Some guests watched on with smug amusement.

Ruth bit down her rage and gave a chilling command to the man at her side. "Wait until they finish their meal and leave the restaurant. I want that punk's tongue."

With that, she turned and walked away, the contempt on her face thick enough to cut through glass.

What a joke—he actually thought he could touch her?

Ruth was beautiful, yes, but she was also powerful. In a place like this, people did not just treat her with courtesy—they treated her with reverence. No one had ever dared to say something so disrespectful to her, and the reason was simple.

Behind her stood a monster of a man, a silent force that kept Aroma Exchange untouchable. He was the one who made this restaurant sacred ground.

…

Back in the private suite, the food was served again, freshly plated. A new bottle of Celestial Reserve had also been opened.

Andrew ate happily, completely unbothered. Meanwhile, Aspen sat stiff as a board, her face pale and tense, an