"Miss Scott, how was your meal? Are you satisfied?"
The manager’s demeanor was respectful, his tone reverent, clearly presenting a humble posture.
The room was silent, not a sound was heard.
Even the sound of breathing could be clearly heard.
Everyone seemed dumbfounded, quietly watching the scene unfold, each with eyes that seemed about to pop out.
Lily Turner and Isabella Hart were also stunned, their expressions dazed, clearly not understanding why the manager had "mistaken the identity," their confused minds failing to grasp the scene before them.
As for Sophie Scott, who had been tense and expectant—
At this moment, she felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar, her circulating blood instantly freezing, fresh blood solidifying in her veins, and her body temperature being completely stripped away, she was so cold that even her bones couldn’t stop trembling.
The world spun and her head was dizzy.
Embarrassment, humiliation, anger, all kinds of emotions surged like a tide, she wished she could find a hole to hide in on the spot.
"It’s alright. The dessert was nice."
Nora Scott replied lazily, her expression indifferent.
Neither honor nor disgrace moved her.
She showed no sign of ecstasy from receiving special treatment.
In other words, she had long known that she was the "Miss Scott" the manager referred to.
Realizing this, aside from Sophie Scott, who wished she could lose all her senses, everyone else in the room looked rather awkward.
They had actually flattered an "imposter" in front of the "genuine" one.
What had they been doing?
Joking in private that both shared the surname Scott, yet one was a phoenix in the sky, the other a ground chicken;
After Nora refused to add them on WeChat, tacitly forming a clique to ignore her thereafter;
Telling Nora that today’s blessing was because of Sophie and she should toast to her;
Thinking of the scene, recalling it even briefly, was unbearably embarrassing.
Nora watched the entire process calmly, with what mindset did she see them as a bunch of clowns?
Silently, they each covered their faces with their hands, feeling their cheeks burning and swollen, too ashamed to see anyone.
Nora Scott stood up, picked up the coat draped over the chair back, and offhandedly asked, "Is the food I ordered packed?"
Before she came, she had instructed Omar to pack some dishes; she needed to take them back for Marcus Shaw.
Omar replied, "All packed, waiting at the front desk."
Lazily responding, Nora draped her coat over her arm, grabbed her bag, and left the room without saying goodbye to the others.
Her posture was tall and composed, casual and unrestrained.
She was evidently familiar with Virtue Retreat.
And yet, none of those present noticed Nora packing the dishes, only Lily and Isabella were surprised: they had never heard of "packing" at Virtue Retreat.
With this realization, Lily and Isabella exchanged a glance, then quickly looked away, both casting a glance at the pale, expressionless, and dazed Sophie Scott, with indescribable emotions.
Sophie Scott’s earlier smugness and pride had been witnessed by all, and now the drastic turn of events from paradise to hell’s abyss was understandably devastating.
In fact, it wasn’t just Sophie who felt embarrassed; Lily Turner and Isabella Hart, who had helped embellish and speak up for her, felt the same.
As soon as Nora left, Omar Woods resumed his dignified demeanor. He smiled like a spring breeze, yet when his gaze swept across the room, everyone felt a chill.
He spoke slowly and deliberately: "Our rule at Virtue Retreat is that when Nora Scott, Miss Scott, dines here, the meal is on the house."
The emphasis on "Nora Scott" was unmistakable in its implication.
It’s no wonder Omar was so direct.
If it weren’t for the earlier incident of ridiculing Nora when the dessert was served, things wouldn’t have escalated to this point. They would have only hinted it was a misunderstanding and left it at that.
There had just been that unpleasant scene.
All staff at Virtue Retreat were exceptionally respectful towards Nora Scott. Among them, some knew her well, while others did not. Initially, their respect was mixed with aloof politeness, but through interaction, they found that Nora never took their service for granted and treated them with friendliness and ease.
Over time, the staff genuinely respected her.
And naturally wanted to protect her.
Having made such a huge blunder, everyone was utterly bewildered, unable to muster any reaction. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn n̷o̷v̷e̷l̷f̷i̷r̷e̷.net
Omar Woods, remaining composed and unyielding, continued, "This meal is on the house. If anyone wishes to order more, feel free to inform the server. I hope you all enjoy your meal."
Having said all that needed to be said, Omar didn’t linger. He gave Sophie a particularly cold glance before turning to exit the room.