Chapter 13 The Showdown at Phoenix Hall

• "Since you've joined us today," Delilah raised her eyebrows, indicating, "There are a few matters we need to make clear to you.
• "Sebastian's invitation to the Halcyon Hotel today is to talk about his marriage proposal to Anya.
• "You should make a quick decision and proceed with the divorce from Anya."
• The Ansons's eyes were filled with scorn.
• Sebastian alone stood proudly, radiating a sense of superiority.
• Damon, with a sneer, felt distant from the Ansons.
• His commitment had been to Anya alone for the past three years.
• Unfortunately, this commitment was now broken.
• "I've already told Anya," Damon said with tranquillity, "Didn't she tell you?"
• "What did she say?"
• Delilah's eyebrows rose in a mix of disbelief and curiosity.
• "Our marriage is over."
• That revelation caught everyone off guard initially, but soon, it sparked a wave of laughter.
• "Is that so? And do you think Anya would agree to discuss divorce with you?
• "After parting ways with the Ansons, how do you plan to support yourself? It seems like a tough road ahead, doesn't it?
• "You're just full of empty boasts!"
• Yvonne couldn't help but cover her mouth as she laughed, nearly crying. "Damon, have you completely lost your senses?
• "Maintaining some level of pride is important, even for a man.
• "However, considering you're a delivery worker, do you really think pride has any place in your life?"
• Clearly, everyone dismissed Damon's remarks as nothing more than a joke.
• The Ansons knew too well that the thought of Damon seeking a divorce was out of the question.
• Over the last three years, he had become less influential within the Anson family, always working hard without complaints.
• Was it not all for survival?
• "Enough."
• With impatience, Delilah waved her hand. "It makes no difference to me whether you're divorced or not; just don't interfere with Anya and Sebastian's joy."
• At this moment, divorce is the main issue in everyone's mind.
• Delilah ignored everything else.
• After making her point, she looked at Sebastian regretfully. "Sebastian, I apologise for making you sit through this nonsense!"
• "We are about to be family; no need for formalities."
• Sebastian responded modestly, narrowing his eyes towards Yvonne before adding, "This Phoenix Hall is the most prestigious place around, isn't it?"
• "Yes, indeed!"
• Yvonne found herself nodding automatically.
• It was time for a visit to the Phoenix Hall for dinner!
• She couldn't help but sneak another look at Damon. Despite both being men, why did they seem so different? When the Phoenix Hall was mentioned, Damon hesitated.
• That was where he had chosen to meet with the old man.
• Could it be ...
• Before he could ponder any further, Sebastian called over the receptionist with an air of authority, saying, "We'll be dining at the Phoenix Hall. Make the necessary arrangements!"
• The mention of Phoenix Hall again earned Sebastian appreciative looks from the Ansons.
• A dinner that costs a fortune! He wasn't even officially part of the Anson family yet, and here he was, sparing no expense.
• Ahead in time ...
• Delilah was bursting with excitement in her slumber!
• She caught a glimpse of Damon, who seemed frozen in bewilderment, sparking a wave of annoyance within her.
• "Why haven't you left?
• "Planning to get a free meal at the Phoenix Hall, are you?
• "Ugh, you're even incapable of taking care of yourself!"
• With a forced smile, Sebastian said, "It's no bother, just one more mouth to feed."
• "Sebastian is so big-hearted!"
• Initially, Delilah praised Sebastian, then looked at Damon with contempt.
• "How can two men be so different?
• "Sebastian can afford to host a feast at Phoenix Hall. What about you?
• "It baffles me why Anya's grandpa was so set on having her marry you. I can't wrap my head around his thinking."
• Phoenix Hall?
• The look on Damon's face was one of outright disdain, bordering on contempt.
• "Are you sure you can get into Phoenix Hall today?
• Suddenly ...
• Delilah recoiled, taken aback.
• Yvonne, too, was caught by surprise.
• Oh, this incapable person has the gall to retort?
• The one who's been tirelessly working for three years is now suddenly showing some backbone?
• Immediately, Delilah pointed her finger at him and yelled, "A mere deliveryman daring to look down on Sebastian? Leave this place!"
• Damon just shook his head, choosing to stay quiet.
• "Get out now! Stop defiling our space!"
• From their point of view, Damon was putting on a show here!
• Trying to feel superior?
• This is the wrong place!
• The revelation of Damon's true identity made everyone believe he was on his way out.
• But unexpectedly, he declared, "I've also come to dine. You don't own this hotel, so what right do you have to tell me to leave?"
• "To dine, you say?
• "At Halcyon Hotel?!"
• Laughter erupted from the Ansons once again.
• Yvonne, unable to hold back her amusement, asked, "Then could you kindly tell us which private room you've booked?"
• "The Phoenix Hall,"
• Damon stated confidently.
• Suddenly, silence enveloped the room as all eyes turned to Damon, everyone momentarily frozen in disbelief.
• "Did I hear that wrong? He claims he's booked a table at the Phoenix Hall?"
• "That's exactly what he said!"
• "Ha, this has to be the funniest joke I've ever heard,"
• the Ansons laughed uproariously at his claim.
• Can't he come up with a better lie?
• After Sebastian promised to treat everyone to a meal at the Phoenix Hall, Damon also wanted to book a table there.
• Isn't he just setting himself up for mockery?
• The anticipation among the Ansons to see Damon embarrass himself was palpable.
• As all eyes shifted to Sebastian, it was clear that his confirmation of the booking at Phoenix Hall would serve as Damon's ultimate humiliation.
• With a slight purse of his lips, Sebastian faced the hostess standing next to him.
• He presented a bank card nonchalantly and declared, "We'd like to dine in the Phoenix Hall!"
• The Ansons were all set to watch Damon's downfall and the unveiling of his lies.
• Suddenly, the hostess responded, "I'm sorry, sir, but Phoenix Hall is currently in use."
• What?
• Was Phoenix Hall actually booked?
• Could it really be?
• Peering at Damon, Delilah quickly shelved the thought she had.
• It was well-known that only the wealthy and powerful could book the Phoenix Hall.
• Could someone rich enough to spend tens of thousands on a meal have any connection with Damon?
• She convinced herself it had to be a mere coincidence.
• Sebastian's demeanour shifted to frostiness as he directed his demand towards the hostess, "Fetch your manager!
• "Tell them that Sebastian Jenkins insists on having dinner in your Phoenix Hall!
• "Let's find out if he's willing to do me this courtesy!"
• The hostess, visibly surprised, quickly went in search of the manager.
• Delilah and the Ansons couldn't hide their admiration for Sebastian's forceful manner.
• "Look at the authority Sebastian commands; it's a level of presence one cannot achieve over a lifetime!"
• "We're guaranteed a meal at the Phoenix Hall tonight!"
• "With Sebastian leading the way, how could we miss out on the most luxurious dining experience?"
• The entire group saw Sebastian as a figure of immense power.
• As he straightened his clothes, Sebastian let out a derisive huff,
• "Hmph, in Cracsa, no matter who it is, they must make way for me in the Phoenix Hall!"
• "Heh." Damon couldn't help but find amusement in Sebastian's overflowing confidence.
• In the town of Cruice, merely a handful of individuals—no more than five—could persuade the old man to give up his spot in Phoenix Hall.
• Yet, Sebastian certainly didn't fit into that exclusive circle!
• "Why the laughter, Damon?" Delilah asked, a mix of annoyance and disbelief in her tone. "Do you really think you hold any sway with the people in the Phoenix Hall?"
• "Sebastian made his stance clear. Even if the Emperor were present today, he would have to step aside for the Ansons!" she added scornfully.
• "A simpleton who's barely seen the world dares to ridicule us?" Delilah scoffed, looking at Damon as though he had lost his reason.
• Even the Emperor would have to leave, huh? Damon thought, amused by the idea.
• Soon after, the manager of the Halcyon Hotel came rushing over, likely expecting to meet someone of high stature. However, upon laying eyes on Sebastian, his face turned sour.
• Without asking for identities, he bluntly stated, "The Phoenix Hall is currently occupied by distinguished guests. Please choose another hall for your meal or consider a different establishment for your dining needs."
• Unyielding—there was no bargaining with him.
• Sebastian felt a flush of embarrassment on his face.
• He cleared his throat and fixed a stern gaze on the hotel manager, speaking icily, "Are you the manager of this establishment? My companions wish to dine in the Phoenix Hall.
• "Let's get straight to the point. Is this about finances or social standing?"
• As he articulated his words, he once again produced several credit cards.
• Sporting a smug and haughty expression, he appeared invulnerable.
• "As long as you unlock the door, I will be dining here tonight!
• "Let me be frank, Horace Law of Cracsa is like a father figure to me. Disrespecting me is akin to disrespecting him!"
• Sebastian looked confidently at the hotel manager after he made his statement.
• In Cracsa, Horace Law was a name everyone knew.
• He was an influential figure; his every move could send shockwaves through the city.
• He was sure a hotel manager wouldn't be audacious to disrespect Horace.
• The moment Sebastian mentioned Horace, the Ansons gasped.
• Could Sebastian really be claiming Horace as his godfather?
• Delilah almost passed out from the surprise!
• But to Damon, Horace meant nothing.
• The hotel manager's expression became tense, yet he held his ground, saying, "The guests in the Phoenix Hall are highly distinguished."
• "Distinguished?" Sebastian laughed heartily as if it was the funniest thing he'd ever heard.
• Then, raising his voice, he challenged the hotel manager, "Are they of greater importance than Horace Law?"
• The hotel manager was left speechless.
• With a victorious smile, Sebastian motioned for them to enter, saying, "Let's go in. I'm curious to see who in Cracsa is bold enough to overlook Horace today."