The Firefighter Returns as a Quintillionaire King novel Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

The Vinda family was legendary in the city-old money, with connections that reached into every corner of business, politics, and society.

They owned hotels, restaurants, commercial real estate, and had their fingers in dozens of other enterprises. Even Baishui Group, for all Lisa’s pride, was nothing compared to the Vinda empire.

“That’s right,” Mia said cheerfully. “I’m Mia Vinda Richardson. The ‘Richardson’ is from my late husband, but the Vinda is all mine.” She turned back to Harold, her voice pleasant but firm. “Please escort these two out and make sure they understand they’re no longer welcome in any Vinda establishment. That includes our hotels, our clubs, and our restaurants. All fifteen of them.”

“Immediately, Miss Richardson.” Harold’s professional smile turned icy as he faced Lisa and Ben. “I’m afraid I must ask you both to leave the premises. You are no longer welcome here.”

“This is ridiculous!” Lisa’s voice was shrill now, her carefully maintained composure crumbling. “I’m a CEO! I have rights! You can’t just throw me out because some spoiled rich girl-”

“I absolutely can,” Mia interrupted, her voice sharp as a blade. “And if you don’t leave quietly, I can also have you escorted out by security. Would you prefer that? I’m sure your reputation as a CEO would just love the publicity of being physically removed from a restaurant.”

Lisa’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Her face cycled through several shades of red and white.

“This is absurd,” she finally managed. “All because I told the truth? Because I pointed out that Alex can’t afford to eat here?”

“No,” Mia said coldly. “It’s because you’re a cruel, arrogant hypocrite who treats people like garbage. You abandoned your husband in a burning building to save your lover, and now you have the audacity to insult him for having lunch with someone? You’re disgusting.”

“Ben is not my lover!” Lisa practically screamed,

“I honestly don’t care what he is.” Mia’s voice was dismissive. “Harold, please remove them. Now.”

Harold gestured to two large men in dark suits who had appeared near the entrance-security guards. “This way, please.”

“I can walk myself out!” Lisa snapped, her pride barely holding together. She grabbed her purse with shaking hands, her face burning with humiliation as every eye in the restaurant watched her public ejection.

Ben touched her arm. “Lisa, let’s just go. This isn’t worth it.”

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“Don’t touch me!” Lisa jerked away from him, then seemed to realize what she’d done. She softened slightly. “I mean… let’s just leave. Quickly.”

As they walked toward the exit, Lisa turned back one last time, her eyes blazing with hatred as she looked at Alex. “You’ll regret this, Alex. I promise you that.”

“No,” Alex said quietly, “I don’t think I will.”

The doors closed behind Lisa and Ben, and for a moment, the restaurant remained silent. Then, gradually, conversation resumed, though Alex could feel curious glances being thrown their way.

Harold turned to Alex and Mia with an apologetic smile. “Miss Richardson, I’m terribly sorry you had to experience such unpleasantness in our establishment. Please, allow me to comp your entire meal and provide you with our finest wine selection.”

“That’s very kind, Harold. Thank you.”

“And sir,” Harold addressed Alex with genuine warmth, “any man who Miss Richardson calls a hero is a hero indeed. It’s an honor to serve you!”

After Harold left to attend to other diners, Alex turned to Mia with wide eyes. “The Vinda family? You’re Mia Vinda?”

“Technically Mia Vinda Richardson, but yes.” Mia picked up her menu again, though her hands trembled slightly-the confrontation had affected her more than she’d let on. “I don’t usually throw my family name around like that, but that woman… God, she made my blood boil.”

“I can’t believe you just did that,” Alex said, still processing what had happened. “You basically declared war on my wife.”

“Soon-to-be ex-wife,” Mia corrected. “And she started it. I just finished it.” She looked up from her menu, her eyes serious. “I meant what I said, Alex. You’re a good man. You saved my life. You didn’t know who I was, didn’t expect any reward, just did your job and risked your life to help a stranger. That’s worth more than all of Lisa’s assets combined.”

Alex was quiet for a moment, then let out a long breath. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. Just let me buy you lunch. A proper lunch, without any more interruptions.” Mia’s smile turned mischievous. Though I have to admit, the look on her face when Harold called me ‘Miss Richardson’ was absolutely priceless.”

Despite everything-the confrontation, the emotional turmoil, the public humiliation of his soon-to-be ex-wife-Alex found himself laughing. Really laughing, for the first time in what felt like years.

“Yeah,” he agreed, picking up his own menu. “That was pretty satisfying.”

As they ordered their food and the restaurant settled back into its normal rhythm, Alex

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couldn’t help but feel like maybe, just maybe, things were starting to turn around.

He’d lost his wife, his home, and his marriage: But he’d gained something else—a powerful ally, a new friend, and a reminder that not everyone in the world was like Lisa.

Some people actually valued loyalty, courage, and honor.

And for now, that was enough.

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