The Betrayed Princess Rising Chapter 102

3rd Person's POV

Iris had often come to the restaurant with Isaac, and she hoped Lylah would love it as much as she and Isaac did.

No sooner had they settled than Lylah’s phone buzzed insistently.

“Sorry, I have to take this. My husband’s calling,” Lylah said.

“Yeah, yeah,” Iris waved her off, already sensing the charge in Lylah’s stance.

On the other end, Ezra’s deep, commanding voice filled the line. Lylah had tried calling him earlier to share the news, but Damon said he was in a meeting and would call back once it ended.

“We should celebrate it,” Ezra said.

“I’m with Iris right now,” Lylah replied lightly, “Maybe I can bring something over for you later?”

“Enjoy your time then. No need to bring anything. Also, use the card I gave you to cover everything.”

When Lylah returned to the table, she rifled through her bag.

The sleek black card caught the light, its polished surface gleaming against the fabric. She stilled, a flicker of awe passing through her. She still could hardly believe it—this was the kind of card only the most powerful figures in Verdanth possessed, and now it rested in her hand to use.

Iris chuckled, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Wow, you’re blushing, Lylah. Your husband really knows how to tease you, doesn’t he?”

Lylah shook her head, smiling softly as she sank back into her seat. “It’s nothing like that," though her pulse betrayed her calm.

Before Iris could press the teasing, a server approached, and they placed their orders.

Soon, the dishes arrived, fragrant and artfully presented. Every bite was a revelation, and they ate in quiet appreciation, savoring more than just the flavors.

Their moment was briefly interrupted when a server returned.

“Ladies, we are out of the Louis Lafite required for the Delicate Abalone Rice. Tonight, we’ll substitute Romanée-Conti."

Iris nodded smoothly. “Of course.” She shot Lylah a wink. “Don’t worry about the cost.”

It wasn’t long before they finished, and the same server returned to set the bill on the table.

Iris scanned it, her eyes widening in surprise.

“This must be a mistake,” she said sharply. “Isaac and I have had this wine before. Why is it ten times more expensive now?” She rose abruptly, pulling Lylah to her feet.

“There's no mistake at all. Our restaurant uses only the finest vintages,” the server replied evenly, though the murmur of other diners had begun to stir.

“The increase is absurd." Iris pressed, her voice hardening, eyes flashing.

“It’s just the market prices,” the server said evenly. “You agreed to the substitution earlier.”

Lylah’s brow furrowed. Something didn’t sit right. “Then why weren’t we told beforehand? That’s the basic courtesy of any restaurant, isn’t it?”

“I want to speak with the manager," Iris demanded,

Across the room, Eldric and Vale happened to pass by.

Vale narrowed his eyes, a flicker of recognition crossing his face.

“That woman… isn’t she the one Grimwood defended in my lab yesterday?” Vale muttered under her breath.

Eldric’s eyes locked on Lylah, his jaw tightening until it ached.

'That wretched girl! If any of my allies or colleagues witness this, it’ll humiliate me beyond repair!' Every muscle in his body was coiling with barely restrained hatred.

Cora leaned slightly beside her father, a cruel, triumphant smile curling her lips. Her plan had unfolded exactly as she wanted.

“Yes, Professor,” she said, her voice dripping with contempt. “That’s Iris and Lylah—junior assistants from the Traditional Healing class. What were they thinking, coming here if they couldn’t even cover the cost?”