The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 22

Chapter 22: Chapter 22 Golden Dragon Pavilion
“Sir, we’ve arrived,” Rafael’s assistant announced as Rafael tucked his phone into his suit’s inside pocket and waited for his assistant to open the door for him.

Glancing ahead at the road, Rafael noticed Hera and another girl getting into a black van.

“Wait,” he commanded.

After the van had departed, Rafael issued an order: “Let’s tail that van.”

Inside the van, Hera spotted Cindy engrossed in her phone, seated in the passenger seat. “Cindy, we’re heading to the Golden Dragon Pavilion for a meal. Join us.”

Cindy, preoccupied with coordinating with the CEO of UE for the PR team’s strategy to sway public opinion in Hera’s favor, was startled by the sudden mention of her name and looked back at Hera, causing her to strain her neck slightly. “Ow! My neck!”

“Are you okay?” Hera asked, concerned.

“Yes, I’ll be fine. I may have just pulled a muscle,” Cindy replied, rubbing her neck. “Miss, I regret to decline your invitation. The driver and I will grab a bite elsewhere.”

“What? You don’t want to join us?” Athena teased.

Cindy appeared somewhat taken aback. “It’s not that, Miss Athena. It’s just not appropriate for us to dine together at the same table.”

Understanding Cindy’s concern, Hera offered a warm smile. “You needn’t worry, Cindy. Let’s treat it as a girls’ night out. After everything that’s happened, I could really use some time away from the mansion after hiding for days. And it would be more enjoyable if you joined us. Plus, it’ll be a bit lonely if it’s just Athena and me.”

Upon hearing Hera’s reasoning, Cindy reluctantly agreed, and shortly after, they arrived at the grand Golden Dragon Pavilion.

At the entrance, a line of luxury cars awaited the valet’s service, their sleek designs gleaming under the ambient light. Athena, who had been away from her family for quite some time, found this scene amusing as she observed the lineup of expensive vehicles.

Hera chuckled at Athena’s amusing reaction. “You seem to be enjoying the view out there.”

“Absolutely! It’s a sight to behold.” She grinned widely and continued. “I can finally give my beaten Honda Civic a well-deserved break after years of faithful service.”

“Didn’t you have a soft spot for that car?”

“I did. It’s been my trusty companion during my adventures outside. So, I’ll give it a cozy spot in my garage,” Athena replied with a touch of drama.

“I recall you buying that car from a second-hand shop with your hard-earned savings from your fashion magazine job. What’s next in line after bidding farewell to your baby?”

“My dad already ordered a Bugatti Chiron in mint green for me,” Athena exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

“Then, take me for a ride around the city in your new baby when it arrives,” Hera replied with a smile.

“I sure will!” Athena’s expression then shifted as she turned to Hera. “Don’t play coy with me. My dad mentioned that your dad and grandpa are both car enthusiasts who collect all kinds of supercars,” Athena said, snorting. “You must have received a dozen from those collections!”

Hera did not answer and just quickly hopped out of the van when it was their turn, it was to run away from Athena’s questioning.

“I knew it! I must see those babies! You hear me?!”

“Alright, alright, stop fussing about it. I’ll let you drive them once the customization is done.”

“I knew it! You brat!” Excitedly exclaimed.

Their playful banter continued until an attendant arrived to assist them.

“Good evening, welcome to Golden Dragon Pavilion. My name is Mary. May I know whose name the reservation is under?” The assistant respectfully greeted them with a practiced smile.

Hera returned the smile and replied, “For Hera…”

“Oh, look who’s here!” Condescending giggles reverberated from behind them, prompting Hera and the others to turn around.

The moment Athena laid eyes on the source of the voice, she bared her teeth like a Doberman ready to pounce on the enemy. She was visibly irritated.

“The road is indeed narrow for enemies to meet,” Athena commented tersely, standing firmly beside Hera.

The girl in the lead snorted derisively. “What? Planning to be a server in this place? Your credentials aren’t nearly enough. This place only accepts the best of the best, not trash like you.”

Her words were met with laughter from the other girls standing behind her, who then gave Athena and Hera condescending side-eyes.

“Well, what can you expect from people like them, Claire? Didn’t they get into our international school just because they’re scholars with good grades? Bottom feeders will remain as bottom feeders their entire life!” Laugher soon followed their disdainful words laced with poison.

“At least we’re not daddy’s girls who only have money but no brains,” Athena retorted fearlessly.

The girl who had spoken felt her eyebrow twitching with anger. ‘This girl has the gall to talk about me?’ She gritted her teeth in frustration.

“What? Cat got your tongue? Or is it because I hit the nail on the head?”

Claire intervened, trying to diffuse the tension. “Athena, it’s been a year since we last saw each other and you’re still…” She paused, giving Athena a once-over. “As crude as ever.”

Claire tapped her long, pink-polished nails adorned with diamond and ribbon designs on her crossed arms, attempting to exude an air of refinement and sophistication to intimidate Hera and Athena.

“I would rather be crude than bitchy like you.” Athena retorted with a challenging smile, successfully getting under their skin.

Ignoring their banter, Claire turned to the attendant who was speaking with Hera. “Excuse me, as you can see, these girls have sharp tongues and are unsuitable to work in your establishment. Accepting them would only risk losing VIP customers like us.”

Claire’s words dripped with false concern, her tone belied by her true intentions of using her influence to intimidate the attendant into expelling Hera and Athena.

It’s important to note that Golden Dragon Pavilion is an exclusive, members-only establishment with stringent criteria for membership invitations.

No amount of wealth can secure entry into the Golden Dragon Pavilion; only the elite top 100 companies or individuals in the country are deemed eligible. Moreover, within this selected circle, VIP status is tiered—bronze, silver, gold, and platinum—reflecting varying levels of prestige and benefits. Claire’s father currently holds the esteemed status of a gold member.

Membership entails an annual subscription fee of $100 million, credited to the member’s card for use within the establishment. Should this sum be exhausted before the membership term ends, it can be replenished with a new deposit. To advance their membership tier, individuals must ensure that their real-life status has also progressed, as the two are intricately linked.

The attendant’s smile wavered slightly as she addressed Hera, bowing respectfully. “Miss, I regret to inform you that I am unable to continue attending to your group. Miss White and her companions are esteemed regulars of our establishment, and her influence carries weight in such matters.”

“Why should we leave? We’re not here to seek employment; we’re customers just like them,” Athena retorted, her tone edged with defiance.

“Customers? Ha! As if your meager salary could even afford bottled water here,” one of the girls sneered.

“Athena, we know you have a tendency to be delusional and spout nonsense. Just leave and spare yourself further embarrassment,” another girl chimed in.

“Ha! Are you suggesting you’re the only ones allowed to eat here?” Athena questioned sarcastically.

Claire smirked. “Athena, we’re not trying to demean you or your friend, but perhaps you’re unaware that this place is an exclusive, members-only restaurant. It’s not open to just anyone.”

Claire and her gang, Hera, and Athena had a long history in school. Claire and her friends looked down on those they deemed less privileged, literally, the type to worship the strong and hate the weak. However, they mostly kept to themselves, until the high school heartthrob Claire was infatuated with took an interest in Hera. Despite Claire’s efforts, and seduction, she still failed, he only had eyes for Hera. ‘Who else was it but Alexi? Hera’s long-time boyfriend. Almost every girl in their school sees him as their prince charming.’

It’s cliche, yes, but that’s the male lead halo for you.

Even after learning that Alexi and Hera had broken up, Claire remained bitter. She couldn’t comprehend why Alexi chose Hera over her—a pauper over a princess. While she didn’t feel particularly upset about Alexi being with Minerva, as she believed Minerva was a suitable match for him, the fact that someone she perceived as beneath her had won him over stung.

Claire cast a satisfied smirk in Hera’s direction. “Hera, I heard Alexi finally left you,” she taunted, unable to resist rubbing Hera’s supposed heartbreak in her face. The idea of Hera grimacing in pain over losing her lover brought a twisted sense of satisfaction to Claire.

But to her surprise, Hera appeared completely unaffected, merely glancing around as if Claire’s words were nothing more than idle gossip she enjoyed overhearing.

She gritted her teeth, frustrated that her attempt to provoke a reaction from Hera had failed. Determined to humiliate her and her friend in some other way, she continued with a condescending tone, “I see you’re still nursing that broken heart from being cheated on. But honestly, this place isn’t for the likes of you. Why not head to McDonald’s or KFC? It’s more suited to your budget, isn’t it?”

Her gang burst into laughter upon hearing Claire trash Hera.