It was nearing noon.

Going back home to cook was out of the question-none of them were really in the mood for it.

Honestly, lunch wasn’t exactly on anyone’s mind, but skipping a meal wasn’t an option either.

Charlene suggested, “Let’s just eat out.”

Helena nodded, “Sure, Charlene, you decide.”

They pulled up to the restaurant, parked the car, and as Charlene and Vernon stepped out, they immediately spotted the Hawkins and the Spencers. They were there for lunch too.

Just as they arrived, someone recognized Vesta and Henley and enthusiastically approached them, trying to invite them over for a meal together.

The Hawkins and Spencer families soon noticed Charlene and her group as well.

Georgina sneered as she looked over.

Maureen just glanced briefly before looking away. Vesta did the same, acting as if the Rosses was invisible, not giving them a second thought.

At that moment, the restaurant manager hurried out and approached Vesta, saying, “Ms. Hawkins, Mr. Henderson’s usual private room is ready for you. Please, right this way.”

Vesta nodded and didn’t spare Charlene another glance. She turned to the eager Mr. Edgar and said, “Sorry, Mr. Edgar, but today is a family gathering. We’ll have to take a rain check on that meal.”

Mr. Edgar quickly replied, “Of course, Ms. Hawkins, I won’t intrude on your family time.”

Without acknowledging Mr. Edgar further, Vesta followed the manager into the restaurant.

Charlene hadn’t expected to run into them.

She linked arms with Helena, feeling a bit hesitant, but Helena gave her hand a reassuring pat and said, “Let’s go in.”

Charlene sighed, “Alright.”

As they stepped into the restaurant, a staff member approached them and said, “Sorry, folks, but all our private rooms have been reserved. We don’t have any available spots right now.” Charlene had been to this restaurant before.

It was almost unheard of for them to be completely booked.

So…

Charlene quickly realized it was likely the Hawkins and Spencer families playing tricks.

She pressed her lips together tightly.

Vernon and Helena seemed to come to the same conclusion as well.

“Ms. Ross.” someone called her. Charlene turned to see York approaching.

She greeted him, “Mr. Watson.”

York eyed the anxious staff member before turning to Charlene and asking, “What’s the problem? Why aren’t you going in?”

Charlene replied calmly, “The staff said all their rooms are reserved, and they asked us to leave.”

York glanced towards the restaurant interior, “Oh? Is that so?”

The staff recognized York immediately.

Especially considering the Watson family, including Hickey, was currently dining there.

Sensing York might intervene on Charlene’s behalf, the restaurant manager panicked and hurried over to Charlene, saying, “We’ve just been informed a party had to cancel, so a private room has become available. Please, come in.” Charlene didn’t move, instead looking at Helena.

Helena suggested, “Let’s just go somewhere else for lunch.”

Charlene agreed, “Alright.”

She turned back to York, “Thank you, Mr. Watson.”

York replied, “No problem.” He paused, then nodded a greeting to Helena and the others.

Charlene and her group left.

York headed into the restaurant, casting a sharp glance at the manager.

The manager, sweating profusely, forced a smile but dared not speak further.

Seeing the manager’s reluctance to reveal who was behind the trouble for Charlene, York realized the instigator was likely someone with significant influence