Chapter 515 It Will Kill You
At noon, James and Hestia arrived at the Azure Palace Hotel.
Located ten miles from downtown, the hotel was nestled in the White Lotus Mountain of Sovereign City, occupying an entire castle as both a hotel and restaurant.
The vintage court decor instantly transported guests back to the medieval era.
The royal history felt like a dream, yet almost tangible.
The manager, chefs, and even the waitstaff all held certifications as chefs, doctors, and nutritionists.
Moreover, the renowned chef Harold Rogers was in charge.
Harold was a master of both culinary and medical arts, having cooked for foreign heads of state multiple times. He would randomly prepare a dish for customers each day, elevating the restaurant's prestige.
Inside the castle's grand hall, a red carpet stretched out, flanked by ten stone rooms on each side, designated for dining.
"Ms. Sharp is in Private Room 1."
When Hestia mentioned Lavinia to the server, the attractive attendant promptly led them to a pavilion.
James glanced over and saw five elegant women sitting together, sipping champagne and engaging in witty, graceful conversation.
These beauties were dressed in stylish gowns, exuding the mature charm of women in their thirties and forties.
Their gathering was visually pleasing and quite eye-catching.
But what caught James's attention the most was Lavinia.
She wore a light-colored gown with a high slit, revealing glimpses of her fair skin.
Her poised demeanor and lively conversation gave off an air of mature sophistication.
However, no one dared to approach her casually. Despite her seemingly flirtatious manner, the assertiveness in her eyes was enough to deter most men.
Such a woman had both ambition and intelligence, and only a man with considerable means would dare to get close.
"Mom!"
Hestia stepped forward to greet her.
Lavinia nodded slightly. "Sit."
Without waiting for James to speak, she continued chatting with her friends.
James was left ignored, standing to the side.
Most young men in their twenties would find this treatment unbearable.
But James remained calm, having endured a year of cold stares; this level of disregard didn't faze him at all.
Hestia wanted to pull James to sit down, but Lavinia stopped her with a glance.
The other glamorous women paid no attention to James, instead discussing grand plans with Lavinia:
"Lavinia, I heard you're negotiating with the Garcia family to acquire the Apricot Blossom Forest in Sovereign City's new district? That's fantastic news."
"Yeah, if you secure Apricot Blossom Forest, you could build an eighty-story landmark, boost your performance, and then get promoted to vice president at headquarters."
"The real estate market is starting to slump; it's tough out there. Seize this opportunity to make a comeback."
"Even if you don't become vice president, you could take on the role of president at Cloud Sound. Cloud Sound's ad revenue is in the billions, much more lucrative than real estate."
"If you need funds, I can talk to Tim and arrange a five-billion-dollar loan for you."
"Don't worry about the use of Apricot Blossom Forest. I know people at Homeland Security; one call will solve any issues."
"By the way, I heard the popular Bashful Flower beauty cream is linked to Thousand Shadows Group. When you go to Stardust City, make sure to work on that."
"Yeah, help us get more Bashful Flower beauty cream, or let us invest in it."
"Oh my God, the beauty cream is insane—$100,000 a jar, and it's limited. Even with money, it's hard to buy."
"I also heard Thousand Shadows Group has a new young owner. Lavinia, if you can win him over, you'll be unstoppable."
"Exactly, Thousand Shadows Group is worth trillions. If you conquer their owner, we'll all benefit."
Their laughter and chatter were filled with high-level talk, casually mentioning billions and trillions, making passersby feel pressured and inferior.
Hestia felt uneasy. Even if her mother didn't like James, she couldn't leave him hanging like this. But in this setting, she couldn't interrupt.
After about fifteen minutes, Lavinia finally stopped laughing, her wrist flicking to reveal a diamond bracelet.
She turned to look at the composed James. The four glamorous women also eyed James with playful smiles.
"James, thanks for the heads-up last time. It helped me catch my illness early. I'll make sure to thank you properly."
Lavinia casually mentioned her illness—stomach cancer detected early. With money, not only could it be controlled, but it also had a high chance of being cured.
Having faced a life-or-death situation, Lavinia felt a bit grateful to James but also realized she needed to live more freely. Otherwise, life would be wasted.
This made her even more determined that Hestia shouldn't suffer with James.
James instinctively opened his mouth. "There's no need to thank me, Lav—"
"We're not that close. Just call me Ms. Sharp." Lavinia interrupted James, shaking her champagne glass coldly.
"What I want to say today is that with your current status and position, you're not worthy of Hestia. I hope you can do her a favor and let her go."
James suddenly smiled.
He had no romantic feelings for Hestia; their friendship was a coincidence.
Today, he was here mainly to thank Hestia for her help over the past few days.
Hestia, however, got emotional and clung to James, shouting, "Mom, weren't you inviting James for a meal? Why suddenly say this?"
"Besides, he saved my life twice and yours once. He's our family's savior. Is this how you treat him?"
Hestia couldn't help but accuse Lavinia, "And even if he's not perfect, he's better than Allan, whom you introduced to me."
Lavinia's face darkened. "Who gave you the courage to talk to me like this?"
"Hestia, Lavinia is doing this for your own good."
One woman, after drinking half a glass of champagne, smiled at Hestia. "This... James, I heard? Yes, he did help you, but you can repay him materially, like renovating his shop."
"You could also waive his rent for a few more years or give him a few million dollars. There's no need to think about marrying him."
Another glamorous woman also spoke softly, "Yes, Hestia, your mother's status and our circle—he's just a tea seller from the lower class. He can't fit in."
"Bringing him into this circle would only make you and Lavinia a laughingstock."
Another woman breathed softly towards James, "Billions, hundreds of billions—only the rich and powerful. How could he fit in?"
"Young man, don't be delusional. Just focus on selling tea. You're not in the same world as us."
She clinked glasses with her companions and then finished her champagne.
James didn't explain, argue, or get angry. He calmly watched the women mock him.
Seeing James's demeanor, Lavinia's gaze grew more contemptuous.
Over the years, Lavinia had seen all kinds of men.
Arrogant, smart, foolish—they all had strong self-esteem and couldn't handle insults, showing their remaining pride.
But James's calmness, in her eyes, was just thick-skinned shamelessness.
Lavinia crossed her legs and spoke coldly, "James, do you have anything to say?"
"Whether Hestia and I should be together."
"Whether Hestia and I should be together, "James's tone was flat, "you don't decide, they don't decide, only Hestia decides."
"If Hestia wants me gone, I'll leave immediately and never come back."
"But if Hestia doesn't send me away, I won't leave in disgrace."
To James, being together meant simply being friends.
Hestia felt a wave of emotion, surprised that James valued her so much.
At the same time, she sighed that James's family background was lacking; otherwise, she would have fallen for him without hesitation.
Hearing James's straightforward answer, Lavinia didn't think higher of him but felt more disdain. She seemed to detest such self-righteous people.
"James, your persistence is pointless. I'll say it again, you and Hestia are from different worlds. I will never allow you two to be together."
""
Lavinia exuded a powerful aura. "If you think you can, I'm telling you, you'll regret it."
Clearly, she saw James as someone with ulterior motives.
She also looked at Hestia, her gaze stern. "Hestia, repay kindness, but don't go overboard. Don't say foolish things like offering yourself."
"And don't associate with people like him. You're from different worlds."
"He's just a tea shop owner, relying on you to keep his shop running. How can he keep up with you?"
She was exasperated. "Even a small amount of money from you is something he could never earn in his lifetime. How can you love him?"
Hestia bit her lip, staying silent.
At this moment, a chef arrived with several people, carrying trays of food.
The lids were still on, but the aroma was mouthwatering, making everyone feel hungry.
The chef smiled brightly. "Ms. Sharp, this is today's new dish, made by me personally. Please try it."
Lavinia instantly became polite and gracious. "Thank you, Harold."
The women in gowns also smiled. "Harold, you're so thoughtful."
Harold laughed heartily. "As long as you enjoy it, I'm happy."
Lavinia stared at James. "Hestia, ask James if he's ever seen such ingredients."
The women in gowns smiled playfully, watching James.
"Truffle black caviar with champagne jelly. Caviar, champagne, lemon juice as the main ingredients."
"5% white truffle, 3% foie gras, 3% lobster paste, 4% French cognac, 2% vanilla seeds, 6% saffron, 5% Italian balsamic vinegar, 10% Spanish extra virgin olive oil..."
James spoke casually. "Rich in flavor, layered, visually stunning. Unfortunately, it will kill you."
Harold, who was about to leave, suddenly stopped in his tracks.
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