Untill His Cold Dismissal 124

hapter 124

Chapter 124.

It was obvious that Sophia wasn’t here to run the business.

If she was just a nominal owner, that was fine.

After all, Raffle Hotel had worked hard to build its reputation, and as long as she didn’t mess things up, its position in the industry would remain unshaken for at least the next decade.

What worried Asher was the possibility of Sophia suddenly getting an impulsive idea. What if she decided to play around with the hotel just to prove herself? That would be a total disaster.

Internally, Asher was wailing in despair, but on the surface, he maintained a polite, respectful smile, presenting himself with the utmost professionalism.

Sophia spoke. “You can start serving the food now.”

Sherry, who had been admiring the priceless antiques displayed in the luxurious private room, turned her head. “Bring a few more bottles of wine. The most expensive ones. Put everything on Sofi’s tab.”

Zach and the others immediately chimed in. “Yeah, yeah, only the priciest ones! It’s not every day we get Miss S to splurge on us, if we don’t go all out, we’d be letting down our years of friendship!”

Asher glanced at Sophia. Seeing her nod, he smiled. “Of course. But deep down, he sighed as he wondered, ‘So she really is here to squander the family fortune”

The most expensive wines at Raffle Hotel weren’t something just any rich person could afford.

Still keeping his smile intact, Asher excused himself and left. Sophia stood up. “Wait. I’ll go with you and take a look around.” Since she was now the owner, Asher had no right to refuse,

As Sophia followed him out, she noticed Tristan rising to his feet, ready to follow, She waved a hand at him. “I’m just going with Asher to check out the hotel and learn a thing or two about running it. You stay here and wait for me.

‘If I let Tristan come along, just imagine how many acquaintances we’d run into along the way. How much time would that waste?‘ she thought.

Seizing the opportunity, Sherry spun around, leaning on the table with one hand, a playful grin on her face. “Sofi’s right. Mr. Yeats, you’re here today as Sofi’s fiance. And as Soli’s absolute best, best, best friends, it’s our duty to thoroughly evaluate whether you’re qualified to hold that title.”

Zach and the others exchanged glances before closing in around Tristan, nodding in unison. “Exactly.”

Ah, how the tables had turned. No one would’ve thought that the high–and–mighty head of the Yeats family would one day find himself at their mercy.

If he wanted their blessing, he had to prove he was worthy of standing by Sophia’s side.

Watching the lively scene unfold, Sophia felt reassured and left with Asher to inspect the hotel.

After a full round, she had a general understanding of Raffle Hotel.

Since Asher was the general manager, he was naturally swamped with work. Throughout the tour, various urgent matters kept pulling him away.

Sophia told him to go handle the pressing issues while she continued wandering around the hotel on her own.

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A sleek car pulled up at the entrance of the Raille Hotel.

Griffin and Felicity stepped out, looking up at the grand, opulent facade of the hotel, its golden sign gleaming, a symbol of power and prestige. Their eyes sparkled with excitement.

They had worked tirelessly in Virelia, building and solidifying the Stewart Group’s position. Yet, truth be told, even with all their success, they still weren’t influential enough to book a single table at the Raffle Hotel.

But now, Ethan had personally brought them here for dinner.

Clearly, this was a significant move from the Baker Family.

Felicity was so thrilled that just stepping into Raffle Hotel felt like an instant upgrade to her status. Even as she clung to Griffin’s arm, she couldn’t stop trembling with excitement.

“Ethan, this… this is Raffle Hotel, Chloe gasped, tilting her head up in awe, her beautiful eyes wide with shock. “Isn’t this a bit too extravagant?”

Ethan reached out and gently ruffled her hair. “It’s the first official dinner between our families; it has to be grand. How could this be considered extravagant?”

Felicity, standing to the side, immediately chimed in with a laugh. “Silly girl, this just shows how much Ethan cares about you. He put in the effort because you matter to him”

Chloe’s delicate face instantly flushed with a rosy hue. She stole a shy glance at Ethan before quickly lowering her gaze, embodying the perfect image of a sweet and bashful young woman.

Her carefully crafted makeup, an exquisite blend of innocence and subtle allure, was designed to captivate men effortlessly.

Ethan, for his part, relished Chloe’s unreserved admiration and affection. A smirk played at his lips as he gently tapped her nose, his eyes brimming with warmth. “You’re already thinking about saving money for me before even marrying into the family? Chloe, you truly will be a good wife.”

Chloe’s blush deepened, her entire demeanor radiating both joy and embarrassment

Felicity beamed at the scene, clearly pleased. However, Griffin, standing beside her, only grew more solemn. His gaze darkened as he subtly tugged Felicity’s arm before clearing his throat. “Let’s head inside.

Ethan noticed the authoritative glint in Griffin’s eyes.

Though his expression briefly clouded over, he quickly concealed it and maintained his charming smile. “Mr. Stewart, Mrs. Stewart, this way, please.

The four of them stepped into Raffle Hotel, following a stunning hostess who guided them toward their private room. Felicity and Chloe took in their lavish surroundings, eyes gleaming with excitement and pride. The sheer grandeur of the Raffle Hotel filled them with an almost overwhelming sense of accomplishment,

They even felt the urge to snap a quick picture, proof that they had once dined in a place that represented the pinnacle of Virelia’s elite social circle.

For them, this might be a once–in–a–lifetime opportunity.

Even as they stepped into the Baker Family’s reserved private room, their hearts continued to race with exhilaration.

The room was expansive and lavishly decorated, its lighting casting a warm yet regal glow. At the head of the table sat Howard and Gloria.

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At the sound of the door opening, Howard was the first to rise.

Gloria, however, remained seated, raising a meticulously shaped eyebrow as she scrutinized the newcomers.

Her eyes trailed over Felicity and Chloe, her gaze sharp and assessing. She could easily read the uncontainable excitement on their faces, the way their eyes sparkled at the sheer opulence surrounding them.

A flicker of disdain crossed Gloria’s eyes. Just as I thought, third–rate nobodies with small–minded attitudes, she wondered.

Judging by Felicity’s reaction, this must be the first time she’s ever stepped foot in such an exclusive venue. And then there was Chloe, still as unrefined as ever. Even draped in haute couture and adorned with exquisite jewelry, she couldn’t conceal the aura of mediocrity that clung to her.

“People born in poverty will always reek of poverty. No amount of expensive gowns or accessories can mask that cheap air about her, Gloria thought with a sneer.

Gloria had never

er approved of Chloe, and after being scolded by Howard earlier, her mood had soured even further. Now, every little thing about Chloe irritated her.

Sitting tall and proud in her chair, she arched an eyebrow, exuding an air of superiority, expecting Chloe to come forward and pay her respects.

Meanwhile, Howard greeted Gritlin and Felicity with an easygoing smile. When he turned slightly toward Gloria, a flicker of warning flashed in his eyes.

Only then did Gloria reluctantly stand, moving to stand beside her husband.

Felicity, who had initially been all smiles, was prepared to exchange pleasantries with Gloria

In these sorts of social settings, the men handled the serious discussions, while the women engaged in polite conversation.

After all, once Chloe married into the Baker Family, she would have to coexist with Gloria.

However, upon seeing the condescending look in Gloria’s eyes, her barely concealed contempt, Felicity’s expression instantly hardened. She recalled Grittin’s earlier warnings before they had left home.

The atmosphere grew tense. In the end, it was the two seasoned men, Howard and Griffin, who expertly diffused the situation. Laughing and making small talk, they invited everyone to take their seats as if nothing had happened.

Chloe sat beside Ethan, forcing a smile as she observed Howard and Griffin maintaining their facade of ease. She then glanced at Gloria and Felicity, both of whom still wore sour expressions. Chloe pressed her lips together, her hands. nervously clasped.

“It’s okay.” Ethan’s warm palm covered hers, his gaze lowering slightly as he reassured her in a gentle voice. “I’m here.”

Chloe bit her cherry–red lips, staring at the large hand over hers. When she lifted her eyes to look at Ethan, her gaze shimmered with unshed tears. “But Mrs. Baker…

“It’s okay.” Ethan patted the back of her hand, repeating his words with even more conviction.

Chloe’s anxious expression gradually softened, replaced by a deep sense of gratitude and attachment.

Witnessing this silent exchange of affection between the young couple, Howard couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “When we first arranged this marriage, I was worried Ethan’s rebellious nature would make him reject the family’s decision. But seeing how well they get along now, I feel relieved.”

Griffin smiled faintly but didn’t respond.

It was as if the dynamic between the two families had undergone a complete reversal during this dinner.

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Howard’s smile stiffened slightly.

Experienced businessmen like them didn’t need direct words to understand each other.

Howard was certain that the Stewart Family was already aware of the Baker Family’s current predicament.

In the world of business, fortunes could change in the blink of an eye.

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Back when the Baker Family was thriving, Howard had once considered calling off the engagement with the Stewart Family. And now that they were facing hardships, it was only natural for the Stewarts to reevaluate their position.

Howard was not someone who would lose his composure over such matters. Instead, he maintained his smile and discreetly. signaled to Gloria.

Gloria, though clearly displeased, was left with no choice but to act. Her expression was still laced with arrogance, but under Howard’s silent command, she finally turned to Chloe.

Chloe, with her cheeks flushed, was whispering softly to Ethan, their hands likely intertwined beneath the table.

Bitch! Gloria cursed internally but forced herself to follow Howard’s instructions. She turned to Felicity and Chloe, her tone dripping with condescension. “Felicity, Chloe, the Baker Group owns a share of Raffle Hotel. This must be your first time here, correct? You’re probably unfamiliar with the place. How about I give you a tour? This hotel has many hidden wonders.”

Every word Gloria spoke was meant to flaunt her superior status.

Felicity glanced at Griffin. Seeing him give a slight nod, she picked up her expensive handbag and stood up, mimicking Gloria’s haughty demeanor as she smirked. “Sounds good.”

Ethan’s thumb gently brushed over Chloe’s fingers as he gave her a deep, tender gaze.

Chloe, her face still red, quietly followed behind her mother as they exited the private room.

Now, only the three men remained to discuss business.

Gloria and Felicity walked ahead, with Chloe trailing beside Felicity.

Gloria, believing herself to be of higher status, refused to speak first.

Felicity, recalling Griffin’s words that it was now the Baker Family who needed them, decided to take a different approach this time. No longer would she humble herself before Gloria. In fact, she carried a hint of vengeful satisfaction, holding herself with newfound poise.

The three women walked in silence until they arrived at Raffle Hotel’s grand courtyard, an exquisite garden designed specifically for guests. The scene before them was reminiscent of a medieval palace garden, lush, vibrant, and meticulously designed.

Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, had been spent on rare and exotic plants, each more extravagant than the last. The carefully sculpted architecture displayed a variety of unique styles, a testament to the hotel’s opulence. The entire setting was breathtakingly luxurious.

Felicity kept up her poised demeanor, but the way her fingers tightened around the strap of her handbag betrayed her emotions. She couldn’t help but steal glances at the lavish floral displays and finely crafted buildings.

Gloria, walking slightly ahead, noticed Felicity’s reaction out of the corner of her eye and let out a soft, amused laugh. “Felicity, you probably don’t know this, but these plants were imported from various countries by private jets. Some of them are even classified as nationally protected species, and the hotel had to apply for special patents to acquire them.”

As she spoke, she lifted her hand and gestured toward a distant building. “And those structures over there? Designed by world–renowned architects, something you won’t find just anywhere.”

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Gloria knew the Baker Family’s current situation all too well, but she never saw Felicity as someone worth her time.

Even treating Felicity as an equal felt beneath her, let alone lowering herself to be humble,

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The Baker Family was on the verge of securing its place among Virelia’s elite. The Stewart Family, stuck in the ranks of third–tier households, was nowhere near comparable.

It was only because Ethan’s grandfather had been deceived in his youth, falling for the schemes of the Stewart Family, that this marriage arrangement had been made in the first place.

That was why Gloria took every opportunity to flaunt her superiority, determined to keep Felicity in her place.

Inside the private room, three men were deep in discussion about the engagement, while Gloria was preparing to bring up the topic herself.

In her mind, Felicity should still be the same as before, eagerly seeking her approval, showering her with flattery, and seizing every chance to push for the marriage between their families.

Gloria was ready to put on her usual act, reluctantly agreeing to the engagement, all for the sake of her son’s deep love for

Chloe.

Then, she would use the opportunity to pressure Chloe into bringing out the Roscente Family’s heiress to pave the way for the Baker Family’s future.

However, Felicity’s reaction was far from what Gloria had expected.

Felicity’s gaze shifted from the building outside as a smirk played on her lips, her deep red lipstick making the curve even more striking. “Mrs. Baker, you certainly know Raffle Hotel inside and out. It’s no surprise, considering you hold shares in it.”

Just as Gloria’s expression began to glow with pride, Felicity continued with a pleasant smile, “But from what I’ve heard, the actual shareholders of Raffle Hotel are the Roscente Family. Oh, you know, the wealthiest family in Virelia.”

She paused briefly, amusement flickering in her voice. Her eyes locked onto Gloria’s face, which was rapidly losing its color. Then, she spoke each word with deliberate clarity. “With the Roscente Family’s financial power, I doubt they’d need investors. Don’t you think?”

The smug smile on Gloria’s lips stiffened, and her gaze darkened instantly.

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But Felicity acted as if she hadn’t noticed. She reached for Chloe’s hand, giving it an affectionate pat. “Speaking of the Roscente Family, Chloe has a great relationship with them. I’d imagine she’ll have no trouble coming and going at Raffle Hotel in the future.”

Gloria had never suffered even the slightest setback in front of Felicity before. Now, Felicity was clearly mocking her in the

passive–aggressive way possible.

most

Gloria’s expression turned ice–cold. “Felicity, what exactly are you say?”

trying to

Felicity smiled, her tone light but distant. “Mrs. Baker, the engagement between our children isn’t even set in stone yet, and you’re already addressing me so casually. Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”

Gloria’s face darkened further. “Are you saying you want to back out of the

marriage?”

Felicity’s smile didn’t falter. “Why would I? I’m simply repeating what you once told me yourself, Mrs. Baker.”

Gloria was momentarily speechless. She had indeed dismissed Felicity in the past when Felicity had come to her, eager to discuss the marriage back when Gloria looked down on Chloe’s background.

Seeing Gloria at a loss for words, Felicity felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her.

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When Chloe had first returned to the Stewart Family, Felicity had bent over backward to secure her place as Ethan’s future wife. She had endured Gloria’s disdain for so long, lowering herself just to get a shred of goodwill.

Even then, all she got in return was Griffin’s anger. He had outright scolded her, calling her useless.

Now, she was finally getting her revenge. Watching Gloria’s face turn an ugly shade of green, Felicity beamed. “Mrs. Baker,

let’s be frank.

“Chloe has been incredibly busy lately, scouting locations, evaluating resources, and looking for talent alongside Miss Roscente. If it weren’t for Chloe’s feelings for Ethan, we wouldn’t even have the time to meet you today.”

She turned to Chloe with unconcealed pride. “It’s all thanks to Chloe’s talent that Miss Roscente sees potential in her. That’s why she was given the opportunity to co–found a studio with her.”

Gloria had always been an arrogant woman, not one to tolerate being ridiculed. Felicity’s words pushed her right to the edge.

With a sharp, cold laugh, Gloria sneered. “Oh, please. A girl raised in some backwater slum, how capable could she really be? Recognized by Miss Roscente? More like she’s working as her maid. Co–founding a studio? Do you even know your place?

“The Stewart Family” she spat out the name like an insult, “Is nothing. You think you deserve to be in the same league?”

Chloe’s connection with Xandra and their upcoming joint venture had become Felicity’s greatest source of pride and confidence.

Now, with Gloria openly mocking her, Felicity’s expression darkened in an instant. “Oh, come on, so jealous. Ethan doesn’t even have the qualifications to serve Miss Roscente if he wanted to.

“Are you seriously unaware of the state your family is in? The Baker Family is on its last legs, crawling to the Stewart Family Just to get close to Miss Roscente. And you think you have the right to look down on us? A family teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, trying to latch onto Miss Roscente? Do you really think you’re worthy?”

Gloria’s face contorted with rage. “Look at you! The moment you gain a little favor, you start snapping at people. No wonder the Stewart Family has never risen above a third–rate status. You can’t even raise a daughter properly, first a fake one, some street rat who didn’t even finish high school, serving my son like a maid for years. And now that you’ve got the real one back? Doesn’t seem like much of an improvement,”

Felicity’s grip tightened around her designer handbag. Gloria had hit a nerve one Felicity refused to acknowledge. Without a second thought, she swung her bag straight into Gloria’s face before lunging forward, grabbing a fistful of her hair.

In an instant, the two women, both of whom prided themselves on their high status, were locked in a vicious, undignified

brawl.

Chloe had been standing beside them the entire time, listening to their sharp–tongued exchanges. As the younger generation, she knew it wasn’t her place to intervene.

But watching her mother verbally dismantle her future mother–in–law left her with a deep sense of satisfaction.

Gloria had humiliated Chloe countless times before. Now that the Baker Family needed her, Gloria had no business acting high and mighty.

What Chloe hadn’t expected was for the two women to actually come to blows.

She hesitated, torn between stepping in and avoiding any damage to her carefully styled appearance. Standing in her high heels, all she could do was anxiously call out, “Mom! Mrs. Baker! Stop! Just stop!”

This was the Raffle Hotel, one of the most prestigious establishments in Virelia, frequented by the powerful and influential.

And they weren’t alone. There were other guests in the garden. The scuffle immediately drew attention.

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Elegant socialites and high–ranking executives turned toward the commotion, their expressions ranging from amusement to disbelief.

“Stop! Both of you, stop right now!” A team of Raffle Hotel security guards rushed over.

Clearly, the hotel staff had spotted the disturbance on surveillance and swiftly dispatched security to intervene.

As a top–tier luxury hotel, Raffle Hotel would never tolerate such a disgraceful scene.

The guards wasted no time in prying the two women apart.

By now, both Gloria and Felicity were a complete mess with disheveled hair, torn designer outfits, and an air of absolute humiliation. They looked like two madwomen.

Even as the guards restrained them, they continued hurling insults at each other, their fury undiminished.

Their words and demeanor didn’t show a hint of the grace or class expected of a lady of high society.

At that moment, a breathless hotel manager, Finn, arrived. “Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Stewart, your behavior has severely disrupted our establishment. We have no choice but to ask you to leave.”

Before coming over, Finn had already investigated their private room and the name under which the reservation had been. made.

After assessing the situation, Finn had come prepared with a response.

Gloria, still struggling in the guard’s grip, raised her chin defiantly. “You dare ask me to leave? Do you even know who I am? My husband has a reservation at the Raffle Hotel. I’m a guest here. If you’re going to throw someone out, it should be that nobody over there.”

Felicity sneered. “As if I’d even want to be here if the Baker Family wasn’t the one begging us to come.”

The argument reignited instantly.

Finn remained unfazed. With a brief glance at security, he signaled them to take action. “I’m sorry, ladies, but you both need

to leave. Now”

The guards wasted no time grabbing hold of them, prepared to escort them out.

But Gloria and Felicity didn’t allow it to happen in front of so many onlookers.

They still had their pride. If word got out about this, their reputations in Virelia’s elite circles would be utterly ruined.

Both women struggled fiercely, raising their voices even louder, causing an even bigger spectacle.

The growing crowd of spectators only added to the humiliation.

Finn looked downright livid. Never before had Raffle Hotel seen such an appalling scene. If this escalated any further, even the hotel’s reputation would take a hit.