Chapter 178 His Gold Membership Card is Fake!
Ryder Clark was unfazed by the security guards' sudden 180-degree change in attitude.
He nodded and replied, "That would be great, thanks."
One of the guards led Ryder Clark into the Wisteria Pavilion, a high-end private club.
They took the elevator to the third floor.
The third floor featured an auction room that could accommodate over a hundred people.
When they reached the venue, it was already buzzing with a crowd.
Dressed to the nines, Houston's elite gathered in small groups, making small talk and networking.
Their conversations were invariably peppered with highbrow topics such as investments and sponsorships.
Some individuals even spoke louder than necessary, as if to ensure everyone recognized their clout.
As the guard and Ryder Clark approached the entrance to the lounge, they saw the Johnson family clustered by the door, chattering animatedly.
Abigail Johnson’s eyes lit up as she gazed at the lounge and mused, "I wonder when I'll have the chance to step into this lounge for an auction myself. This is truly the life of the upper crust!"
Grandpa Johnson joined in the sentiment, saying, "I've heard that only those with a gold membership card, the real movers and shakers, can enter. To get one, you need a net worth starting at a billion, not to mention the right connections.
“In Houston, you can count those who qualify for a gold card on one hand! Frankly, if I could secure that status before kicking the bucket, I'd die a happy man!"
When Abigail Johnson heard that, she clenched her fists with a confident smile. "Don’t worry, Grandpa. Once we move into the Platan Heights villa, I'm sure I'll land the legendary number one villa owner with my looks and charm. Not only will we live in a more upscale villa, but it will be a breeze for us to enjoy the VIP lounge perks!”
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Grandpa Johnson hummed with a nod, satisfaction etching his features. “That’s my granddaughter, she’s always thinking ahead! A far cry from that ungrateful Sarah Johnson!"
As Matthew listened to the back and forth, his lips curled downward in displeasure. These were the accolades that used to be directed at Andy, and he didn’t like the shift. He turned away, not wanting to listen to anymore, but then he caught sight of Ryder Clark.
Startled, he blurted out, "Ryder Clark! How did you get in here?" The attention of Grandpa Johnson and the others quickly shifted to Ryder.
Their faces were shocked, and their eyes almost popped out of their heads.
Abigail Johnson looked Ryder up and down, disbelief in her tone. "Ryder Clark, how on earth did you sneak in?"
Ryder, with a playful tone, countered, "I walked in like everyone else. What, you think I flew?"
Abigail, who was obviously not buying it, scoffed. "Cut the act, loser. You're just jealous because we're qualified to be here and you're not. You snuck in somehow!"
Then, turning to the security guard, she said, "Sir, I told you downstairs at the entrance that this guy is a no-good loser without a dime to his name. And he's a thief, too. Aren't you worried he’ll ruin tonight's auction? Get him out of here!"
The security guard replied, "Miss, I'm sorry, but you might be mistaken. This gentleman here is a Gold Member of the Wisteria Pavilion Auction House and has VIP box access. Please make way for Mr. Clark."
At this revelation, the Johnson family was taken aback before breaking into raucous laughter.
"Ha! You must be mistaken, officer. We know Ryder all too well. He’s a man of no consequence who certainly can't be a Gold Member!"
The guard insisted, "But he has a Gold Member card."
Matthew sneered. "So what? These days, anything can be faked, even a card. Just remember, this guy’s a tricky one. Keep an eye on him."
"Exactly! Think about it. Would a real VIP Gold Member arrive at an auction on a scooter dressed in such cheap sportswear? It doesn’t Padd up!"
"That does make sense," admitted the guard, who was now hesitating under the reasonable doubts cast by the Johnson family and their associates.
Even he couldn't understand why someone with a Gold Membership would choose to keep such a low profile.
He'd been working at the exclusive Wisteria Club for two years now and had never once seen this guy before.
So, he approached Ryder Clark and said, "Sir, just to be safe, I need to check with our general manager to confirm your Gold Membership status."
Ryder Clark, who was resigned, simply spread his hands in a gesture that said, ‘Go ahead.’
The security guard was about to call the manager when Abigail Johnson sneered with a "helpful" reminder, "Ryder Clark! You better skedaddle before you're exposed. It would be pretty embarrassing for you to be exposed in front of everyone here."
Old Man Johnson scoffed. "You arrogant youth, you overestimated yourself and aspired beyond your means – it doesn’t matter what you say! Let him bask in his delusions of grandeur."
Just then, a commotion stirred nearby, followed by a babble of voices.
Someone had arrived!
Ryder Clark turned to see a young couple surrounded by guests there for the auction.
The young couple caught him by surprise.
It was them!
Scott Brown's grandchildren, Nathan and Cara!
The last time they'd met was at the opening banquet of George Weir's security firm.
Ryder Clark ahd immediately hit it off with the siblings, and they had become friends.
When Nathan saw Ryder Clark, he paused, then quickly walked over with a smile, greeting him. "Ryder, what a pleasant surprise to bump into you here!"
Cara greeted Ryder with a shy smile, too. "Good evening, Ryder!"
Ryder was naturally pleased to chat with the siblings.
Those who had been fawning over Nathan and Cara were left standing there, dumbfounded.
After all, Nathan and Cara were the future of the prestigious Brown family in Houston. There was no shortage of billionaires who sought their favor, let alone these minor millionaires!
So when the siblings arrived, everyone was eager to flatter them.
They were ignored without so much as a change in expression.
Why were they being so warm to this young man?
Who was he to command such respect?
Of course, the Johnsons were the most shocked of all.
Ryder Clark surprisingly knew Scott Brown's grandkids and seemed to share a good rapport with them!
"Can someone tell me what's going on here?"
Just then, Nathan's gaze suddenly landed on Abigail Johnson and with a puzzled look, he said, "Isn't that the woman who slapped her cousin at The Pint House?"
In an instant, all eyes were on Abigail Johnson.