Thirty minutes later, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon rolled to a smooth stop in front of the Oceanview Grand Hotel — the most prestigious five-star hotel in the entire city of Silver Coast.
The moment the valet opened the door, Jason Carter stepped out, Olivia following close behind. The rest of the group climbed out one after another, staring up at the gleaming golden logo that crowned the entrance.
Mike blinked, jaw half open. "Wait… this is where we're eating?"
Jordan rubbed the back of his neck. "Man, I thought we were just grabbing supper… not taking out a loan."
Even Jinyi, usually confident and composed, looked hesitant. The Oceanview Grand wasn't just any hotel — it was where CEOs, senators, and celebrities dined. Dinner here cost more than their monthly rent.
At first, everyone thought they were splitting the bill — a simple "AA" outing, as they liked to joke. But standing here, surrounded by luxury cars and red-carpet service, that idea suddenly seemed ridiculous.
Even if they pooled two months' paychecks, it wouldn't be enough for appetizers.
Luce, usually the wealthiest among them, straightened his jacket nervously. "Uh, Jason… you sure about this place?"
Jason gave a small, easy smile. "I heard the food here's top-notch. I picked it without asking, so if you're not comfortable, don't worry — it's on me."
Everyone tried to protest politely — but they all knew better. None of them wanted to argue with a billionaire offering a free dinner. So, with awkward smiles, they all nodded and followed.
Olivia walked ahead, speaking with the hotel's floor manager near the entrance.
The man — a slightly overweight, middle-aged professional with a too-perfect smile — greeted them with corporate politeness and a faint air of superiority.
"I'm sorry," he said, tone flatly courteous. "We're fully booked for the evening."
Olivia's smile didn't waver. She reached into her clutch and handed him a gold-embossed business card."Manager Grey, I'm sure you can make an exception. We're willing to pay extra."
He didn't even glance at the card. "I'm afraid that won't be possible, ma'am. Everyone who dines here is willing to pay more — we don't do 'exceptions.'"
Olivia's voice softened, though her tone carried quiet authority. "Manager Grey, you might want to look at that card first. I believe your boss would want to give Mr. Carter a bit of courtesy."
The manager chuckled politely, still not looking. "I'm sure your friend is important, but our policy is the same for everyone. No special treatment."
Olivia's lips curved slightly — not angry, not even annoyed. She simply nodded once and walked back to Jason, whispering a few words into his ear.
From a few feet behind, Luce nearly grinned. Finally, he thought. The great Jason Carter gets turned away. About time someone humbled this guy.
He could already imagine how awkward Jason must feel — getting rejected in front of Jinyi, Olivia, and the whole group.
After all, this was the Oceanview Grand. Even rich people needed reservations months ahead. Here, throwing money around didn't work — everyone was rich.
He glanced toward Jason, waiting for a flash of embarrassment, some hint of irritation.
Instead, Jason's expression was calm. Too calm. His eyes didn't even flicker.
He nodded slightly at Olivia's report, then adjusted his cufflinks, as if this entire situation barely mattered.
Even Luce had to admit — the composure was impressive. That kind of quiet control… it was infuriatingly magnetic.
Jinyi clearly thought so too — she was watching Jason again, eyes warm, lips curved in subtle admiration.
Luce's stomach twisted. Come on, seriously? He's rich, handsome, and apparently zen as hell? How's anyone supposed to compete with that?
In his mind, he pictured Jason snapping at the manager, maybe yelling about who his father was, pulling the "rich brat" routine. That would've at least made him human.
But Jason wasn't that type.
Jason followed Olivia and asked casually,"This hotel looks decent. Any red flags with the ownership?"
Olivia tapped on her tablet, scanning through a few files before reporting crisply,"The Grand Hotel covers a total area of about 714,000 square feet. The main tower is sixteen stories high with 326 luxury suites, private dining rooms, multipurpose halls, banquet centers, cafés, KTV lounges, spas, saunas, gyms, swimming pools, lobby bars, a business center, a shopping arcade, and even an underground parking space for five hundred vehicles."
"In its early years, the hotel was booming. But the pandemic hit hard—it almost went bankrupt. They somehow pulled through, and business has been picking up again these past two years."
Jason nodded slightly. "So profits must be decent now. Tourism's bouncing back; it's only going to climb higher."
Olivia continued, "Exactly. Because of that, the current owner's asking price is steep. Rough estimate—around two hundred million. But…" she smiled faintly, "the boss lost a fortune during the lockdown years. Tried to make it back in the lumber trade and lost even more. His cash flow's dried up. I'd say there's room to bargain."
Jason waved his hand dismissively. "No need. Don't lower the price. Just win it fast."
Olivia's eyes gleamed. "Understood." She turned and walked off to make the calls.
Jason stood still, looking up at the tall glass façade of the Avalon Grand.A smile tugged at his lips. So this is what it feels like to be Bruce Wayne… buying skyscrapers on a whim.
Olivia's efficiency was frightening. When you have endless funds at your fingertips, even the impossible becomes effortless. Within hours, everything was done.
By morning, the paperwork will be done, but we transferred the money now, so it officially yours boss.
She returned with a satisfied look and handed a phone to the hotel's general manager, Mr. Grey.He took the call—and as he listened, his face drained of color. When he hung up, his posture changed completely; the arrogance vanished in a heartbeat.
Olivia said lightly, "That's right. You heard correctly. From this moment, Mr. Carter owns this hotel. Still planning to stand in the way?"
Mr. Grey's jaw dropped. He quickly stepped aside, bending nearly ninety degrees as he stammered,"Mr. Carter, sir—welcome, welcome inside! Please, this way!"
His voice trembled as he tried to maintain his professional smile, but cold sweat rolled down his temples. What kind of man just walks in for dinner… and ends up buying the hotel?
Josh, Mike, and Jinyi stood frozen nearby, their expressions blank with shock.
Did he just say Jason Carter bought the Avalon Grand?
That meant… in the span of a single conversation, Jason had become the owner of one of the most luxurious hotels in the entire city.
Jinyi's eyes widened, her breath catching as if lightning struck her. Her heart pounded uncontrollably.
[Favorability +20]
"Jinyi's favorability has increased to 80.Status: Slightly flustered. Please check the profile window."
Name: Jinyi
Age: 20
Appearance: 8.1
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 124 lbs
Favorability: 25 → 80
Ex-boyfriend: 1
Diseases: None
Jason didn't even glance back. He simply adjusted his cufflinks, eyes calm and voice faint."Let's head in. I'm hungry."
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