C86 Seveninch

The Freeman family's dining room was truly enormous!

Westley had previously thought the dining room in the Rogers family's villa was quite spacious, but upon seeing the Freemans', he realized the true extent of the difference.

This dining room spanned at least 500 square meters.

What struck him most was the stark contrast between the modern decor of the dining area and the traditional style of the study.

In the open kitchen, several chefs bustled about.

Servants in white aprons brought out the chefs' creations to the table.

The custom-made European table stretched six or seven meters, and the bespoke British china, silverware, and glassware all spoke to the host's distinguished status.

In a nearby cabinet, an array of high-end, expensive wines were meticulously organized.

Elder Freeman sat across from Westley, with Reeve at his side.

"Dr. Jimenez, please feel at ease while dining with us. Just be yourself, as long as you're comfortable," Elder Freeman said.

"I'm not uncomfortable, just a bit curious," Westley replied.

He glanced at the bustling chefs and smiled. "Elder Freeman, are all these chefs here to serve you?"

"Yes, they manage the culinary needs of the entire Freeman Mansion. They're a professional team," Sayeed responded with a light smile, leaving out one detail.

Employing this team of chefs cost the mansion several million a year.

Yet, compared to the wealth the Freeman family generated, this was a mere trifle.

It's a common practice among the elite.

The Freemans were far from the most lavish.

"I now understand why so many people go hungry," Westley remarked.

A team of chefs serving just one family seemed the height of luxury!

His comment might have been ill-timed, but it was a genuine reflection of his thoughts.

Sayeed and Reeve shifted uncomfortably at his words.

Sayeed offered an explanation, "I suppose my love for fine food is to blame."

Seeking to ease the tension, he shifted the conversation. "Shall we select a wine to drink?"

"No wine for me, let's just eat," Westley declined, gesturing with his hand.

Upon hearing this, Reeve quickly arranged for a bottle of Italian spring water to be brought to Westley.

This bottle of mountain spring water is valued at hundreds of dollars.

The three of them gathered around this table to dine.

Despite the abundance and tastiness of the food, Westley found it unappetizing.

He had a fondness for the modest street-side eateries. The food might not have been the cleanest, but it sure was delicious.

For a group of friends to share a meal and conversation, that was the essence of life—something the wealthy could never truly understand.

Midway through the meal, Rollen's voice rang out, "Grandpa! Dad! Why didn't you call me for dinner? I'm starving. Aunt Liu, please hurry and get my meal ready."

At the sound of his voice, Westley couldn't help but chuckle.

What a marvelous world!

Just when he was feeling bored, Rollen appeared.

Rollen took a seat across the table, looking somewhat downcast.

Reeve, noticing his lethargic demeanor, scowled and scolded, "That's no way to behave! We have an esteemed guest, and you should greet him properly!"

"Which esteemed guest?" Rollen asked, cleaning his glasses.

Having misplaced them earlier, his vision was blurry, and he couldn't see clearly.

Upon recognizing Westley, Rollen grew tense.

Once he put on his glasses and got a clear view of Westley, he nearly leaped out of his chair.

It was him!

"How could it be you?" Rollen seethed with anger.

His deep-seated animosity towards Westley wasn't something that could be dispelled with mere words.

"How's it going, Young Mr. Freeman?" Westley greeted Rollen with a smile, as composed as if he were in his own home.

"This is none of your business! Get out of the Freeman house now!" Rollen demanded, pointing at Westley.

Reeve was taken aback by this outburst.

Hadn't Westley just claimed they were friends? Why did Rollen react as if he had come face-to-face with his nemesis upon seeing Westley?

Sayeed's face darkened. He coughed sharply and spoke with gravity, "What are you blabbering about? You're bringing shame upon our family!"

"No, Grandpa, he's not a good man," Rollen hurried to explain.

"Rubbish!"

Sayeed's hand came down hard on the table with a resounding thud.

The force of the slap startled Rollen.

In his recollection, he couldn't remember a time when his grandfather had ever been so furious with him, especially since his grandfather was in Westley's corner.

Reeve sensed trouble brewing and quickly stood up, addressing Rollen, "Do you realize that Dr. Jimenez saved Elder Freeman's life?"

"Him?" Rollen was incredulous.

Westley, a man of no shame, appeared so unremarkable, disheveled, and even somewhat laughable. Could he really have saved his grandfather? What skills did he possess?

"Yes, him! Now, go and offer your apologies to Dr. Jimenez," Sayeed commanded with a severe tone.

"I refuse!" Rollen retorted without a second thought.

He was expected to apologize to his adversary? That was something he simply could not do.

"You're ignoring my words now?" Sayeed's face darkened, a clear sign he was teetering on the edge of rage.

"No, Grandfather, I might apologize if it were anyone else. But there's bad blood between us, so I can't bring myself to apologize to him," Rollen declared with newfound bravery.

"The origins of your feud are irrelevant to me. I am commanding you to apologize to him now!" Sayeed enunciated each word with a chilling firmness in his gaze.

If he couldn't compel Rollen to heed his words, how would he handle future challenges? This was the most domineering aspect of his role as the family patriarch.

Rollen was visibly torn, seething with inner fury.

"Why?" he pondered.

"Why should I apologize when I'm the one who's been wronged? Am I, your grandson, valued less than an outsider?"

"Will you apologize or not?" Elder Freeman's eyes blazed with an icy sharpness.

Reeve was starting to feel the heat. Knowing his father well, he was aware that Elder Freeman was serious about disciplining his son. This was no laughing matter.

He urgently asserted, "Rollen, stop being obstinate. Apologize to Dr. Jimenez this instant. Otherwise, I'll ground you from traveling for a year and freeze all your bank accounts."

The severity of Reeve's sudden punishment caused Rollen to catch his breath, his pale face washing over with despair.

His father was intent on limiting his actions and cutting off his financial lifeline.

Both punishments would be executed simultaneously!

His father was well aware of his vulnerabilities.