The entire restaurant fell silent. I watched the manager's face drain of color as he stared at the diamond membership card in his trembling hands.
"Is that..." he whispered.
"A diamond membership card," I confirmed.
The manager's eyes widened. He looked up at me, then back at the card, then at me again.
"Sir, I need to verify this immediately." His voice was shaking. "Please wait one moment."
He pulled out his phone with fumbling fingers and dialed a number. The entire restaurant watched in complete silence.
"Mr. Thorne? This is Leo Kent at the restaurant. I have someone here with a diamond membership card." He paused, listening. "Yes, sir. Black card with diamond edges. The name appears to be... Ethan Hayes."
My name echoed through the silent dining room. Everyone was staring at me now, but their expressions had changed from mockery to uncertainty.
"Yes, sir. I understand. Right away, sir."
Leo hung up and stared at me with something approaching terror.
