After the wavy-haired woman finished speaking, she fixed Elon Muskov with a sharp, unwavering gaze. There was something in her eyes… firm, unyielding, that made it hard to look away.
For a moment, Elon Muskov said nothing.
Truth be told, he had no idea how to respond to her legal reasoning. And deep down, he knew she wasn't entirely wrong. He had smashed the waitress's phone. He had shoved her. The memory of it lingered, stirring a faint, unwelcome sense of guilt.
Around them, the murmurs began to rise.
People who had watched the entire scene started whispering, pointing, their eyes filled with quiet judgment.
Elon Muskov's expression darkened.
"Hmph. Consider yourself lucky, kid."
His voice was low, unwilling, but the fight had already drained out of him. He couldn't win physically, and now he couldn't even argue his way out. With a so-called "lawyer" stepping in, staying any longer would only make things worse.
With a final glare, he turned, grabbed Isabella Sinclair, and dragged her out of the hotel without another word.
Only after they disappeared did the tension in the air begin to loosen.
The wavy-haired woman let out a small breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly. The fierce composure she'd held just moments ago softened.
In truth, she had been bluffing.
She had taken a gamble, counting on someone like Elon Muskov to back down rather than escalate things further. Still, watching Kobe Gray step forward without hesitation had stirred something in her. It was rare to see that kind of courage, and she couldn't help but lend a hand.
"Thank you," Kobe Gray said sincerely.
There was genuine warmth in his voice. A stranger stepping in like that… it wasn't something he would forget easily.
[The system has detected that the host is having a conversation with someone of the opposite sex.]
[The host's current heartbeat value is 30, which meets the binding conditions.]
[Binding successful!]
Kobe Gray almost laughed in disbelief.
'Alright… I'm actually trying to thank her, and the system jumps in again? This thing really doesn't miss a chance…'
Still… he couldn't deny it.
Who wouldn't appreciate meeting a beautiful woman with flowing, wavy hair?
Almost instinctively, the system interface appeared before him.
Name: Clara York
Age: 24
Host affinity: 30 points
Identity: Trainee Lawyer
Height: 164CM
Weight: 50KG
Kobe Gray looked up and finally took in her appearance properly.
Her skin was fair, her features delicate yet striking. The soft waves of her hair framed her face perfectly, giving her a mature, feminine charm. Paired with a crisp white shirt and a fitted black skirt, she carried both professionalism and quiet allure with effortless ease.
"No need to thank me," Clara York said with a gentle smile. "I was just doing what anyone should do."
Her voice was light, almost casual, as if what she'd done meant nothing.
Then she turned to leave.
As she moved away, the ends of her hair swayed slightly, releasing a faint strawberry fragrance that lingered in the air.
Kobe Gray watched her go.
Across from her sat a well-dressed man, it looked like she was on a date. Kobe Gray quickly looked away. The last thing he wanted was to cause unnecessary trouble.
'What a pity… just one meeting. No chance to get cashback from her.'
Strangely, that was the thought that stuck with him the most.
For someone with little romantic experience, his priorities were… somewhat unconventional.
"Kobe, are you alright?!"
Sophia Laurent hurried over, her expression filled with concern. Her eyes immediately fell on the faint bruise at the corner of his lip.
She reached out gently, her cool fingertips brushing against the injury.
"Does it hurt?"
Kobe Gray shook his head lightly. "I'm fine."
But her concern lingered.
After everything that had just happened, the way she looked at him had changed.
His decisiveness, his courage, the way he stepped in without hesitation… it all left a deeper impression than she expected. Add to that his transformation earlier, his sharp features now fully revealed… and suddenly, he seemed to shine in a way she hadn't noticed before.
Her gaze softened, growing a little more complicated.
Just then, a sharp voice cut through the moment.
"Look at you! You've only been working here a few days and you've already caused such a huge mess!"
The manager stormed over, his face dark with anger as he pointed at Seraphina Frost.
"That vase you broke is an imported piece our boss brought back from overseas. It's worth thousands! Even if we deduct half a year of your salary, it won't cover the cost!"
Seraphina froze.
"Manager… I…" Her voice trembled, words catching in her throat.
She had only wanted to help. That was all.
But now…
'Six months without pay… how am I supposed to survive?'
Her hands clenched tightly at her sides, her eyes lowering as she stood there, helpless and overwhelmed.
"Phew. I thought it'd be something serious."
Kobe Gray's voice cut in calmly.
"It's just a few thousand. I'll pay for it."
Seraphina looked up, startled.
The manager blinked, clearly caught off guard. His eyes flickered between Kobe Gray and Sophia Laurent, quickly assessing the situation.
"Sir… that wouldn't be appropriate," he said, his tone suddenly softening. "You're here to dine. And although the disturbance earlier did affect other guests, this vase shouldn't be your responsibility…"
Kobe Gray felt a wave of irritation at the man's sudden change in attitude.
"Enough," he said flatly. "I said I'll pay."
Without hesitation, he pulled out his bank card and handed it over.
The transaction was swift.
[This cashback recipient spent $8,500.0, and the recipient's favorability score is 40 points.]
[The cashback multiplier is currently being randomly generated…]
[Generated. Cashback multiplier is 32x.]
[Congratulations, host, you have received a cashback of $272,000.0!]
Kobe Gray's mood lifted instantly.
Another massive return.
The manager, now visibly pleased, quickly took the payment device and left, his earlier anger completely gone.
As things settled, Kobe Gray and Sophia Laurent were about to return to their table when…
A gentle tug stopped him.
"Sir…"
He turned.
Seraphina Frost stood there, her expression slightly embarrassed, her fingers lightly gripping his sleeve.
"Could I… add you on WeMessage?"