Tom sat down at the piano, his slender fingers brushing the keys as he tested a few notes. The chatter in the restaurant faded instantly, every guest waiting in anticipation for the performance.
The first melody drifted out—Debussy's Clair de Lune. Tom's skill was breathtaking, each note carrying a unique emotional depth that filled the room with elegance.
"Oh my god! Is that really a cat playing the piano?" Aqua's eyes nearly popped out of her head. "This is even more beautiful than the harp music played by angels in Heaven!"
Voss quickly made a "shush" gesture, warning her to quiet down. But inside, he couldn't help feeling a little proud at her awe.
Tom's paws glided across the black-and-white keys like a storyteller weaving a dream. Jerry sat in a little chair beside the piano, listening quietly. Though they often fought, in this moment Jerry felt nothing but pride for his old friend.
"Simply incredible," a woman whispered, her voice tinged with admiration.
Just then, a stir rippled through the restaurant.
"It's Tony Stark! No way—it's really him!""Mr. Stark is dining here?!"
Voss's eyes darted toward the entrance. A man with a trimmed mustache, wearing a tailored suit and oozing arrogance, strode in with a striking red-haired woman at his side. His chin was lifted as if the whole world was beneath him. Tony Stark—exactly as the news had shown earlier.
Voss's heart tightened. Seriously? Of all places, he comes here tonight?
"Mr. Stark, welcome!" Franz hurried forward to greet him. "Your private room is ready."
"No need," Tony waved dismissively. "I'll sit out here in the main hall."
Aqua tugged Voss's sleeve, whispering, "Voss, isn't that the rich guy from the TV?"
"Yes, that's Tony Stark," Voss muttered. "Don't draw attention to yourself."
The pair were escorted toward the best table in the house. But as they passed the piano, Tony suddenly stopped in his tracks.
"Pepper, are you seeing this?" Tony gestured at Tom, his eyes widening with surprise.
"A cat playing the piano?" he laughed. "Now that's something. For a cat to play at this level… one of a kind."
Aqua smirked. "Hmph, mortals are finally recognizing Tom's greatness. If they saw my divine miracles, they'd be even more shocked."
Voss immediately noticed the dangerous gleam in her eyes and hissed, "Don't even think about it. No magic."
"I know, I know," Aqua pouted, sulking but obedient.
Pepper leaned closer to the piano, her face lighting up. "Oh my god, it's adorable—and it plays so beautifully!"
Tom felt their eyes on him, but like a true professional, he never faltered.
"You like it?" Tony glanced at Pepper's expression and smirked. "If you want it, I'll buy it for you."
Pepper blinked. "Tony, you can't just buy someone else's pet."
"In this world, there's nothing money can't buy," Tony said smoothly. "It's just a matter of price."
He strode over to Franz. "You. Are you the owner of that cat?"
"No, sir," Franz stammered, nervous. "Mr. Tom belongs to someone else."
"Then call him over. I want a word."
Franz had no choice but to approach Voss. "Mr. Voss, Mr. Stark would like to speak with you."
Voss took a deep breath, then stood and walked calmly toward Tony.
"Hello. I'm Voss Nibbler, Tom's owner." He extended his hand politely.
Tony didn't take it. He just looked Voss up and down. "How much to buy your cat?"
"First of all, Tom isn't my pet—he's my partner." Voss lowered his hand, his tone steady. "And second, he's not for sale. At any price."
Tony raised an eyebrow, clearly not used to being told no. "Five million." He whipped out a checkbook, scribbled a number, and held it out. "Sell him, and the money's yours."
The entire restaurant went silent. Five million dollars—for a cat?
Aqua gawked. "Five million? How much is that?"
"Enough to buy you about ten thousand dresses," Voss whispered, then looked Tony dead in the eye. "I told you. He's not for sale."
Tony's smile faltered. Nobody in New York high society had ever dared refuse him so bluntly.
"Ten million," he snapped. "Final offer."
The crowd gasped.
"Ten million?!""This is insane!""For a cat?!"
Tom stopped playing, turning to see what was happening. Jerry scrambled onto Voss's shoulder, both of them bristling at the tension.
"Tony, that's enough," Pepper said firmly, finally stepping in. She grabbed his arm. "You're being rude."
"Rude?" Tony scoffed. "I'm just making a purchase."
"But he clearly said no," Pepper said sharply, then turned to Voss with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. Tony can be… a little excessive."
Voss studied her for a moment. So this is Pepper Potts… she's even more graceful than in the movies.
"It's fine," he replied politely. "But Tom isn't a commodity. He's family."
"Family?" Tony sneered. "Spare me the sentiment. Ten million is more than enough for a lifetime."
"Tony!" Pepper snapped, warning in her voice.
Tom hopped down from the piano and stood beside Voss, glaring up at Stark with cool defiance. Jerry straightened proudly on Voss's shoulder.
"See?" Voss said evenly. "They're my partners. My friends. Not for sale—at any price."
Aqua watched quietly, warmth rising in her chest. So he's not just a jerk after all… he actually has a heart.
"You'll regret this," Tony said coldly. "People who refuse me usually do."
"Tony Stark!" Pepper's voice rose, furious now. "You've gone too far!"
The restaurant was thick with tension, every eye fixed on the standoff. Franz stood on the sidelines, drenched in nervous sweat.
Voss remained calm. "Mr. Stark, if you came here only to buy Tom, then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. But if you came to dine, we won't disturb you further."
With that, Voss turned to leave.
"Stop." Tony's sharp voice cut through the air.