Veyron simply leaned back in his chair. He tilted his head ever so slightly before letting out a faint chuckle. "You're quite the loyal lapdogs."The manager's courteous smile instantly froze. His eyelids twitched. "L-Lapdogs?"For a brief second, he wondered if he had heard wrongly. Even the waiter looked stunned.Although the manager managed to keep his composure because of the other diners nearby, the displeasure on his face became impossible to hide."Sir." His tone gradually turned colder. "Please mind your language. We do not welcome uncivilized customers in our restaurant."Veyron almost laughed. His icy-green eyes met the manager's without the slightest ripple."Uncivilized?" He slowly repeated the word. "Then tell me... between us, who exactly is being uncivilized?"His gaze shifted toward Naomi. "She admitted herself that she never reserved this table. So why should we be the ones leaving?"The manager's expression stiffened. He opened his mouth yet couldn't find an answer.

At that very moment, Naomi's arrogant voice rang out from the side. "Manager, don't beg him."She stepped forward gracefully, the corners of her lips lifting into a proud smile. Then she looked at the restaurant owner with unconcealed contempt. "With me here today, no one is firing either of you. I'll protect you."The manager, who had looked completely defeated moments earlier, suddenly felt as though he had been thrown a lifeline. His eyes lit up instantly."Really?" He hurried to his feet. "Thank you, Miss Rossi! Thank you so much!"Even the waiter looked overjoyed and repeatedly bowed. "Thank you, Miss Rossi!"Watching the two practically worship her, Naomi's vanity swelled even further. She folded her arms across her chest before looking at the restaurant owner."Do you know who I am?"The owner merely glanced at her. His expression remained indifferent. "I do.""Good." Naomi smiled smugly. "Since you know who I am, then you should also know that offending me won't end well for y

THUD!Naomi Rossi was thrown out of The Grand Oak like a sack of garbage. She crashed onto the pavement in an undignified heap.Her carefully styled hair had become a complete mess, resembling nothing more than a bird's nest. The expensive makeup she had painstakingly applied was smeared across her face, while her elegant evening gown was stained with dust.Gone was the refined businesswoman who had walked proudly into the restaurant earlier. What remained was an utterly humiliated woman."Veyron Blackthorne..." She gritted his name through clenched teeth, every syllable dripping with hatred.Never... Never in her entire life had she suffered such humiliation. She slowly climbed to her feet, dusted herself off, then immediately took out her phone. Without hesitation, she dialed a familiar number. The call connected on the very first ring."Honey..." Her voice instantly softened. She even sniffled pitifully, wiping away tears that didn't exist. "I was bullied by Veyron... You have to st

"No." Veyron smiled faintly and shook his head. "I should be the one apologizing. I kept you waiting for several hours.""It's nothing." Alejandro immediately waved both hands. A warm smile spread across his weathered face. "Being able to meet Doctor Blackthorne today is already my honor."Veyron nodded. His gaze quietly swept across Alejandro once again. Then he tilted his head thoughtfully."Mr. Ramirez, have you recently felt as though something heavy is constantly pressing against your chest?"Alejandro froze. Before he could answer, Veyron continued calmly. "You become short of breath after walking only a short distance. You cough frequently... and every now and then, you cough up blood.""And lately..." He paused briefly. "You've been feeling increasingly exhausted. Even after resting, you still lack strength."Every word landed like a hammer. Alejandro's eyes widened further and further. By the end, his breathing had practically stopped."Y-Yes..." He nodded repeatedly. "Everyt

Rafael shuddered involuntarily. At that moment, he had never felt so fortunate in his entire life. Thankfully, he had only doubted Veyron inwardly. He had never actually acted on those thoughts.A cold chill crept up his spine as he imagined what might have happened if he had offended that terrifying young man. Even if he had ten lives, they still wouldn't have been enough."Rafael." Alejandro's solemn voice pulled him back to reality. "The Divine Physician prefers to keep a low profile. You are never to reveal his identity to anyone."His expression grew stern. "Do you understand?""Y-Yes, sir." Rafael nodded repeatedly. "I'll remember it."He subconsciously looked toward the villa gates again. Veyron had already disappeared from sight.Yet the shock lingering in Rafael's heart refused to fade. Someone of such unimaginable status still rode around the city in taxis as though he were an ordinary person. It really was true. One could never judge a person by appearances."What are you s