Ethan's face turned a dangerous shade of blue, and Selena stared at them, slack-jawed.
Elena smiled sweetly, leaning into Damian's chest. "We're truly in love," she declared, her voice dripping with satisfaction.
Hearing Elena's bold statement, "We're really in love," Damian Blackwell's lips curved into a faint smile. Even though he knew she was merely using him to make a point, a strange warmth bloomed in his chest.
"Elena," Ethan Caldwell spat, fury flashing in his eyes, "How did you sink so low? Where did you even find this pretty boy?"
The word "pretty," when used for a man, dripped with disdain.
Damian's expression remained calm, but Elena caught the insult masked behind Ethan's words, implying that Damian's worth was solely in his looks.
Selena Cross, always quick to seize an opportunity, flashed a smug grin. She hadn't expected Elena to show up with someone so seemingly ordinary. Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction, but she put on a faux-concerned expression.
"Dear sister," Selena drawled mockingly, "don't be fooled. Look at this man's cheap car. What kind of happiness can he possibly offer you? He's clearly not worth your time."
Elena's lips curled in defiance. "I'd rather ride a bike with him than sit in a luxury car with the likes of you."
She knew Selena too well. The woman must be reveling in her supposed triumph, parading as Mrs. Caldwell, basking in a life of luxury while imagining herself superior.
"Elena, stop seeing this man," Ethan commanded coldly, his tone dripping with arrogance. "Even if you're trying to spite me, at least find someone worthwhile. This poor excuse of a man doesn't even count."
Fury simmered within Elena, but she maintained her composure. "Believe it or not, I care about Damian. I don't need your approval or your opinion. I don't care whether he has money or not. Respect my choice and my boyfriend."
Ethan's condescending tone struck a nerve. Elena couldn't stand anyone belittling Damian. He was a man of dignity and pride. Ethan could insult her all he wanted, but she wouldn't tolerate anyone looking down on Damian.
Determined to end the encounter, she tugged at Damian's arm. "Honey, let's just eat at home."
Damian's sharp gaze softened as he saw her defensive stance. She was standing up for him, and he liked it. As for Ethan's sneers, they were meaningless to him.
"I already made reservations inside," Damian said calmly, brushing a strand of hair from Elena's face. "Why starve yourself just because of a couple of snobs?"
"Snobs?" Selena's face flushed with anger. "You broke loser! Reservations inside? What a joke. You're so poor you can't even afford a meal here. Stop pretending to be something you're not."
Ethan sneered as well. "Elena, where did you dig this clown up from? He talks big for someone who clearly doesn't belong here. Does he even know where he is? This is a private restaurant—exclusive access only."
Despite their taunts, Damian's smile remained faint but cool. His eyes, however, darkened with an icy gleam.
Elena, though puzzled by Damian's confident demeanor, stood firm beside him. "We should leave, Damian. It's not worth engaging with them."
But Damian wasn't done yet. His voice was calm but significant as he remarked, "Indeed, not everyone can get into this restaurant."
Ethan narrowed his eyes, sensing something ominous. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means," Damian said evenly, "that from now on, you and your lovely companion here will be blacklisted. You'll never set foot inside this place again."
Ethan laughed mockingly, his voice dripping with contempt. "What a delusional statement! Who do you think you are?"
Selena sneered. "He's ridiculous! Blacklist us? As if he has that kind of authority. Where did you find this joke of a man, Elena?"
Even Elena was momentarily skeptical. Damian's words seemed audacious, far-fetched. "Damian, let's not make bold claims," she whispered, trying to keep the situation from escalating further. "Leawood is filled with hidden talents—one wrong step, and we'll regret overreaching ourselves."
Selena's laughter was shrill. "Look at you, still pretending to be sophisticated, Elena. Pathetic."
Suddenly, a flurry of hurried footsteps echoed toward them.
Victor Hale, the distinguished manager of the restaurant, strode forward with a team of security guards in tow. His expression was grim yet respectful as he approached Damian and Elena.
"Mr. Blackwell," Victor said with a deep bow, "we weren't informed of your early arrival. The private suite is ready. Shall I escort you and Ms. Cross inside?"
Ethan and Selena's smug expressions faltered, confusion flickering across their faces.
Elena's eyes widened in astonishment. Mr. Blackwell? What exactly was going on?
Selena's lips curled with smug satisfaction as a restaurant staff member approached. She lifted her chin haughtily and said, "Elena Cross, if you apologize to me, maybe Ethan and I will forgive you and even tolerate your poor little boyfriend. Otherwise, prepare to be kicked out."
Elena's gaze hardened. "Don't be ridiculous. I'll never apologize to you."
Selena sneered, turning to Victor Hale, the restaurant manager, her tone dripping with entitlement. "Mr. Hale, are you letting just anyone walk in here now? If so, Ethan and I won't be returning. This place will no longer be worthy of our status."
Her words were a veiled threat, laced with confidence. As a member of the Caldwell family, she believed no one would dare cross her.
Selena and Ethan exchanged smug glances, certain that Elena and Damian would be thrown out.
Elena's pulse quickened. As much as she despised Selena, she was aware that neither she nor Damian had any legitimate claim to be inside this exclusive venue.