The next day, Helena decided to reward Vanessa for her bravery by taking her out to eat at Food cave one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. It was a place of opulence and grandeur, with towering columns of marble and crystal chandeliers that sparkled like a thousand stars. The air was filled with the soft hum of classical music, and the atmosphere was one of refined elegance.
The restaurant was a masterpiece in itself, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. The tables were draped in fine linen, set with gleaming silverware, and adorned with fresh flowers in delicate crystal vases. The soft lighting created an intimate, luxurious ambiance, and every detail spoke of wealth and exclusivity.
As they were seated, a waiter in a perfectly tailored suit handed them menus, which were more like works of art than simple lists of food. The dishes were described in exquisite detail, each one more tempting than the last. Helena smiled at her daughter as they perused the offerings.
You deserve this, Vanessa, Helena said, her eyes glinting with pride. Let's order whatever we want. Today is about celebrating you.
Vanessa grinned as she scanned the menu, her eyes landing on the most expensive items. I think I'll start with the caviar, she said, her voice tinged with excitement. "And maybe the lobster bisque after that.
Helena nodded approvingly. Excellent choice. I'll have the foie gras to start, followed by the filet mignon.
The waiter returned, and Helena placed their order with an air of sophistication, not once glancing at the prices. Vanessa's eyes sparkled with delight as she took in the luxurious surroundings, feeling every bit the pampered heiress, she believed herself to be.
The first course arrived—an elegant presentation of caviar served on a bed of crushed ice, accompanied by blinis, crème fraiche, and finely chopped egg. The rich, briny taste of the caviar was a decadent indulgence, and Vanessa savored every bite.
Next came the lobster bisque, served in a delicate porcelain bowl with a swirl of cream and a hint of cognac. The soup was rich and velvety, with the sweet, tender lobster meat adding a perfect balance of flavor. Helena's foie gras was equally indulgent, seared to perfection and served with a tangy fig compote that complemented the dish's richness.
For the main course, Vanessa's eyes widened in anticipation as the waiter placed the grilled lobster tail in front of her, the meat tender and succulent, dressed in a buttery garlic sauce that made her mouth water. Helena's filet mignon was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, the meat tender and juicy, served with a side of truffle mashed potatoes and a rich red wine reduction.
As they ate, Helena and Vanessa chatted about Rick and the future, their conversation punctuated by laughter and the occasional toast with their glasses of champagne. It was a day of pure indulgence, a celebration of Vanessa's "victory" over Nora, and a reminder of the life of luxury she had grown accustomed to.
By the time they finished their meal, both women were thoroughly satisfied, not just by the food but by the sense of power and privilege that came with it. As they left the restaurant, Vanessa felt on top of the world, her earlier anger at Nora completely forgotten in the glow of her triumph.