Isabella Sinclair was just about to step forward and demand an explanation from Kobe Gray when Elon Muskov suddenly grabbed her arm.
"Don't embarrass me!"
His tone was sharp and unforgiving.
Men his age cared deeply about status and reputation. The reason he was willing to spend money on Isabella Sinclair was simple… she was young, attractive, and having her by his side elevated his image.
For a middle-aged man, no matter how expensive the car he drove, nothing enhanced his presence more than walking around with a beautiful young woman. The more stunning she looked, the more others would assume the man beside her was someone important.
But today, Isabella Sinclair's outburst had already damaged that image. In turn, Elon Muskov felt his own dignity take a hit. The irritation sat in his chest like something foul he couldn't swallow.
"I'm warning you, don't cause me any trouble!"
At this point, all he could do was to direct all his frustration at Isabella.
She felt wronged instantly. Just that morning, when she had lashed out at Kobe Gray at the school gate, Elon Muskov had praised her for being sensible. Now, the same behavior was suddenly unacceptable?
"But he..."
She tried to defend herself, but Elon Muskov cut her off without hesitation.
"You'd better understand your place! Keep your temper in check and don't make me lose face because of you. I'm not your boyfriend, so don't expect me to sweet talk you. And don't forget how much money you still owe me!"
His words were cold, almost cruel.
"It's already a favor that I brought you here to eat. Don't push your luck."
Isabella Sinclair pressed her lips together, forcing back the tears gathering in her eyes. The humiliation stung, but she swallowed it down.
After a long pause, she nodded quietly.
"I understand, Mr. Muskov. It won't happen again..."
Satisfied, Elon Muskov said nothing further. He casually wrapped his greasy fat arm around her waist, and the two walked into the hotel.
...
The top floor of the Oxford Hotel housed a revolving Western restaurant.
Through the tall glass windows, most of Oxford City unfolded beneath them. Above, the sky shimmered with scattered stars. Below, neon lights painted the city in vibrant colors.
It was a place known as one of the most romantic spots in the city, a dream destination for couples. But the high prices kept most people away.
Only after stepping inside did Kobe Gray truly understand why Isabella Sinclair had once longed to dine here. The atmosphere alone was enough to make anyone feel special.
He and Sophia Laurent took a seat by the window. The soft lighting reflected off the glass, casting a warm glow over their table. Soon, a waiter approached and placed two menus before them.
"So, what do you think?"
Sophia leaned back slightly, glancing at the night view with a hint of pride in her voice.
"Inviting you here for dinner… pretty sincere, isn't it?"
She had only been here once before, invited by a wealthy suitor on Valentine's Day. A single meal here easily cost over $200 per person. If it weren't to thank Kobe Gray for the bag, she wouldn't have chosen such an expensive place.
"Thank you for earlier," Kobe said sincerely, recalling how she had stood up for him.
Sophia waved it off with a confident smile, patting her chest lightly. "I was just helping someone in need. It's nothing. Don't think too much about it!"
After spending the whole afternoon together, she had relaxed completely, letting her true personality show.
The real Sophia was lively and free-spirited, a stark contrast to her delicate, sweet exterior. That contrast intrigued Kobe. It made her feel genuine in a way he hadn't expected.
Yes, she was a little materialistic… but it wasn't a problem.
Kobe glanced at the menu, doing a quick calculation in his head.
"How about I treat you this time?" he offered. "You already spent so much on me this afternoon."
Between the clothes and the haircut, she had easily spent over $500. If she paid for dinner too, her expenses for the day would exceed $1,000… no small amount for a college student.
But Sophia immediately shook her head.
"No. I said I'd treat you, so I will. Don't try to take it from me." She smiled, her tone firm but playful. "If you want to treat me, there'll be plenty of chances in the future."
As expected of someone experienced, she was already paving the way for their next meeting.
To her, the cost was worth it. Playing the long game mattered more.
What she didn't realize was that this was also Kobe Gray's first time dining somewhere this upscale. At first, he felt slightly out of place, but the thought of his bank balance steadied him.
After placing their orders, Elon Muskov and Isabella Sinclair arrived upstairs as well, taking a seat not far from them.
Kobe noticed Isabella glance at him, her eyes filled with resentment. He simply ignored her and continued chatting with Sophia as if nothing had happened.
...
Before long, the appetizers were served.
"Hello sir, this is the white wine-braised mussels you ordered."
The waitress's voice was clear and pleasant. She was also quite pretty… unsurprising for a place like this, where even the staff were carefully selected.
Kobe nodded. "Thanks."
[the system has detected that the host is having a conversation with someone of the opposite sex.]
[The host's current heartbeat value is 15 points, which meets the binding conditions.]
[Binding successful!]
"?"
Kobe nearly choked on his lemonade.
'Is this system… messing with me? Does that mean I can't even talk to women anymore? Even saying thank you triggers a binding? The problem is, I don't even know her name…'
The system interface appeared automatically:
Name: Seraphina Frost
Age: 18
Host affinity: 15/100
Job title: Waitress at Oxford Hotel
Height: 165CM
Weight: 49KG
Kobe rolled his eyes inwardly.
Even though the system had bound her to him, they were complete strangers. And with Sophia Laurent and Isabella Sinclair both present, there was no way he could openly spend money on another girl.
After setting down the dishes, Seraphina Frost quietly left.
Kobe lowered his head and focused on his food, feeling slightly awkward.
Just then…
A sharp, crisp slapping sound suddenly rang out from Isabella Sinclair's table.