Chapter 438 Setting a Trap for James
They were all amused by James. Who was the owner of the Serenity Haven Hotel? A well-known figure in the City of Mysteries. And who was James to claim to be related to the owner of the Serenity Haven Hotel?
If you were really related to the owner of the Serenity Haven Hotel, would you be so down and out, dressed so plainly?
This didn't work; it was foolishness, showing off.
Not only did Quade and Juniper laugh, but the hotel manager, True Hernandez, and several waiters in the private room couldn't help but chuckle, looking at James as if he were a joke.
Even Brandy frowned a bit. She also thought James was being a bit extravagant. How could he say such a thing? Was it a joke? But this kind of joke wasn't funny at all; it was just awkward.
However, she still respected James and couldn't bear to see him continue to be ridiculed. She took the initiative to change the subject, saying, "Let's order first."
No one noticed Brandy's words. Quade had always wanted to find an opportunity to mock James. Now, unexpectedly, James was digging his own grave,he wouldn't miss this chance.
"Everyone, stop laughing. Since Mr. Smith said so, he must have some connection with the owner of the Serenity Haven Hotel," Quade said with a smile. "Mr. Smith, since you're related to the owner of the Serenity Haven Hotel, could you ask the owner to waive our bill?"
As soon as Quade said this, everyone stopped laughing and looked at James expectantly, wanting to see how he would respond.
Brandy was anxious. Although she was simple, she wasn't stupid. How could she not understand Quade's implication? If James continued to show off, he would be in trouble.
At a five-star hotel like the Serenity Haven Hotel, casual spending could easily amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars—how could James afford that.
She hastily said, "Mr. Smith was joking. Can't you tell?"
Juniper grabbed her hand, stopping her from speaking for James, and said sarcastically, "Mr. Smith, as a teacher, wouldn't joke with us. Brandy, don't underestimate Mr. Smith."
Quade asserted, "Precisely. Given Mr. Smith's demeanor, it is evident he is a prominent figure of substantial wealth. Treating us to a meal poses no difficulty for him."
Quade directly started suggesting that James should treat them.
James, looking as if he didn't understand their mockery, kept his cheerful smile and said, "It's no problem. But this meal was supposed to be you treating Brandy, so I won't compete with you. Next time, I'll definitely treat you all to a great meal."
With this, Quade and Juniper didn't hide their disdain for James and became even more convinced that he was just showing off.
'Such nice words, isn't it just because he has no money? Shameless!' Quade and Junipe thought.
Quade had never liked James, and now seeing him showing off made him very angry. How could he let James off so easily? He immediately said, "Mr. Smith, that's not quite fair. Since we are present, we ought not to squander this opportunity, for who knows when it may arise again. Let us consider this: we shall each cover half the expenses. Everyone can indulge as they please, and we will tally the cost. We will each bear half. No issues with that, correct?"
Having said this, he fixed his gaze on James, his eyes gleaming with a hidden smirk. Internally, he mocked, 'You poor soul, let's see how you handle this!'
The others also showed gloating expressions. They all agreed that James was poor and was just showing off. 'Since you want to show off, we'll give you the chance. Let's see how you handle it!' The other sneered.
Admittedly, James showed a embarrassing expression and said, "That's not good. Splitting it half and half is like treating, and that's no fun."
James waved his hand, rejecting the suggestion.
James's reaction only broadened Quade's smile. He felt immensely gratified. Embarrassing James brought him immense satisfaction. 'Doesn't he understand his own limitations? How dare he flaunt himself before me? I will make you utterly humiliated!' Quade thought.
At the same time, Quade glanced at Brandy and saw that she looked disappointed in James. This made him even more excited and eager.
"It's interesting. How could it not be fun?" Quade's tone shifted as he continued, "Mr. Smith, surely you're not refusing because you're lacking funds, are you?"
The others heard this and thought, 'Isn't that obvious? Just look at him; how much money could he have?'
James played along by getting angry, "Who said I don't have money? No matter how expensive the meal is, I can afford it! I just, well, don't want to outshine you."
With this, Quade couldn't help but laugh again. 'James, you're such an idiot, coming out here to embarrass yourself.' Quade sneered inside.
Juniper laughed, "Mr. Smith, you're overthinking it. We're just having a meal to entertain Brandy."
Quade waved his hand and said, "Mr. Smith, no matter how much we eat, we'll each pay half!"
"Let's not do that! I'll treat you next time!" James hurriedly said.
Quade said with a fake smile, "Mr. Smith, are you feeling guilty? Are you showing off without money? If that's the case, then forget it. You don't have to pay half this time, and you don't have to treat us next time, either."
Quade's expression was full of mockery, a very clumsy provocation.
James was provoked and, looking angry, shouted, "Nonsense! Who said I don't have money? Fine! Half and half it is. It's just a few thousand dollars; I can afford it!"
James's bravado delighted Quade, causing him to break into a smile. 'A few thousand dollars? You wish! Today's meal won't conclude without a bill of at least twenty thousand dollars!' Quade mocked inside.
True was even more elated. The more James and his entourage spent, the better his performance and the higher his commission. He was thoroughly pleased!
He couldn't help but stare at James. Looks like he was lucky today, running into such a fool.
Brandy looked at James, feeling inexplicably disappointed. The tall image of James in her mind suddenly diminished a lot.
She had initially believed that James was unlike most people, someone who had transcended base interests, possessing genuine intellectual depth and substance. However, she had overestimated him. James was merely an ordinary man—vain, impulsive, and puerile.
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