Chapter 103: Chapter 103

Nothing was wrong with the service.

Frustrated, Casper asked, “What about the server?”

The specially-hired server in charge of their room stepped forward. “It’s me.”

Casper asked, “Were you the only one serving this room?”

“Yes, I served every dish myself.”

Casper fell into thoughtful silence before he addressed Russell. “Pull the surveillance tapes covering the kitchen and this room. I want to confirm his claims.”

Soon enough, Russell appeared with the footage he requested. He’s telling the truth.

The server pushed the food cart himself to the room.

Something niggled at Casper’s mind.

“Sir, did you bump into our server when you exited the room? Did you notice anything amiss about our server then?”

Casper directed his question to the customer who had complained last.

Will’s gaze turned to him as well. His name was Zachary Bush, and he had joined them on their Horington trip upon the invitation of one of Will’s friends.

No one in the group was particularly close to him.

Fear flashed across Zachary’s face. “What’s that got to do with me? I just went to the washroom. I didn’t expect to meet the server.”

Casper gestured for Will to take a look at the surveillance footage. “Sir, the distance between the surveillance camera outside your room and the next closest surveillance point is less than a minute’s walk. Yet, five minutes passed before the server appeared on the camera outside your room. That’s four extra minutes that are unexplained.”

A solemn expression appeared on Will’s face as Casper turned his attention to the server. “Why did you take so long to walk that distance?”

Flinching, the server’s gaze darted around.

Casper sneered and said, “Since you’re not willing to explain yourself, I can only involve the cops. I’ll tell them to treat this as a theft and murder investigation.”

“N-no! I didn’t know he was allergic to mutton. Someone from their room told me that his friend likes a particular seasoning on his food. He wanted to add it himself, so I let him do it before we entered the room. H-he also bribed me with three thousand, and I caved. When I heard that someone ended up in the hospital, I didn’t dare to say anything since I had accepted his bribe.”

The server pulled the incriminating money out of his pockets.

Upon closer scrutiny, Casper noticed a powdery substance on each of the dishes.

He used a clean tissue to collect some of the powder.

Passing it to Russell, he ordered, “Get this analyzed. I want to know what’s in this powder.”

Will, on the other hand, looked extremely embarrassed. He had been so sure that the fault lay squarely with the restaurant.

He could never have imagined that the culprit was one of their own.

Will’s heart chilled when he realized how they had kept a wolf among themselves.

“Who brought him here?” Will barked.

One of his friends stepped forward and pleaded, “Will, I don’t know what he’s thinking. I never thought he would do something to harm Mr. Jameson. It’s my fault for bringing him along, Will. Please forgive me.”

Scoffing, Will replied, “You should be begging for Lucas’ mercy.”

Turning to Casper, Will said, “I realize that most of the blame lies with us. However, your restaurant had also committed a mistake.”

Casper did not seem angry at all as he answered smoothly, “You’re right; we’re at fault as well. We will respect your decisions regarding this matter. Please trust that we will cover his medical bills as promised, and I hope that you will be able to forgive our oversight.”

It was evident to Casper that these men were influential figures. It’s not wise to become their enemies.

Will scoffed, though his respect for Casper had grown significantly.

This restaurant’s pretty organized. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to fish out the culprit so quickly.

His respect for Casper did not diminish the fact that he needed to find some scapegoats to face the eventual wrath of the Jameson family.

Will reported the matter to the police while Casper stewed in disappointment.

The police arrived quickly and left with the server as well as Zachary.

Casper accompanied Will and his friends to the hospital. Lucas appeared to be in a much better state after being treated for his allergies.

Traces of a rash were still present on his pale skin. As he lay on his bed, Lucas lifted his gaze lazily at the sight of visitors. “Here to visit me?”

Will nodded and sat beside Lucas. Patiently, he explained their findings at the restaurant.

Lucas’ throat felt scratchy thanks to his allergies. He forced himself to meet Casper’s gaze and smile.

“The boss of this restaurant’s pretty interesting, huh.”

Casper frowned slightly at his words. He’s describing me like some lady.

He kept his thoughts to himself as he replied, “Today’s incident was an oversight by our restaurant. We will compensate you adequately as an apology.”

Lucas’ gaze swept across Casper as he joked, “I guess your restaurant’s pretty broke from making compensations then, judging by your attire.”

Casper almost choked on his saliva at Lucas’ humor.

“I won’t pursue this matter further.” Lucas coughed before continuing, “When I’m back in Juranta, I’ll inform my family about this incident.”

“Ok,” Will replied.

Lucas implied that he would not make things difficult for the restaurant in the future.

After some more idle chitchat, Lucas commented, “I’m tired. I’m going to get some rest.”

Casper and Will left his ward. Will turned to address him, “You’re lucky that Lucas decided to let you off the hook. Don’t skip out on the medical bills.”

“I fully expected it. This incident could’ve happened in any other restaurant as well. After all, you’ve allowed someone carrying mutton powder to hang around with your group for such a long time; it must have been premeditated.”

Will looked at Casper wordlessly.

He’s right; I can’t blame their restaurant for this.

Casper returned to the university after that.