Chapter 9 Ridicule

• "Master, Brayden here. Do you have some time? I want to make it up to you over dinner!"
• "Sure thing!"
• Felix didn't hesitate since he had considered scoring some rare herbs when Brayden called out of the blue. In no time, Brayden picked Felix up and drove him to Riverford's swanky five-star Hoverston Hotel.
• "Master Cohen, this belongs to a close associate and apparently be the best in Riverford!"
• Felix didn't really care about the menu, as he'd dug through bins just to survive. Up on the top floor, Brayden got them both window seats and ordered some of the hotel's best specialties.
• Once the dishes arrived, Brayden invited, "Please be seated, Master Cohen. I'll get some top-shelf alcohol from my friend!"
• As soon as Brayden dashed off, the hungry Felix dove into the spread on the table while Nolan strolled in with Charlotte, Elizabeth, and his in-laws. Elizabeth, new to the fancy scene, spotted Felix nearby and eyed him with curiosity.
• "Charlotte, Nolan, ain't that the good-for-nothing Felix?"
• "Looks like it!" Charlotte caught sight of Felix after following Elizabeth's gaze.
• "What's a ragged beggar like him doing in such a fancy place?" Elizabeth wondered aloud.
• "Probably mooching off someone's meal since he can't afford his own!" Fiona sneered.
• Seeing Felix, Nolan's eyes narrowed with resentment, the memory of yesterday's altercation fresh in his mind. "Excuse me, I have to call someone."
• Nolan knew the restaurant manager as they were friends, and soon enough, a slick-looking man in gold-rimmed glasses strutted over. "Mr. Robins, why didn't you give me a heads-up? I'd have rolled out the red carpet!"
• Charlotte's family couldn't help puffing up at the manager's treatment of Nolan and subtly straightened up and shot everyone smug looks.
• Nolan commented after seeing their behavior, "I'm here for a meal but didn't think I will bump into an unwelcome face which is annoying."
• "Oh?" Fred Lawston was caught off guard. It was one of Riverford's top-notch places and was known to be extremely picky. How had they ended up with an unwelcome person?
• "It's him!" Elizabeth pointed towards Felix.
• "Freddie, what is the meaning of this? How did a delinquent like him sneak in and act like a freeloader in such a luxurious restaurant?"
• Fred spotted Felix who stuck out like a sore thumb among the well-dressed diners in his ragged uniform. "Sorry, Mr. Robins, it was a mistake!"
• "Please get rid of him immediately. The atmosphere is ruined along with our experience here," ordered Elizabeth like she owned the place.
• "Yeah. Who knows what germs he's got? If we or anyone else gets sick, it's on you!" Fiona put in proudly.
• After a beat, Fred nodded. "Apologies, Mr. Robins, I'll deal with him."
• Approaching Felix, Fred asked politely and calmly, unfazed by the comments from Elizabeth and her family, "Excuse me, sir, are you dining with us today?"
• "Yeah," Felix nodded.