Chapter 38
Upon hearing the greeting, the Hinton family turned around.
They became embarrassed when the realised it was their acquaintances calling out to them.
It does seem as if that which you fear most would come to pass.
The people calling out to them were people they were familiar with.
They were Daniel's colleagues, Lawrence Herbert and his son, William.
Speaking of which, the two families had some history.
Lawrence was the assistant director of the hospital where Daniel worked.
Lawrence was once interested in setting William up with Lacey.
The problem was that William was not only quite unattractive in appearance. He was also uninterested in learning and improving himself besides being unemployed. Naturally, Daniel and Lacey did not agree to this arrangement.
Unfortunately, Lawrence took this to heart and would find fault with Daniel at every opportunity to make work difficult for him at the hospital.
If Lawrence saw the family being driven away by the hotel staff, he would definitely gossip about the incident with the colleagues at the hospital.
Daniel worried he would be given a bad name and embarrassed at work.
Lawrence Herbert put on a smile and asked, "Daniel, what are you guys doing here?"
Daniel said perfunctorily, "Nothing much, just strolling around."
Lawrence Herbert pointed out, "Just strolling around brings you to this grand hotel's entrance? You're not thinking of eating here, are you? Having his fib pointed out to be a lie, Daniel felt even more embarrassed. He could not find anything to say.
Zeke quickly helped Daniel out. "Dad and mom were tired of strolling. So, I invited them here for a meal."
Dad and mom?
William, who had been so focused on Lacey, now noticed Zeke's presence.
His eyes were full of rivalry.
"Lacey, this is your new intended?"
Lacey nodded.
William Herbert grew even more upset.
This chap's dressing looks cheap. He's not good-looking and is way below my qualities. What does Lacey even see in him?
With the intention of insulting Zeke, he said, "As far as I know, you need a membership card to enter this restaurant. Do you have one?"
Zeke shook his head. "No."
This restaurant belonged to the Schneider family. In effect, he was the owner. He does not need a membership card to enter.
Pfft!
Lawrence Herbert and William Herbert could not help but snigger.
He doesn't have a membership card and still dares to be so frank about it. This guy is out of his mind.
Lacey and her parents were so embarrassed that they did not even dare to lift their heads up.
Daniel tapped Zeke's shoulder and said, "I'm not hungry yet. Shall we take a stroll over there?" However, Zeke was insistent. "Dad, mom, we're already here. Let's just make do."
Daniel was a little cross. He shot Zeke an irritated glance.
This guy really doesn't follow rules. You've already been told that a membership card's necessary. You don't have one. How are you going to pull it off?
William Herbert gloated gleefully, "Lacey, this new catch of yours is not the prize you think he is. He obviously cannot enter this restaurant but yet still wants to bluff. Why don't you let me take you and your family inside? Then you can see what real class is like."
Lacey looked surprised. "Do you have a membership card?"
Lawrence Herbert's status in society wasn't really sufficient for membership in this hotel.
Lawrence Herbert replied with pride in his voice, "It's not necessary to be a member to enter." "We're not just going in for a meal today. We'll be given special treatment as important guests." William was getting impatient. "Lacey, don't dawdle, just come in with me."
Lacey declined his invitation coldly. "No, I'll be staying with my hubby."
William snorted, "Hmph, you're so rude. Don't you want to know why I'm here today? I have a blind date with the hotel owner's daughter. This girl's qualities are many times better than yours, yet I'm willing to give you a chance now. It's your honour. If you don't cherish my offer. Just wait. You'll regret it."
Without further ado, the father and son walked towards the entrance.
A beautiful waitress asked respectfully, "Sirs, do you have a membership card?"
Lawrence said, "I'm Lawrence Herbert. Your employer has an appointment with me. I'm his doctor."
The pretty waitress bowed slightly, "Mr. Herbert, please come with me."
When the two entered, William Herbert provocatively raised his middle finger at Lacey's family.
Daniel felt a little bit embarrassed. "Forget it, let's leave."
Nevertheless, Zeke smiled. "Dad, mom, we've been insulted. How can we leave without first showing our worth?"
With that, he walked straight to the entrance.
The pretty waitress met him at the entrance, "Sir, do you have a membership card?"
Zeke replied, "No, I don't."
The pretty waitress replied, "Sorry, you cannot enter without one."
Lacey's family grew more embarrassed.
"That's right. But I'm Zeke."
Huh?
Upon hearing the name, the four pretty waitresses were stunned.