Chapter 13: Sumptuous Dinner.

In the VIP room of the hotel, Winston sat at the center of the banquet table, with Benjamin and Isabella seated opposite each other. However, each of their expressions was completely different at that moment.

While Benjamin casually observed the surroundings, occasionally uttering exclamations like a country bumpkin visiting the city for the first time, Isabella remained severe and silent, not uttering a word.

Only Winston had a beaming smile but felt incredibly frustrated and uncomfortable inside.

He had only made some sarcastic remarks earlier, intending to provoke Benjamin. Yet, he couldn't have imagined that Benjamin would really have no shame and even want to join them for a meal at the hotel.

After taking his seat, Winston turned to Isabella with a grin and said, "Isabella, I know you love lobster dishes. So, before coming here, I asked the chef to prepare an Alaskan lobster dish for you. I heard the lobster here is imported by plane within 24 hours, so its taste remains fresh. After trying it, I believe you'll love it."

As if boasting about his generosity, Winston glanced at Benjamin again, his face showing complete sincerity.

"Benjamin, I sincerely apologize. I didn't expect you to join us for the banquet, so I didn't order your meal beforehand. But rest assured, and the restaurant has fast service. You can order some dishes later. As for the cost, don't worry too much. Consider this meal my treat."

Hearing Winston's words, Benjamin couldn't help but secretly curse his hypocrisy. However, he didn't show it outwardly and simply responded with a smile and a nod.

"Thank you! This is my first time dining at such a fancy restaurant. How does the food here compare to the street food outside?"

Hearing this, the waiter's face darkened while Winston laughed loudly and handed the waiter a 100-dollar bill.

"Sorry, my friend here is new to dining in a restaurant. So, he's rude. Here's a tip. I hope you can forgive him!"

"Yes, it's nothing, don't worry about it!" The waiter replied, seeing Winston's generosity, his face instantly brightened with a smile. Meanwhile, Isabella couldn't help but glance at Benjamin, intending to warn him not to continue embarrassing her.

However, it seemed that Benjamin didn't notice. Although he knew very well that Winston was deliberately trying to tarnish his reputation, his mind was focused on the menu prices. Indeed, the prices here were extremely high. A regular meal outside would only cost tens to a few hundred dollars, but here, everything was priced at several thousand dollars, even reaching tens of thousands.

However, Benjamin felt extremely dissatisfied deep down. With just these dishes, he couldn't possibly make Winston pay dearly for a meal. After all, Winston had dared to date his wife right before him; he couldn't just turn a blind eye without any retaliation. That was not his style.

But when he flipped to the last page, even though there were only a few simple dishes listed, the prices printed by the restaurant made Benjamin's eyes light up instantly.

This is it!

He thought to himself. Without hesitation, Benjamin placed his hand on the most expensive dishes in the restaurant and loudly ordered.

"I want this one, this one, and this one as well."

Seeing Benjamin ordering such expensive dishes one after another, the waiter's eyes couldn't help but fill with worry as he looked toward Winston. At the same time, he held Benjamin in contempt, believing that Benjamin was just a freeloader and Winston was the actual host.

However, Benjamin needed a sense of decency, not only freeloading but also ordering the most expensive dishes in large quantities.

Therefore, before taking down the order, the waiter glanced at Winston, seemingly seeking approval to place the order.

Of course, Winston was also like bleeding internally at this moment. Although he could afford these dishes, ordering so many luxurious items simultaneously for a single dinner party seemed unreasonable.

However, not wanting to lose face in front of Isabella, Winston gently nodded when the waiter looked at him, signaling his agreement.

"Ah, that's right. We've only ordered food so far, but we still require drinks. Bro, I'd like to order some beverages now. I'm sure you won't object?"

Seeing that Winston had accepted the dishes he had ordered, Benjamin took the opportunity to order some drinks for himself. Suddenly, Isabella stood up and lightly slammed the table.

"Benjamin, I think that's enough!"

Seeing Isabella react so strongly, Benjamin couldn't help but feel startled. Winston's eyes, however, revealed a hint of amusement.

"Isabella, it's no big deal. We're just ordering a few more drinks, and I can still afford it."

Once again, seeing Winston agree generously, the waiter's face brightened up even more. However, his gaze toward Benjamin grew increasingly disdainful.

But Benjamin was feeling incredibly smug at this point. Although he knew his actions had upset Isabella, he wasn't worried. After all, the words came from Winston's mouth, and he was going along with his wishes.

"Benjamin, what's the meaning of this? Are you deliberately trying to embarrass Winston?"

After Winston suddenly received a phone call and had to step outside, Isabella stood up straight, staring intently at Benjamin as she confronted him.

In Benjamin's heart, he felt highly annoyed. Isabella was the one who made mistakes, so how did she end up blaming him?

"So, did you regret his money? In that case, let me pay for tonight's dinner. After all, I still have some money in my account. Plus, there's a big bonus from this project. That will help your boyfriend pay off his debt, right?"

"Y-you.."

Hearing Benjamin's sarcastic tone, Isabella couldn't help but grit her teeth and glare at him again.

"Oh, I almost forgot! You have not explained why you collaborated with your sister to set me up in the hotel. Don't tell me this has nothing to do with you. If not, why did you call me to meet your friend there?"

Suddenly remembering the incident this morning, Benjamin immediately questioned Isabella with a piercing gaze.

However, Isabella replied calmly: "This has nothing to do with me. However, I'm partly responsible for it. Don't worry; I've secured all the evidence from this morning. As long as you don't cause trouble, I'll return it to you."

"Hmph, only a fool would believe you."

Muttering in his heart, Benjamin didn't continue the topic. At that moment, the door opened, and Winston hurriedly took his seat.

"Sorry for the delay. I received a phone call from a friend. He said a VIP was having dinner in the next room, so I had to step out and entertain them for a while."

Although he apologized, Benjamin could tell that Winston was actually preparing to show off.

"By the way, Isabella, do you know the chairman of K-H Corporation? I heard he has a big project and wants to invest in the domestic market. I just met with him and my friend. If there's a chance, I'll introduce you."

As expected, Winston turned to Isabella with a smug smile. Just then, the waiter arrived.

"Your dishes have been served. We hope you enjoy your meal!"

"What? When did I... when did I order wine?"

During the quiet dinner, when a waiter brought a bottle of Macallan 1972 wine worth over thirty thousand USD, Winston immediately yelled at the waiter.

At that moment, Isabella's eyes were also fixed on Benjamin. Although she didn't know why Winston's attitude changed so drastically upon seeing the wine, she could guess that it must have something to do with Benjamin.

"Dear guests, your friend ordered a bottle of wine earlier. He specifically asked for the most expensive one, so our restaurant brought this one. It's one of the world's most famous brands. We only have one bottle left in the restaurant."

At this point, the female server couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and frustration. She had realized that this esteemed guest had yet to actually drink the expensive wine. However, according to the restaurant's policy, they could not be taken back once food and drinks were served.

Thus, she hesitantly looked toward Winston, who glared at Benjamin with fierce eyes.

Although Winston could afford a few thousand dollars for dinner with Isabella, spending tens of thousands on a single bottle of wine was beyond his tolerance. After all, he wasn't that wealthy.