They knew this restaurant was just one of many in a chain owned by a cateringpany, which ran multiple higher end restaurants. Thispany, in turn, was backed by none other than the Lancaster Group.


    Not just anyone could clear the ce at a whim!


    The mute girl wanted to speak, but not a sound came out. Instead, she looked at Miranda with a mix of fear and pleading, pointing at her mouth.


    Miranda simply said, "When you learn to speak properly, it''lle back."


    With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.


    Keith tried to follow her, shouting at Miranda''s retreating back, "Don''t freaking think you''re all that just because you''ve got rich friends! Everyone knows what you really are! You...ugh!"


    Keith''s throat was suddenly gripped tight; he could barely breathe, and his toes were just touching the ground.


    He stared at the man in front of him, eyes wide with terror, but he couldn''t get out more than a frightened syble.


    The others stepped back in fear, too scared to make a sound.


    Elian held Keith by the throat with one hand, his muscles straining strikingly under the ck fabric of his shirt.


    Elian''s gaze was icy, his head tilted slightly with a touch of defiance. "Care to repeat that?"


    Elian was in a foul mood. He had expected to y the hero, showing off a bit. But now, he felt like the roles had switched, and he was the one needing rescuing from Miranda.


    Being ignored by Miranda only made him feel worse.


    Keith just happened to be in the wrong ce at the wrong time, and Elian took his frustration out on him. With a flick of his wrist, Elian tossed the grown man to the ground like he weighed nothing.


    Keith clutched his throat, unable to make a sound, looking up at Elian in sheer terror. In that moment, he had genuinely felt the shadow of death looming.


    Elian took a step back, and his assistant immediately handed him a handkerchief. He wiped his hands and then tossed the handkerchief onto Keith''s face before striding after Miranda.


    After they left, the manager began to clear the ce out.


    "Sorry, folks, we need to ask you to leave. The restaurant''s been booked tonight." The group looked disgruntled and had no choice but to leave quietly.


    As Miranda stepped outside, Elian caught up with her.


    "I''m sorry tonight''s dinner wasn''t as pleasant as nned, Ms. Hawk."


    Miranda replied calmly, "I should apologize. They came because of me."


    Elian''s lips curled up slightly. "Can I give you a ride home?"


    Miranda had already gged down a taxi. "No need."


    Seeing that she''d already gotten a cab, Elian didn''t press further.


    As she opened the door, she nced back at Elian, her gaze lingering on the hand he''d used to handle Keith.


    She gave him apliment. "Nice strength."


    With that, she got in the cab and shut the door.


    Elian slipped his hands into his pockets, watching the taxi drive off with a thoughtful smile.


    Miranda sat in the back seat, watching Elian shrink to a dot in the rearview mirror.


    No ordinary person could muster such strength and speed. Elian had definitely undergone some serious training.


    She knew the human body well enough to understand that unless he was gically gifted, he wouldn''t naturally been so powerful, either for physical state or for core explosive strength.


    And judging by the calluses on his hand, that spot suggested...