After confirming that he was the wrong person, Riley could no longer be bothered talking to Ethan.
He turned to face Charlotte and inquired, "Charlotte, what makes you busy now?"
Charlotte was tired of Riley's attempts to demonstrate his superiority and responded indifferently, "I just joined Orion Industries not long ago."
"Hey, that's such a coincidence." Riley applauded and laughed aloud. "I'm in town this time to discuss the partnership with Orion Industries. I am old friends with Mr. Boysen, your company's general manager. I'll put in a good word for you in front of him and encourage him to look out for you, lest a low-level employee like you have difficulty moving up the corporate ladder."
Riley waved his hand and leaned back proudly as if he had convinced Gideon Boysen to arrange Charlotte's promotion.
Natalie was furious and scowled at Charlotte. "Riley may be willing to assist you, but you must also put in effort. Refrain from relying fully on him. Otherwise, Riley may need help raising the subject with Mr. Boysen despite their close relationship. "Don't you agree?"
Her mocking tone made it appear that Charlotte was pressuring Riley to help her get promoted.
Charlotte had a bad temper but put up with it for so long because of her old crush. Initially, she doesn't want to discuss anything or divulge any information to Riley.
She couldn't take it anymore and sneered. "Did I say I wanted you to help? I'll earn my promotion by my efforts. It would help if you didn't worry about it. I have the right set of skills to climb in the ladder."
Charlotte's remark caught Natalie off guard, and she stared at Riley angrily. "Hubby, we were simply being nice by offering to help. Why would she say that?" Feigning ignorance and fanning the flame to Riley.
Riley patted Natalie's back to reassure her, his look dismal. He frowned and added, "Charlotte, I just offered to help you because we used to be classmates. Even if you refuse to embrace my goodwill, you do not have to be so antagonistic. You could have at least appreciative on our goodwill you know"
Charlotte was about to chuckle out of fury.
At this point, a server knocked on the private room's door and entered.
Excuse me, everyone. Today, we will be hosting a famous guest, so we cannot serve you for now. I am deeply sorry. As a consolation, all of your orders will be on the house today, and we will also give you a few discount coupons," the server said politely, handing over a tiny goody bag with beautiful packaging.
The waiter apologized, but it was clear that he wanted them to leave immediately.
Riley angrily erupted, shouting, "You're trying to drive me away?" Do you know who I am? Get your manager to come here."
"Excuse me, sir. This is the manager's intention. Everyone, regardless of identity, must leave. Please excuse us for the inconvenience," the waiter remarked politely. However, he maintained a tough stance.
"Hmph, I simply don't believe it. What type of famous guest might compel us to leave? If you don't tell me plainly, I will smash this restaurant!" Riley pointed aggressively at the waiter.
However, his motions were too great, and he unintentionally knocked over a wine glass near the edge of the table, causing it to tumble to the ground with a loud thud.
The crisp sound of glass shattering quickly spread.
Riley tensed.
He was making a verbal threat. An influential figure undoubtedly supported a well-known and established restaurant such as The Aristocrat. How could he afford to provoke them? He was showing off in front of Charlotte.
"What's going on?" A middle-aged man with a tag saying 'Restaurant Lobby Supervisor' attached to his chest approached with a frown.
The waiter hurriedly pointed to Riley. "Mr. Melroy, you asked us to clean the apartments, but this person here is unwilling to leave. He wants to know who is here, and he accidentally smashed the wine glass while throwing a fit. I asked them nicely and explained the situation."
Mr. Melroy, the manager, looked at Riley arrogantly and replied, "I'm sorry, sir." However, Mr. Damien Monroe treats his friends to a meal at our restaurant today. To keep him from being disturbed, everyone else must depart. I want your cooperation. And I apologize for any inconveniences."
"Damien Monroe?" Riley was astounded. Damien Monroe was the county's richest man, with enterprises in multiple states. Even people from outside Emerald Coast County had heard of him.
Riley Shade paled in comparison to Damien Monroe.
Riley preferred to stay behind to have a decent conversation with the county's richest guy. It would be ideal if he could become friends with him.
Unfortunately, he would probably be unable to approach Monroe because he was hosting some guests and needed the restaurant emptied.
Riley quickly stood up and grinned. "I'm very sorry. We would have left long ago if I had known it was Mr. Monroe. I have made such a mess. We will be going now."
He wrapped his arm around Natalie's shoulders and asked Charlotte and Ethan, who was still sitting, what they were waiting for. Didn't you hear we needed to make room for Mr. Monroe?"
Charlotte gazed at Riley, whose smile had turned meek and submissive. She couldn't help but feel thoroughly disappointed. Is this the person I carried a torch for so long ago? So disappointing.
"Hmph." However, Ethan remained in his seat and even sneered with amusement.
"Are you still not getting up? We will be in danger if we insult Mr. Monroe! We need to leave, now!" Riley couldn't help but yell angrily as he noticed Ethan sitting motionless in his seat.
"Is that true?" Is Damien Monroe making such a huge fuss over a meal? Ethan said, holding a wine glass jokingly.
Panicked and indignant, Riley remarked, "You dare to call Mr. Monroe by his full name. He's the county's richest guy, with inconceivable assets. If you don't respect him, you will implicate us, you stupid! Have some sense!"
Natalie asked impatiently, "Why are you wasting your breath on them?" Let us hurry and depart. If they insult Mr. Monroe, that will serve them well!"
Riley couldn't take it any longer and glared at Ethan before gazing at Charlotte's gorgeous face. "Forget it. We have said what we needed to say. If you don't know better, don't blame us. Let's go."
He was going to depart, holding Natalie's hand, when a few folks happened to walk upstairs at that exact moment.
Damien Monroe and his buddies, whom the restaurant manager personally escorted.
Riley greeted them quickly and bowed, full of excitement and astonishment. "Hello, Mr. Monroe..." Isn't this an incredible opportunity for me to get close to Damien Monroe?
Monroe frowned. Whenever he was walking, random individuals would approach him and try to get close to him.
The restaurant manager on the side was about to take Riley away when Monroe noticed a familiar figure through the open door of the private area.
"Mr. Monroe, I..." Riley wanted to say something, but...
"Get lost!" Monroe didn't have time for him now. Riley immediately pushed and rushed him inside the private area.