Chapter 267 Isolde's Contempt
"Since the vase is fake, does that mean we don't have to pay for it?" James asked Joe, giving him a knowing look.
"Nope, no need to pay. The vase being swapped is on us. How could I possibly make you pay for it?" Atticus quickly replied. He then walked over to Joe with a smile and said, "I should actually thank you. If it weren't for you, I would've never known the vase was fake."
Joe looked at Atticus, totally puzzled.
Even if the vase was fake, why was Atticus being so nice to him?
"Miss Hall, I'm really sorry. To make it up to you, I'm giving you a VIP membership card. From now on, whenever you come, you'll get the best service at our restaurant!" Atticus said to Laura after noticing Joe's confused look.
Everyone who was waiting to see Joe embarrassed was now in shock.
Who would've thought that just because James said the vase was fake, Joe wouldn't have to pay and would even get a VIP membership card? The value of this card was beyond money.
"Mr. Hayes, thank you, but there's no need for the membership card," Laura hesitated and softly said to Atticus.
As long as they didn't have to pay, she was already happy enough.
"No, Miss Hall, I've caused you so much trouble today. Please accept this membership card!" Atticus quickly insisted.
"Alright then!" Laura reluctantly agreed, then continued, "Mr. Hayes, can we leave now?"
"Of course. I'm really sorry for taking up so much of your time!" Atticus said as he led Laura towards the Mercedes.
James, who had played a big part in resolving the situation, followed behind, feeling pretty satisfied with Atticus's performance today.
After exchanging a few words with Laura and the others, Laura drove away with James, leaving behind a puzzled crowd and a desperate Herbert. He still didn't understand when the vase in the restaurant had been swapped.
A few minutes later, the crowd dispersed, and this incident would soon spread throughout Willowbrook.
After seeing James and the others off, Atticus finally sighed in relief and walked over to Herbert.
"Mr. Hayes, I really didn't know the vase was swapped! But it's all my responsibility. Please go easy on me!" Herbert shouted to Atticus, visibly agitated.
Atticus glanced at Herbert and said calmly, "It wasn't swapped."
"Was the vase fake from the start?" Herbert asked, confused.
"I bought the vase at an auction. How could it be fake?" Atticus said, sounding pretty helpless.
"Then why did you say the vase is fake, Mr. Hayes?" Herbert asked, still confused.
"I need to follow Mr. Smith and admit it's fake," Atticus said calmly.
"Mr. Smith?" Herbert was stunned again.
"Do you know who that young man was?" Atticus asked Herbert softly.
Herbert shook his head.
He couldn't think of anyone from a prominent family in Lumina City who could make Atticus so cautious. Plus, judging by James's attire, he didn't look like a big shot at all.
"Mr. Hayes, who exactly is Mr. Smith?" Herbert asked.
"Forget it. Mr. Smith told me not to reveal his identity. Just remember, whenever you see Mr. Smith, treat him as you would treat me. Got it?" Atticus said to Herbert.
"Understood." Herbert quickly nodded.
"By the way, is the other vase in our restaurant still intact?" Atticus asked softly.
"Yes." Herbert nodded.
"One vase alone doesn't look good. Contact the curator of the Lumina City Museum and the TV station. I plan to donate this vase tomorrow and promote our restaurant," Atticus said calmly.
"Got it." Herbert quickly nodded.
Meanwhile, after leaving the restaurant, James and the others drove straight to the hotel.
Not having to pay the $20 million for the vase put Joe and Isolde in a much better mood.
However, Thalia was extremely upset because Leander's true nature had been exposed, making her feel terrible. After all, Leander was someone she had always been proud of, but it turned out to be a misunderstanding. The real reason Atticus was so generous wasn't Leander but Laura.
She no longer dared to act arrogantly and left with Thalassa in a dejected manner.
However, Joe and Isolde chatted in the car, seemingly forgetting who had helped them out that day. They hadn't even said a word of thanks to James, let alone spoken to him.
James didn't care about it, but Laura was different.
Isolde had insulted James so harshly before, and now that he had helped them so much, she didn't even thank him.
As elders, they should be a bit nicer to him, right? But Isolde and Joe continued to ignore James.
"James, how did you realize the vase was fake?" Laura brought up the topic.
"I..." James began to speak.
"How could he know? He was just guessing, and it turned out to be true by coincidence!" Isolde interrupted before James could finish.
Then, the atmosphere in the car instantly became awkward.
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