkward atmosphere, the timely knock on the door was nothing short of heavenly music.
With all the dishes served, the waiter’s knock surprised them as they turned toward the door.
The door opened, and a head-waiter-like figure entered first, bowing gentlemanly to them.
He said, "Pardon the interruption, the manager specially instructed to add a dish for the guests at Dru Pavilion."
With that, he stepped aside.
In the next moment, a line of waiters entered with dishes one after another, making it dizzying to watch.
The grand display left everyone astonished, and upon seeing the dish they brought, they couldn’t help but gasp.
It was lobster sashimi.
This was already an expensive ingredient, and after the chef’s touch, it was among the highest-priced on the Virtue Retreat menu.
They’d discussed ordering this dish earlier, but it was expensive and came in small portions, not enough for two or three servings per person, so they didn’t order it.
Who knew Virtue Retreat would be so generous, giving each person a portion... the total sum was surely significant.
Everyone was dumbfounded.
What kind of dumb luck is this?
"And also, these two bottles of wine are complimentary as well."
After the dishes were all served, the head waiter stepped forward again with a smile and added.
As he spoke, another waiter entered with two bottles of red wine, placing them on the table.
Likewise, the wine was well-known and expensive, with one bottle costing a five or six-digit figure.
Seeing this, everyone was even more bewildered.
Initially, they thought a dish per person was already a big loss for the restaurant, but they hadn’t expected such expensive wine to be given away as if it were nothing.
Is Virtue Retreat doing charity, or are they in business?
"Is there a special reason?"
"Did we win a prize?"
Everyone began questioning noisily.
Isabella was dumbfounded watching this unfold: having visited Virtue Retreat several times, she’d only heard of the high-cold service and strict rules but never seen such friendliness.
Lily, on the other hand, immediately thought of the last "on the house" event and instinctively looked at Sophie.
Clearly, Sophie thought of it too; although she managed to keep her composure, only she knew how her heart was racing, as if it might just leap out of her mouth.
All these dishes and wine, are they because of her?
Sophie felt she wasn’t even this excited the day she received her acceptance letter from Capital Uni.
The head waiter, wearing a standard smile, scanned the table without settling on anyone in particular.
He stated word by word, "Because Miss Scott is here."
As his words fell, everyone was in an uproar.
"Is there some romance?"
Following this, all eyes turned to Sophie.
Meanwhile, Nora rested her hand on the table, tapping her index finger lightly, casting a glance at the head waiter.
—What game are you playing?
The third-floor staff, including the head waiter, were regulars and most familiar with Nora.
With two Miss Scotts present, how could he not know?
The head waiter’s words seemed to have an insinuating intent.
Yet, he merely nodded respectfully at her, offering no hints, and exited with a smiling mask.
Nora raised an eyebrow.
The last waiter left and the private room door was gently closed.
Inside, however, the chatter surged wave after wave, showing no sign of abating.
The earlier stiffness and embarrassment caused by Nora’s little episode were all gone, replaced with astonishment, excitement, and curiosity directed at Sophie.