Though I was the one treating them, once we arrived, I didn't even get a glimpse of the menu before the waitress started bringing out the food.

Before I could say a word, Caleb said with a smile, "Tony, look how thoughtful Ms. Wagner is. She was worried about everyone going overboard, so she went ahead and pre-ordered for us."

Michelle picked up the thread smoothly. "I'm a regular here. Everything is budget-friendly."

Budget-friendly?

I watched as platters of lobster, abalone, and crab were paraded onto the table. This spread alone had to cost thousands of dollars. My mouth couldn't help but twitch.

Then, Caleb took it upon himself to wave over a waitress. "Excuse me, bring us a few bottles of wine. It's Thanksgiving! We've got to celebrate!"

He didn't forget to emphasize, "The more expensive, the better. Money is no object today!"

In light of his grand display, a stranger would've thought he was the one picking up the tab.

Even though this meal was on me, I didn't stop him.

After placing the order, Caleb finally seemed to remember I was there.

He gave me a sheepish grin. "Tony, a generous man like you won't mind, right?"

I shot him a meaningful smile. "Of course not. In fact, I should thank you for being so considerate. You really are a good friend."

Caleb, naturally, missed the sarcasm entirely. "It's the least I could do."

I even followed up with a generous prompt. "Is this enough food? If not, everyone should order more. Don't be shy!"

Stunned by my sudden magnanimity, Michelle and Caleb traded a look of pure disbelief.

"It's enough, really."

"Tony, since when did you get so generous?"

I just laughed it off. "The money came from the company anyway. It's only right that I use it to treat everyone."

The waitress arrived with the wine.

I immediately had her pour overflowing glasses for Caleb and Michelle first. For myself, I filled my glass with juice.

I stood up. "Everyone, I'd like to thank my friend Caleb and Ms. Wagner for their support. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to host tonight. Let's raise a glass to them."

When Caleb noticed my glass of juice, he was clearly annoyed.

"Tony, you poured wine for Ms. Wagner and me, but you're sticking to juice? Are you trying to disrespect Ms. Wagner?"

I fixed him with a dark stare. "I'm the one paying. Since when do you call the shots?"

Caleb shut his mouth and sulked. Michelle gave him a pointed look. "Tony has a point. Let's have some juice to line our stomachs first."

I managed to dodge that bullet for a moment, but it wasn't long before Caleb, Michelle, and the rest of the staff started pressing me to drink.

Once they saw I was sufficiently buzzed, Caleb and Michelle dragged me toward the counter to settle the bill.

"Hello, sir. Your total comes to 107 thousand dollars."

"Why is it so expensive?" I complained instinctively.

Caleb chuckled. "Expensive? Not at all! Sure, you spent a little pocket change, but you've earned the gratitude of your colleagues, the appreciation of Ms. Wagner, and my personal respect. It's a win-win-win!"

As he spoke, he thoughtfully reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. "Come on, Tony. Pay the bill."

Just then, Michelle seemed to remember something. "Tony, didn't you say a friend was coming? Where—"

Before she could finish, a burly, familiar figure appeared at the entrance of the restaurant.

I smiled. "He's here."

Upon seeing this familiar newcomer, Michelle and Caleb exchanged a look of utter disbelief. The panic in their eyes was obvious.