Chapter 15: The Game Recharge Card

Everyone was aware that the Marriott International Hotel was a high-end venue. But the revelation that dinner cost a staggering 9.8 million left them reeling. "Are you out of your mind?" Daniel Mitchell spluttered in disbelief after recovering from the shock. "At most, this meal should have cost a hundred thousand! You're asking for nearly ten million?" Joseph Mitchell also looked perplexed. "There must be a mistake." The waiter, undeterred, eyed Joseph Mitchell with disdain. "So, the Mitchells are now resorting to dine-and-dash tactics at the Marriott?" "What do you mean by that?" Daniel Mitchell shot back, bristling. "The Mitchell family has a reputation in King City. We don't dodge bills." "Then pay up," the waiter retorted. "I want to see your manager. Let's hear what he has to say about this," Daniel Mitchell demanded, unwilling to let the matter slide. "Think you're important enough to meet the boss?" the waiter sneered, causing a stir among the Mitchells. While everyone was getting heated, Henry remained serenely uninvolved, sipping his tea. This poise intrigued Rowan Erickson. She felt there was so much more to this seemingly ordinary man than meets the eye. Especially after the incident with Theo Roberts and Ella Mitchell. Their arrest couldn’t just be a coincidence, could it? Was Henry a wolf in sheep's clothing? Rowan pondered. Just as things began to escalate, security personnel in dark suits entered the scene. Seeing the formidable group, the Mitchell clan instinctively drew closer together, seeking protection from Joseph. When Felix Cooper, the esteemed owner of Marriott, stepped in, the atmosphere grew tense. Donning traditional Tang attire and sporting a buzz-cut, Cooper exuded authority. Joseph, drawing on his experience, was quick to acknowledge. "We don't doubt the bill, Mr. Cooper. We just want some clarity." Felix Cooper itemized the bill with precision, "You ordered ten bottles of the 90th-anniversary Bordeaux liquor, 880,000 each. That's 8.8 million. Plus the meal, which is another million. There you have it, 9.8 million." "880,000 for a bottle? Who are you trying to fool?" Daniel Mitchell exclaimed. "Are you suggesting the Marriott sells fake liquor?" Cooper's eyes darkened with anger. "No, no! My son misspoke. We'll settle the bill," Joseph hastily interjected. He might not have met Cooper before, but he knew of his reputation - a formidable figure who had risen from the streets to own the Marriott. This wasn't someone they could afford to trifle with. Still, the sum presented a problem. It was one thing for the family to produce a million, but who carries that much cash on a casual outing? Even his bank card had a mere 200,000 on it. "Why don't we all chip in?" Daniel Mitchell suggested. "Once Theo Roberts returns, he can pay us back." With a nod from Joseph, the Mitchell families begrudgingly agreed to cover the cost. But as they reached for their wallets, Amanda Mitchell took another jab at Henry and Sophie. "Considering today's events started because of Henry and Sophie, their family should pay double. And they shouldn't expect any reimbursements." Murmurs filled the room, but under Joseph's stern gaze, everyone hesitated to challenge the decision. "Are you kidding me?" Leah Mitchell, always particularly stingy when it came to parting with her money, blurted out first. Amanda Mitchell retorted, "You can thank your precious daughter and son-in-law for this bill. Are you saying you can't even afford this amount?" The insult hit Leah right where it hurt. She and Baron Mitchell hadn’t brought any money or cards with them. Sophie Mitchell’s face reddened, her own account had just a few thousand in it. Henry, noting Sophie's embarrassment, calmly stood up and retrieved a black bank card from his pocket. All eyes were on him, and when they caught a glimpse of the unfamiliar card, many smirked in derision. The card, in its sleek black design with golden waves, was unfamiliar to the Mitchells. It looked eerily like a game recharge card. "Ha! Trying to play the big shot with a gaming card, Henry?" someone scoffed. However, to Rowan Erickson, the scene painted a different story. Her eyes widened in recognition. She knew that card - the Four Continents Bank Black Gold Card. Rare and prestigious, only a handful of people had them. While the Mitchells laughed, thinking they were witnessing a comedy, a twist unfolded. Felix Cooper, the owner of Marriott, suddenly knelt in front of Henry, astonishing everyone. "What's going on?" someone whispered, "Did the owner lose his mind?" Henry, not expecting this comical turn, asked, "Mr. Cooper, are you alright? Too much to drink?" Understanding Henry's subtle hint, Felix Cooper scrambled to his feet, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Ah, yes... just had a bit too much wine earlier..." "Just process the payment," Henry urged. But Felix hesitated, not daring to take Henry's card. He recognized not just the card but also the man holding it, the young master he'd been seeking. "This card might look like it's from some rural credit union, but can it still be used?" Henry probed. "Of course, sir!" Felix Cooper replied, shaking, accepting the card at last. "I'm only covering the bill for my wife, my in-laws, and myself," Henry clarified. "The rest can settle their own accounts." "Understood, sir," Felix replied, still trembling. Once the bill was settled, the Mitchells left the Marriott. On their way out, Rowan Erickson, who had been silent throughout the commotion, whispered to Henry, "You're quite something." Henry chuckled, "I'm just a poor country boy, and to top it off, a son-in-law who moved in with his wife's family. You must be mistaken, Ms. Erickson." "I doubt it," she responded, handing him a delicate business card. "If you're interested, come visit my Gemstone Haven sometime." With a playful pout, she left the hotel. "Why would someone like Rowan Erickson, who's known for her pride and never taking the initiative with men, give you her card?" Sophie Mitchell asked, clearly irked. Henry shrugged, "I have no idea. Maybe she thinks I'm some sort of art or jewel appraiser." "What about that bank card? How do you have so much money?" she persisted.