The Ultimate Heir.

Chapter twelve

Kate couldn't help but let out a quiet chuckle, a mix of surprise and amusement, as she attempted to make sense of the situation unfolding before her.

The unexpected shift in Zale's demeanor and his boldness in challenging the receptionist had caught her off guard, leading her to find a hint of irony in the moment.

Her laughter was tinged with a mixture of disbelief and intrigue as she tried to process the unfolding events.

Indeed, the reality of Zale booking a room for himself seemed utterly implausible, given his current circumstances.

Considering his perceived lack of influence and financial means, the notion of him being able to afford a room in such an extravagant hotel appeared ludicrous.

Zale's occupation as a delivery person, spanning ten years, had not afforded him the financial resources to even indulge in a drink at this upscale hotel, let alone book a room.

The disparity between his perceived power and the reality of his financial situation made the idea seem all the more impossible.

Kate's chuckle carried a sense of exasperation and disbelief as she struggled to comprehend Zale's words.

Her voice dripped with mockery and a touch of theatricality as she continued to question his motives.

"Have you completely lost your mind, Zale? It's no secret that your entire lifetime earnings wouldn't be enough to afford a room in this hotel. So what on earth are you doing here?" she taunted, relishing in her perceived superiority.

Zale, instead of becoming angered or agitated by Kate's provocations, chuckled thoughtfully, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

He recognized the truth in her statement, had it been an hour ago. However, circumstances had changed dramatically since then.

"I've already told you, Kate, I don't owe you or anyone else an explanation. And let's be clear, I'm not foolish enough to come here just to cause a scene," he retorted, his tone resolute and composed.

With that, he shifted his attention back to the receptionist, determined to address the matter at hand.

"Are you just going to stand there and listen to our conversation?"

Zale's firm question cut through the receptionist's momentary daze, prompting her to regain her focus and respond.

"I was considering calling security on you, but I hesitated when I thought you might be accompanying this esteemed lady," the receptionist admitted, her tone wavering between uncertainty and a hint of remorse.

Her gaze shifted to Kate, as if silently asking for clarification or guidance.

Caught between conflicting thoughts, the receptionist was unsure if her initial decision to summon security had been the right one. She now sought confirmation from Kate, hoping for some insight that would guide her next course of action.

Kate's smiled amusingly as she discerned the receptionist's intention in seeking her opinion.

She cleared her throat, preparing to deliver her response in a mocking tone.

"I am acquainted with this man, but certainly not as someone capable of affording a room in this hotel," she quipped, a touch of condescension in her voice.

The words were intended to reinforce the receptionist's initial assumption of Zale's financial status as a beggar, adding a hint of sarcasm to her statement.

Zale, meanwhile, remained unfazed by the exchange, his attention seemingly unaffected by their words.

An invisible smirk played upon his lips, his thoughts and intentions concealed behind a veil of calm confidence.

His transformation from his previous humble and reserved persona was evident. The recent changes had altered his circumstances and demeanor significantly, despite it having only been an hour since they occurred.

With a casual step forward, Zale asserted, his voice carrying an air of authority and confidence, "Since you have refused to attend to my request, I hereby demand to speak with the manager of this hotel."

Kate, upon hearing Zale's request, burst into an unexpected fit of laughter.

Her laughter seemed incongruous with her typically poised and socially graceful demeanor, but she found it uncontrollable at this moment.

"Can you believe this? A poor wretch like you, what are you saying? Not even I can see the Manager of this hotel, much less a filthy lowlife like you. I'm honestly amused."

Kate's taunting voice echoed through the lobby, attracting more curious gazes from onlookers. Unfazed by the attention she garnered, Kate relished the idea that Zale would ultimately be the one left humiliated, dismissing any concern for the public spectacle she was creating.

However, the receptionist's patience reached its limits, and she couldn't tolerate Zale's persistence any longer.

Her voice brimmed with frustration as she admonished him, denying his request to see the manager.

"I'm afraid you cannot see the manager! This is your final warning; leave now! I have refrained from calling security out of respect for the esteemed lady before me. But if you continue to defy me, I will have no choice but to take that step," the receptionist declared, her tone laced with exasperation.

Zale let out a sigh of defeat upon hearing her words.

He knew that if the receptionist would only give him a chance to swipe his card in the payment machine, this whole situation could be swiftly resolved.

However, it seemed impossible to convince her to grant him that opportunity.

The receptionist appeared to have reached the conclusion that he had no influence whatsoever.

Continuing to persuade her would likely exacerbate the situation, leaving him with no choice but to depart.

Besides, this particular hotel was not the only hotel in the city. There were numerous other excellent hotels to choose from, albeit this one happened to be the closest and the finest in proximity to his current location.

After deciding to depart, Zale glanced at the receptionist for the final time, expressing his deep disappointment, and said, "You will regret this, it's quite unfortunate. I'm not confident that you will still be working at this hotel and welcoming me when I decide to return."

As he turned to leave, Zale heard Kate's mocking words piercing through the air, "I would have loved to see you disgrace yourself if you were allowed to swipe that penniless card of yours in the payment machine, but sadly, you're already leaving."

Hearing that, Zale came to an abrupt halt.

For some inexplicable reason, a wry smirk spread across his face, and in a swift motion, he turned around, and started walking toward Kate.

Kate's words triggered something within him, igniting a spark of an idea that he was eager to bring to life.

As Zale abruptly turned around and started walking toward Kate instead of leaving, Kate was taken aback, assuming it to be his inability to accept defeat.

Zale wasted no time and immediately set his plan in motion.

In a surprisingly calm manner, he addressed Kate, "Are you truly so desperate to witness my disgrace? Well, I must confess, I share the same level of enthusiasm and desperation as you do. Why don't you suggest to her," he pointed towards the receptionist, who was now shooting him murderous glances, "to give me the opportunity to swipe my card in the payment machine? How about that?"

Zale's words were delivered calmly, masking the underlying determination he felt, while the receptionist's gaze revealed her growing frustration with the unfolding situation.

Frustrated by Zale's persistent actions, the receptionist reached for the telephone, intending to call security for assistance. However, before she could complete dialing the number, Kate intervened and stopped her.

With a sense of kindness in her voice, Kate spoke to the receptionist, "Don't worry, let me handle this. If he insists on paying for a room, why not give him the chance? Who knows, he might actually have the funds."

Due to Kate's elevated social status, the receptionist found it difficult to refuse her request.

Reluctantly, she acquiesced, accepting Kate's decision and allowing Zale the opportunity to proceed with his payment..

Zale felt an overwhelming sense of joy as the receptionist agreed to give him the benefit of the doubt. It was a moment he had longed for—to prove himself to those who had belittled him due to his perceived lack of power.

Meanwhile, Kate also felt a surge of excitement upon witnessing the receptionist accepting her words without any objection.

She eagerly anticipated the prospect of seeing Zale publicly humiliate himself, relishing in the anticipation of his supposed disgrace.

Kate was well aware of the attention their interaction had garnered, and it fueled her desire to ensure Zale didn't leave the hotel without enduring significant humiliation—one that he would remember for a long time.

Excitedly, she presented a condition that added to her anticipation.

"If it turns out that I was lying and you can afford a room in this hotel, I will not only give you all the money I have, but I will also kneel before you, begging for forgiveness," Kate proclaimed, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes.

Zale, caught up in the moment and not giving it much thought, swiftly agreed to Kate's condition.

He couldn't wait for the spectacle that was about to unfold—someone would soon find themselves on their knees, pleading for forgiveness, and he eagerly anticipated that moment.