Imagining my best friend freaking out, I wanted to laugh but didn’t dare to, holding it in with difficulty.
Actually, after the news broke out, Wennie Lane came to ask me what happened. I told her I borrowed three hundred million from someone to show off in front of Adrian Gordon.
Now it seems, Wennie will never believe it.
WeChat was still dinging, but Daniel Carter was sitting across from me. It would be too rude to keep chatting on my phone.
So, I didn’t reply to my best friend, put down my phone, and sat upright.
"Mr. Carter, tonight’s dishes were recommended directly by the restaurant’s head chef, made with the latest ingredients flown in. Is that okay?"
Daniel Carter put down his teacup, "That’s fine."
The atmosphere turned awkwardly silent for a moment, and I blushed with embarrassment, not knowing what to talk about.
Daniel Carter, however, was much more composed and relaxed than I, the host who invited him. He actively sought a topic: "You said that the Bracelet was left to you by your mother?"
I smiled and nodded, explaining, "Actually, it was left by my maternal grandfather, handed to my grandmother, who gave it to my mother, and then she left it to me. It’s considered a family heirloom. A few years ago, my grandfather was seriously ill, and my mother sold the Bracelet to save his life, thinking she’d buy it back when she had money. But later, she couldn’t find it..."
The story of the Bracelet is quite long, and I wasn’t sure if he wanted to hear all these trivial details, so I summarized it in a few words.
Daniel Carter nodded, "It’s good that it’s back now, take good care of it in the future."
"It definitely needs good care. I had a safe custom-made, and once it’s ready, I’ll put the Bracelet inside."
After all, the current value of that Bracelet has reached three hundred million.
It’s a price ordinary people couldn’t even dream of.
Daniel Carter laughed lightly when he heard what I said, asking, "You don’t wear it?"
I quickly shook my head, "It’s too valuable, I don’t dare wear it."
If it breaks, that’s three hundred million gone.
His voice was warm and pleasant: "Jewelry is meant to serve people. If you lock it in a safe, no matter how beautiful or expensive it is, it loses its real value."
I deeply agreed, feeling that what he said made a lot of sense.
But only truly wealthy and prominent families could have such a grand perspective and values.
It seems that in his eyes, three hundred million is really like three hundred bucks.
I smiled and joked, "It’s not the Bracelet I’m worried about, it’s my hand."
"Too many people know about the Bracelet’s value. I’m afraid wearing it and flaunting around might invite trouble—what if a ruthless thief decides to just chop my arm off... ’snap’, and my arm is gone..."
Daniel Carter was rarely surprised by my words, staring at me with a teacup in hand.
Feeling embarrassed under his gaze, my cheeks turned red, "Just kidding. Mainly, I do needlework every day, and wearing something on my wrist gets in the way. That Bracelet is a memory from my mom; if it gets chipped or hit, I’d be heartbroken."
Daniel Carter finally smiled elegantly, "I understand, my thinking was too simple."
"No, no, what you said makes a lot of sense."
We exchanged a smile, and the atmosphere gradually became harmonious.
"By the way, Mr. Carter, about the Bracelet you bought... it was posted online. Many people saw it. Will it have any negative impact on you?"
Worried that this matter might affect him, it had been on my mind.
Daniel Carter looked up, "You saw it too?"
"I didn’t see it. My assistant told me that it was trending quite high at the time, but later it was taken down from the entire internet."
"Yeah, I was worried the news might affect you badly, so I had someone deal with it promptly. Like you said earlier, it’s hard to guarantee someone wouldn’t get tempted by wealth."
"No, no, I’m fine. Mainly, I was afraid it might affect your reputation."
"No worries, my conduct is aboveboard."
Hearing him say this, I finally relaxed.
The manager knocked on the door, and the restaurant’s head chef pushed in a cart, personally serving the freshly made gourmet food to our table. Follow current novᴇls on n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
Daniel Carter was very courteous, "This meal must have cost you."
"Not at all, it’s an honor that you are here. It’s worth it!" I sincerely said.
After the chef served the meal and respectfully said, "Mr. Carter, Miss Miller, please enjoy."
I was secretly surprised.
It wasn’t until the chef and manager turned to leave that I asked in confusion, "Does the head chef here know you?"
Yet, Wennie Lane had never seen Daniel Carter—which was a bit contradictory.
Daniel Carter elegantly picked up the cutlery and laid down the napkin, unhurriedly saying, "The chef at Carter Manor is a disciple of Chef Barton here. Whenever there’s a family banquet at Carter Manor, they’d invite Chef Barton to preside over the kitchen."
I felt a subtle shock inside.
"So that’s how it is. This restaurant belongs to my best friend’s family but is quite pricey, so I rarely come."
"The Trenton Family?"
"Yes, I have a good relationship with Wennie Lane."
Daniel Carter nodded and seemingly asked casually, "Do you like the food here?"
I honestly replied, "I like it."
Who wouldn’t like the offerings of a top-class restaurant?
He smiled sincerely, "Next time you want to eat, just go to Carter Manor. No need to spend money. Chef Barton’s top disciple has truly inherited his skills, and the food is as good as here."
I was taken aback, looking up at him, "Go to Carter Manor? Isn’t that... inappropriate?"
We’re not close or anything, and they’re so high and noble. Am I really going to crash their home for a meal?
"Why not? My mother really likes the clothes you made for her. She even said last night that she wants to invite you to Carter Manor for dinner to thank you."
I was even more stunned!
Mrs. Carter ordered three sets of clothes for her birthday.
After I finished the first set, I had Butler Cross send someone to pick it up. I was too busy to deliver it personally.
Mrs. Carter did tell me over the phone that the clothes fit well and she liked them very much. I could sense her happiness and satisfaction over the call.
But inviting me to her home for a thank-you dinner, that’s...
After all, she paid for my service; the transaction should be settled.
"Mrs. Carter is really nice. She’s the most approachable wealthy matron I’ve ever met. I’m truly envious of you, having such a great mother." I sincerely praised.
Unexpectedly, Daniel Carter sighed.
I was puzzled, "What’s wrong?"
"Of course, outsiders only see her good side. As her son... sometimes it can be quite bothersome."
I was incredibly surprised, seeing his helpless expression, I couldn’t help but laugh, "How could that be? Mrs. Carter couldn’t possibly be the type of elder who annoys her children."
"Haha..." Daniel Carter gave a vague laugh, "My sister often gets so bothered that she hides out abroad for performances, not coming back for over half a month."
"Yes, you didn’t know?"
I shook my head in confusion.
At that time, I really didn’t know. In fact, I had already met Daniel Carter’s sister, and we had quite a connection.
We chatted and ate as if we were familiar friends.
Imagining even the high and mighty Daniel Carter getting irritated by his family elders, I couldn’t resist making a playful jab, "Mrs. Carter wouldn’t also be like regular parents, nagging you to get married and have kids, right?"
Daniel Carter’s face showed surprise, "How did you know?"
I stared wide-eyed, "She really does?"
"Yeah, she keeps saying I’ll be thirty in two years, and that a man should stand firm at thirty. She says I’ve accomplished nothing so far..."