"Hey, Jay, we're friends, right?"
Cobblepot rubbed his hands somewhat awkwardly. "Could you give poor Cobblepot a hint about those two guests today? Who exactly are they..."
"Well, how should I put this..." Li Jie considered for a moment. "I can't reveal their real identities. All I can tell you is that they have deep connections with the upper levels and... overseas."
"Oh?" Cobblepot's eyes visibly lit up. Seeing straight through him, Li Jie shook his head. "No, Oz, not financial connections. It's... you know... that kind!"
Watching Cobblepot's thoughtful expression turn to sudden understanding, he gave his shoulder a firm pat in confirmation.
As for how high those upper levels went, or how far overseas meant, that was for Cobblepot to figure out. The more he figured out, the quieter he would get.
As night fell, a snowy white linen tablecloth covered the long dining table, and silver cutlery gleamed softly beneath the crystal chandelier. Waiters moved silently back and forth, serving one exquisitely prepared dish after another.
Perfectly seared Kobe steak, blini wrapped around caviar, lobster drizzled with black truffle sauce...
The three young women-Brittany, Megan, and Jessica-used the elaborate array of cutlery before them with near-trembling caution. Every faint clink of a knife or fork against a plate made their hearts jump. Their gazes kept drifting toward the head of the table, where Kara was taking small bites of an exquisite dessert, with Li Jie and Clark seated on either side of her.
Cobblepot even came over personally to ask whether the food was to their liking. His solicitous manner left the three girls too frightened to raise their heads.
"Are you satisfied with tonight's meal?" Cobblepot bowed slightly, wearing an impeccably respectful smile.
Kara instinctively wanted to look at Li Jie again, but forced herself not