Ficool

Chapter 38 - 38

After departing from the auto show and cruising several miles through the city streets, Jason initiated a video call with Alice and Grace while stopped at a red light.

"Hey, do either of you have plans for the evening?" Jason asked casually, having added both women to his contacts before leaving the show grounds.

Alice's melodious laughter chimed through the phone's speaker, her voice carrying the clarity of crystal bells. "Mr. Jason, do you have some orders for your humble servants?"

Jason chuckled, shaking his head. "Drop the 'Mr.' thing—just Jason works fine. You both helped me out tremendously today with the whole auto show situation, so dinner's on me. Unless you're otherwise occupied?"

"Not at all," Alice replied with obvious enthusiasm. "Jared already informed us we're free for the remainder of the day. No need to return to the exhibition."

Grace's sultry voice joined the conversation. "We're completely available. We'll gladly follow your lead, Jason."

"Perfect. Let's find somewhere exceptional to dine then." Jason smoothly guided the sleek Lamborghini Revuelto toward the city's most prestigious shopping district.

The supercar was nothing short of a mobile spectacle. Pedestrians turned their heads in unison as the convoy cruised down the main boulevards. Brilliant afternoon sunlight reflected off the Lamborghini's aggressive angular bodywork, creating an almost ethereal glow that drew stares and countless smartphone cameras. Even after they descended into the mall's underground parking garage, curious onlookers trailed behind just to capture photos of the exotic machinery.

After securing their vehicles, the trio headed toward the elevators. Alice and Grace naturally positioned themselves on either side of Jason, each gracefully taking his arm as if it were the most natural arrangement in the world. The sensation had Jason feeling like absolute royalty—it was difficult not to when flanked by two breathtaking women who commanded attention wherever they went.

Upon reaching the main floor, both women excused themselves to freshen up while Jason stepped into the corridor, pulling out his phone.

Opening the "Prestige Motors Elite" group chat, Jason typed:

"Anyone have recommendations for exceptional fine dining near the Madison Square District?"

This particular group was populated entirely by serious car collectors and certified millionaires. If anyone possessed insider knowledge about premium dining establishments, it would be these individuals.

Suggestions flooded in immediately, but one message stood out prominently. The profile displayed an distinguished older gentleman with the username "Imperial Dining Club - Williams."

Williams wrote: "If you desire truly top-tier dining experiences, there's only one legitimate choice: Imperial Dining Club."

He continued elaborating:

"This isn't your typical restaurant establishment. It's an exclusive private club that synthesizes the absolute pinnacle of global cuisine—think Michelin-starred chefs specializing in each individual culinary tradition. French, Italian, Cantonese... every dish prepared with complete authenticity by world-class masters."

"The Madison Square location features a private tasting menu where each course by a different specialized chef. You'll experience Hong Kong-style dim sum prepared by an authentic Hong Kong chef, genuine Italian pizza with an Italian-trained chef—it's the closest thing to dining like royalty that exists."

The group chat exploded with enthusiastic agreement.

"Imperial Dining is absolutely insane. Three Michelin stars for fusion cuisine. Worth every single cent."

"Only downside? It's ridiculously expensive. Like, bring-your-black-card-and-pray expensive."

Another member chimed in:

"Don't they require a minimum $150,000 in annual spending just for membership eligibility?"

Williams confirmed:

"Precisely correct. However, exceptions can be arranged. Such as a one-time deposit of $200,000 upfront. Covers your inaugural year and guarantees access."

The chat fell momentarily silent. Even among this affluent group, that represented serious money—especially for a restaurant membership.

Jason smirked slightly. He'd heard whispers about Imperial Dining Club's legendary reputation but had never visited their American locations. And truthfully, he possessed an genuine appreciation for exceptional cuisine.

"Sounds absolutely perfect," Jason typed confidently. "I'll wire $200,000 immediately. Just inform them Jason Miller is coming."

Williams responded almost instantaneously:

"Consider it completely arranged. Simply mention my name upon arrival."

The group chat erupted again.

"Damn, Jason doesn't mess around whatsoever."

"$200k like it's pocket change. Mad respect."

Jason ignored the commentary and typed another message:

"While we're discussing recommendations, does anyone know exceptional watch dealers? I'm seeking something truly high-end."

Responses poured in rapidly:

"Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, Breguet—any of the Holy Trinity brands."

"If you want authenticated pre-owned pieces, I know a reliable dealer."

Jason was still scrolling through suggestions when a small group approached from across the mall's central plaza.

The lead figure stopped abruptly, blinking in complete disbelief upon spotting Jason standing there.

It was Josh.

Perhaps it was destiny, or maybe Jason had simply ascended to a different social stratosphere—because wherever he ventured lately, Josh and his entourage seemed to materialize like persistent bad omens.

Fate seemed determined to orchestrate these encounters repeatedly.

Josh examined Jason from head to toe—impeccably dressed in designer clothing, radiating confidence and sophistication beyond anything he'd previously displayed—and felt jealousy pierce his chest like a blade.

But then he remembered his supposed triumph: I stole Emma from him. The girl he chased desperately for three years belongs to me now.

This thought temporarily restored his sense of superiority.

Today, he was accompanied by several attractive women himself. One of them seemed particularly interested in him. Meanwhile, Jason appeared to be wandering alone.

Emboldened by this observation, Josh deliberately steered his group closer, hoping Jason would notice and experience a sharp sting of humiliation.

But then, emerging from the restaurant corridor, two women appeared—Alice and Grace, both absolutely stunning. Without hesitation, they each gracefully slipped an arm through Jason's and departed with him, laughing softly as they moved.

Josh froze completely.

These weren't merely pretty girls—they possessed that polished, sophisticated aura that screamed professional excellence. The way they carried themselves suggested they'd stepped directly from luxury magazine covers. Everything about them radiated elite-level beauty and grace.

And they were both with Jason? Simultaneously?

The fragile bubble of superiority in Josh's chest burst instantly.

Suddenly, Emma felt considerably less special. And observing Jason now? There wasn't the slightest trace of regret or longing for Emma in his demeanor whatsoever.

Watching those two magnificent women accompany Jason, then glancing at the girl he was currently pursuing, Josh couldn't help feeling... utterly deflated.

Particularly with his family's financial situation deteriorating rapidly and his allowance severely reduced, maintaining his wealthy playboy facade was becoming increasingly difficult. Even his dating standards had plummeted—no longer pursuing high-class women; now settling for whoever looked decent and didn't require expensive courtship.

But compared to Alice and Grace? The girls surrounding him suddenly seemed like ordinary small-town nobodies.

Josh felt a deep-seated frustration burning in his chest.

Right on schedule, the women with him began whispering excitedly:

"Oh my God... that guy is absolutely gorgeous."

"Look at those clothes—he's definitely loaded beyond belief."

"So refined and confident... totally my ideal type."

"Those aren't girlfriends, though. They look like professional models."

"Two models simultaneously? That's incredible."

One of the girls Josh had been actively pursuing said it too, her eyes practically sparkling with admiration—and that was the absolute final straw.

Josh's expression darkened considerably. The other guys in his group appeared equally displeased.

It's one thing when a girl praises some distant celebrity on social media. But when she openly gushes over another guy directly in front of you? It burns like acid.

Jason, completely ignoring their existence, strolled confidently into Imperial Dining Club with both models gracefully accompanying him.

"Wait—that's Imperial Dining Club?" one girl gasped in amazement. "That establishment is legendarily expensive!"

The remaining girls' eyes widened with pure admiration and awe.

Josh felt like he was suffocating on his own wounded pride.

He forced a cocky smirk. "Imperial Dining Club? Please. Nothing particularly special about it. I've dined there numerous times."

He turned toward the girls with false confidence. "Come on. I'll take you all inside. My treat, naturally."

His companions jumped in supportively.

"Yeah, it's just dinner. We've been there before. Absolutely no big deal."

"Guess you ladies are about to witness what genuine class looks like."

"Wow, you guys are absolutely the best!" one girl giggled enthusiastically. "I can't believe we get to eat there!"

Josh preened at the compliments, straightening his shoulders and puffing out his chest. His wounded pride was reinflating as they swaggered confidently toward the restaurant entrance.

But before they could step inside, a perfectly dressed waiter glided smoothly in front of the entrance, blocking their path with an impeccably polite smile.

"Good evening," he said with practiced courtesy. "Do you have a reservation this evening?"

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