Patrick figured that after all his years moving in Vaelion City's high society, he'd earned some respect. As an elder, he was now personally asking for a favor from the younger generation. Surely, they would show him some courtesy.
But to his surprise...
They were turned away the moment they arrived at the Obsidian Palace.
They weren't even allowed inside.
The lobby manager, thoroughly annoyed, waved his hand dismissively. "How many times do I have to say it? Everyone from the Wynn family has been blacklisted! All properties under the Obsidian Palace banner will refuse you service. Please leave immediately!"
Patrick's expression soured, but he could only force a stiff laugh. "It's just a squabble among the younger generation. How did it escalate to this level?"
As he spoke, he suddenly glanced at Hailey behind him.
Today, Hailey was dressed in a pink and white ladylike suit. Her long, dark hair was lightly curled, cascading down her back, and her delicate, sweet face was exquisitely made up.
She looked pure and charming.
Patrick's eyes lit up. He immediately pulled Hailey forward and pushed her in front of the lobby manager. "Hailey, hurry and apologize to the manager. He is a magnanimous man; he'll surely forgive your past immaturity."
Shoved so suddenly, Hailey nearly lost her balance in her slender high heels and almost fell into the manager's arms.
Hailey looked at the man before her in his thirties or forties, pot-bellied and greasy —and felt a wave of disgust.
The lobby manager could clearly see her reaction and found the whole family ridiculous.
What kind of person did they take him for?
He sneered, "The blacklisting isn't my decision. Now, get out!"
Marianne's eyes darted around before she took an envelope from her purse and tried to shove it into the manager's hand, her face plastered with a smile. "Sir, if you could just bend the rules for us..."
She hadn't even finished her sentence.
The manager's expression changed instantly. "What do you think you're doing?"
He quickly pulled his hand away as if
he'd touched something filthy and
snapped, "None of that! The
such
Obsidian Palace won't tolerate corruption! Mr. Wynn, Mrs. Wynn, if you don't leave now, don't blame me for having you thrown out. It will only be more humiliating for you!"
A security guard nearby actually unfurled a banner.
When Patrick saw it, his vision went dark.
Emblazoned on the banner was a line of text: *The Wynn Family and Dogs Not Allowed Inside*.
Wasn't this just blatant humiliation?
Marianne's face instantly went cold. "What is the meaning of this? Do you know who we are? You arrogant pricks, you..."
"Enough!" Patrick's face was ashen. He shot a dark glare at the banner, the veins on his forehead throbbing with anger.
Still, he gritted his teeth, suppressing the overwhelming sense of humiliation and fury.
The Obsidian Palace was the
Pech of land was
premier venue in a place like Vaelion-
City where every
gold. Its backing had to be immense.
Rumor had it...
...the Obsidian Palace was a joint venture established by the heirs of Vaelion City's top elite families.
The Wynn family was already teetering on the brink of bankruptcy; they couldn't afford to offend such powerful people.
Patrick clenched his fists,
swallowing his anger, and tried a conciliatory tone. "Mr. Redfern, please, cut us some slack... Once we clear up this misunderstanding with the Obsidian Palace, the Wynn family will remember your kindness and reward you handsomely."
Just then.
An elevator in the lobby chimed. The doors slid open, and a group of people walked
out...