This move by Louis instantly caused dissatisfaction in Linda.

  She dug her nails into Louis's arm, glaring at him with simmering anger.

  A single visit to Waterside Sanctuary costs at least a small sum, starting from around one Dollar. For three people across from them, the money spent would be enough for her to buy another handbag.

  But Louis paid no heed. This was a matter of a man's pride, not about money.

  Besides, he wasn't short of those two or three Dollars now.

  "No need, uncle. We'll pay for ourselves."

  Before her mother could even begin to refuse, Grace interjected expressionlessly.

  Seeing this, the receptionist, who had picked up the membership card, set it back down again, looking somewhat confused.

  Louis looked at Grace and chuckled lightly, his tone casual. "It's fine, really. The minimum one-time top-up for a card here is 10 Dollars. If you don't come often, it's unnecessary."

  Grace had just mentioned it was their first time, clearly indicating they hadn't been here before.

  So Louis instinctively assumed the group was just here for a novel experience and was unlikely to become regular patrons at such a consumption level.

  Hearing this, Linda couldn't help but look even more smug, adding perfunctorily, "Louis is right. If you don't come often, there's really no need to waste that money."

  Aurelia secretly rolled her eyes. This Louis seemed superficially enthusiastic about a reunion with an old friend, but in reality, he was blatantly and subtly showing off his newfound wealth.

  Some habits never change; his vain nature was the same as before.

  In the past, his vanity was brazen; now, he preferred to show off inadvertently.

  Heaven is truly sightless to bestow wealth on such a man.

  Grace couldn't be bothered with further argument. She directly addressed the receptionist: "Go ahead with the membership card. I'll top up a hundred Dollars."

  That single sentence left everyone present dumbfounded.

  A hundred Dollars?

  Louis instinctively shifted his gaze between Grace and Audrey, his mouth hanging slightly open as he forgot to react for a long moment.

  Linda's eyes widened in shock.

  The sisters, Audrey and Aurelia, were also somewhat stunned. They knew Grace had earned money during her over a year in Aethelburg, but no one had asked exactly how much. Now, Grace casually mentioned a hundred Dollars, instantly shattering the sisters' previous assumptions about the upper limit.

  They had thought Grace probably earned at most a few dozen Dollars, but reality was clearly beyond that.

  The young receptionist snapped back to reality and hurriedly said, "Yes, ma'am. Please wait a moment."

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  She had been working the front desk at Waterside Sanctuary for a while now. Most clients topped up ten or twenty Dollars; even fifty was rare.

  Today was the first time she had seen a guest open a card with an initial top-up of $100.

  Grace filled out the membership card's identity information using her mother's details, so she could bring her aunt for spa and treatments frequently in the future.

  Once everything was settled, it was only when Audrey took the membership card that she finally processed what had happened. Just as she was about to say something, she heard her daughter suddenly address Louis: "Uncle, we'll go in first now. Goodbye."

  Only then did Audrey fully understand—her daughter was holding up her pride.

  She composed herself, offered Louis a composed smile, gave a slight nod, and turned to leave without uttering another word.

  Louis still hadn't recovered. It wasn't until Linda's voice piped up: "Louis, who is she? Is her family very wealthy? You've never mentioned her before."

  Louis pressed his lips together, his expression darkening slightly. A sudden, stifling sense of grievance clogged his chest.

  Over the years, he had fantasized countless times about suddenly bumping into Audrey one day—himself long since financially free, while she remained the same as before.

  Today, he thought that dream had come true. Internally thrilled and excited, he had pretended to be casual and dignified on the surface, playing the part of the successful man. He never expected that in the end, it was he who had been metaphorically slapped in the face by her effortless composure.

  He wanted to see envy and regret on Audrey's face.

  But he saw nothing. She was still just like before.

  "Someone who chased me over a decade ago. I disagree," Louis said, his pride twisting the facts.

  Linda didn't doubt him, only asking curiously, "Over a decade ago? But she has children, doesn't she?"

  Louis nodded. That was the part he found hardest to accept. Audrey had three children, while back then, he was single and unmarried. Yet, in the end, he failed to win over a single mother.

  Linda curled her lip. "That's ridiculous. She was already a mom and still had the nerve to chase you. No wonder you didn't agree."

  Louis didn't want to dwell on these memories. Though a long time had passed, thinking about it still stirred up feelings of resentment and defeat.

  "You go in first. I'll step outside for a smoke."

  In the private room, Grace selected the best products and essential oils. After changing into loose clothing, they lay down, eyes closed, enjoying the rare leisure and comfort.

  "Mom, who was that man earlier?" Grace asked curiously.

  Before Audrey could answer, Aurelia laughed, "Grace, you really don't remember? He chased your mom for over a year back in the day."

  Grace truly had no impression of this person. Perhaps she was too young then.

  Aurelia continued on her own, "He didn't have much money back then and liked to put on airs. When he chased your mom, he bought flowers and gifts, but your mom returned them all."

  "He also loved showing off in public, insisting on making a show when treating people to meals, even though he was practically broke. Your mom couldn't stand that about him the most."

  Finding it interesting, Grace asked further, "So did he make money in business later? He seems quite wealthy now."

  "Hmph..." Aurelia scoffed. "Him, in business? Later, their family's old neighborhood land was acquired for redevelopment. They got several thousand Dollars in compensation and over a dozen replacement apartments all at once."

  That was during Novastra's massive urban village renovation. Anyone with old property struck it rich.

  "Let's not talk about this. It's all ancient history," Audrey said softly.

  "Sis, I saw the way he looked at you just now—exactly the same as before. Do you think he still likes you?"

  "Grace is here. Stop talking nonsense."

  "Grace has grown up now. I'm sure many people are chasing her." Mentioning this, Aurelia suddenly realized her niece was already a sophomore and couldn't help asking, "Grace, are you seeing anyone?"

  "Just broke up," Grace stated bluntly, not hiding it.

  "Ah?" Audrey, who had been feeling drowsy from the relaxation, instantly woke up. "You were in a relationship?"

  Grace corrected once more, "Was in a relationship. Currently single."

  "With whom? A classmate?" Audrey pressed.

  Grace sighed in amusement. "Mom, it's in the past. Why the interrogation? If you tell me all about that uncle from earlier, then maybe I'll give you some details about my ex-boyfriend."

  "You wicked girl," Audrey sighed and obediently fell silent.