Summer Watson drove Harold Watson to the restaurant, arriving right at mealtime.
The Imperial Pavilion was a famous restaurant in Aurora Capital, rumored that three hundred years ago, the king himself had dined there, hence the name. For three centuries, it had become more than a restaurant—it was a symbol of status.
Anyone dining at The Imperial Pavilion was surely wealthy, powerful, and capable.
So, when Summer Watson's tricycle stopped next to a line of luxury cars, it truly felt like a pheasant had wandered into a phoenix's nest—impossible to avoid attention. Summer, however, paid no mind to the gazes, guiding Harold into the restaurant. She asked the manager, "Mr. Harris, are there any private rooms available?"
Summer had once been engaged to Adrian York and was a VIP at the restaurant, so she knew the manager well.
Mr. Harris didn't recognize her at first. Although Summer's face had been disfigured, her figure remained elegant, and her voice familiar. Hesitating, he asked uncertainly, "You are… Miss Summer Watson?"
Summer nodded.
Mr. Harris's gaze immediately softened with pity.
Summer's disfigurement had been a hot topic in Aurora Capital recently, and as the manager of The Imperial Pavilion, Mr. Harris was well aware. He had also heard about her broken engagement with Adrian York.
But someone who had climbed to his position wouldn't openly mock Summer now. Those who take pleasure in others' misfortune are eventually the ones who fall—Mr. Harris knew this well.
Considering Summer's current appearance, dining in the main hall would draw unwanted attention. Mr. Harris should have reserved a private room for her.
Unfortunately, all private rooms were fully booked today. "Miss Summer Watson, I should reserve a private room for you, but as you know, our restaurant requires advance bookings. Sadly, all rooms are taken today. The main hall only has one available table…"
Harold Watson tugged Summer's arm, saying, "Let's go somewhere else." He didn't want her mocked in public.
Summer asked Mr. Harris again, "No private rooms at all?"
He admitted honestly, "There is one room left, but it's reserved for a VIP guest. There's nothing I can do." Mentioning 'VIP,' his expression instinctively became respectful.
Clearly, this was indeed an important guest.
Summer understood the business principles of The Imperial Pavilion and didn't push further. But remembering Harold's repeated comments on wanting the restaurant's fish skin dish, she didn't want him disappointed. She told Mr. Harris, "We'll take the table in the main hall."
Mr. Harris looked surprised. "Miss Summer Watson, you truly want to dine in the main hall?"
"Yes."
"Very well, please follow me."
Mr. Harris led them to the table and then went to attend other customers.
Once Summer sat down, the surrounding diners stared curiously at her, their eyes fixed on the scarf covering her face, trying to glimpse her true appearance.
Harold noticed the stares and felt a twinge of anger. Suppressing it, he surveyed the restaurant, remarking, "The decoration is still the same as before." The scenery was still lovely, yet old acquaintances were gone.
Summer didn't know Harold's past, only that he was disabled and liked to drink. She asked, "Daddy, do you have any other family?"
Harold shook his head. "No, just me."
Summer held his hand. "And me."
Harold smiled and nodded.
Summer took out her phone, opened an online furniture store, and picked out a bed for Harold, paying an extra two hundred dollars to have it delivered quickly.
With the bed purchased, the food was brought to the table.
Summer poured Harold a cup of wine and then removed the veil from her face.
The moment Summer unveiled herself, the customers to her left gasped, "She's beautiful!" Meanwhile, those to her right recoiled as if they'd seen something grotesque, exclaiming, "How frightening!"
Two completely different reactions rang out simultaneously, capturing everyone's attention.
Summer calmly served Harold, "Daddy, eat more."
Her composure inspired admiration.
Harold glared at the prying eyes around him, itching to swing his cane at them. Seeing his anger, Summer said, "Daddy, don't. This face will be with me forever. Summer will have to learn to adapt."
Harold fell silent.
Yes.
They couldn't change how others looked at her, so Summer had to change her own mindset.
Harold bit into his food, holding back tears, as he overheard the gossip:
"Isn't that Summer Watson? She's really disfigured!"
"I heard young Master Adrian York broke off the engagement today. Everyone is calling him heartless, but if I were him, I'd rather be heartless than marry such an ugly girl."
"Summer used to be so pretty, fresh and lovely… now look at her…"
"I don't know what she's thinking, just running out like this. If it were me, I'd spend big money to get a custom mask—any kid seeing that face would cry."
"She's got a big heart!"
"Good mindset."
"She's a celebrity. Can she not have a good mindset?"
The chatter continued, shifting topics.
"Today, the Watson family held a press conference, announcing they've cut ties with Summer Watson. Apparently, it was her decision to sever relations."
"What? Why?"
"Why else? Summer's face was disfigured. She knew she couldn't earn money normally, and now she's 18, free to manage her own assets. She probably wanted to protect her earnings from her foster parents, so she left with her money and severed ties!"
"But they raised her for 15 years! Without Victor and Clara Watson's care, would Summer have come this far? Ungrateful! Who else could be so ruthless?"
Harold truly couldn't stand it.
He stomped his cane and shouted, "What utter nonsense!"
Harold's roar made Summer drop her chopsticks with the fish skin.
She looked up, surprised, seeing Harold standing, one hand raised with his cane, yelling at the gossiping men and women:
"Which of you saw Summer Watson take all the property? Have you forgotten? Victor Watson went bankrupt 15 years ago! Could a bankrupt man buy villas or luxury cars?"
"If Summer hadn't worked day and night, Victor and Clara Watson would've been broke long ago, stealing, robbing, selling, begging! Calling Summer ungrateful? Open your eyes and see the truth!"
"A bunch of ignorant fools, running their mouths off! With just your mouths, you think you could represent our country to conquer the world!"
"..."
The vast restaurant fell completely silent.