World Domination Begins With Getting a System in a Modern World-Chapter 137: The Luncheon

A couple of minutes later, James and Leslie arrived back at the mansion.

The drive from Rodeo Drive had been quiet — not from awkwardness, but from the lingering intensity of what happened earlier.

The Lexus LS500 purred softly as it rolled to a gentle stop in the driveway. James stepped out first, grabbing half the shopping bags from the trunk, while Leslie reached for the rest.

Between them, they carried a small fortune in clothing — perfectly curated outfits for both the luncheon and the formal dinner event that followed later tonight.

They stepped into the cool interior of the mansion, greeted immediately by the welcoming aroma of citrus cleaner and faint lavender candles burning near the foyer.

Patty was seated in the living area, a magazine open in her lap and a steaming cup of tea on the side table. She looked up and smiled warmly when she saw them enter.

"Back already?" she asked with a playful glance at the bags in their hands.

"Not exactly ’already,’ Patty. We spent a while out there." James smiled.

"Looks like you raided half of Beverly Hills," she teased.

Leslie grinned and leaned in to whisper, "It was a style emergency."

With a brief exchange of smiles, they made their way up the grand staircase, to James’ room.

Once inside James’ room, the two of them dropped the shopping bags carefully on the couch and the bed. James turned toward Leslie, brushing a hand lightly down her arm.

"Thanks for today. You really helped," he said sincerely.

Leslie smiled up at him, brushing a soft kiss to his cheek.

"I’ll leave you to get ready. I want to see how it all comes together."

She slipped out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar behind her.

James immediately walked into the bathroom to take a shower. Even though there’s still a lot of time as there’s still more than thirty minutes before the luncheon starts, he wants to get ready and leave for it immediately.

This was his first real appearance as a member of Bel-Air Country Club, and he intended to do more than just show up.

Aftertaking his shower, drying himself up and grooming himself, James began dressing.

He slipped on the crisp white button-down first, the fine cotton hugging his frame. Then came the cream-colored chinos — sharp creases down the legs, tailored to his proportions. He buttoned up the lightweight navy blazer, letting it rest comfortably over his shoulders.

Next came the accessories: a brown leather belt, matching suede brogues, tortoiseshell sunglasses placed gently in the breast pocket, and finally, his Patek Philippe watch. The white gold glinted faintly under the warm lighting of the room.

As a finishing touch, he reached for the cologne Leslie had picked out for him — Roja Parfums’ Elysium.

A single spritz across his collarbones, and the scent wafted upward — fresh citrus top notes that quickly gave way to smooth vetiver, cedarwood, and a subtle scent of ambergris. It was expensive, complex, and quietly masculine.

James checked himself in the mirror one last time. Sharp. Clean. And impressive. He nodded once, satisfied, then picked up his phone and the key fob to the Maybach, and left his room.

Descending the stairs, he heard the faint shuffle of movement in the living area. As he came into view, both Patty and Leslie looked up simultaneously.

Their reactions were instant.

Patty’s eyes widened with pride.

"Well, would you look at that," she said. "You look like you stepped right out of a luxury magazine."

"Thanks, Patty." James chuckled.

Then Leslie stood, her eyes taking him in from head to toe with obvious satisfaction. "

"See? I told you navy was the move," she said, her voice laced with both approval and playful smugness.

"You look incredible."

James smiled, walked over, gave Patty a soft peck on the cheek, and pulled Leslie into a brief, but warm hug.

"Thank you, both. I’ll see you after the event."

And with that, he headed out to the garage.

The Maybach S580 sat in the garage and James stepped in, started the engine, and the car responded with a low, purring growl.

He drove out of the garage and out of the driving, making his way to the country club.

***

A few minutes later, he arrived at the gates of the Bel-Air Country Club.

The guard on duty recognized him immediately.

"Mr. Zolomon," he greeted with a nod, his tone polite and respectful, which accompanied the recognition of his identity.

James rolled down the window slightly.

"I’m here for the luncheon. Chef’s Table."

"Veranda Dining," the guard replied. "Drive past the clubhouse, take the right turn by the reflecting pool, and you’ll see the sign on the stone path. Reserved guest parking’s on your left."

"Thank you," James nodded and rolled up the window as the gate slid open silently.

He drove in, passing the main clubhouse — a sprawling Mediterranean-style building nestled in a garden of olive trees, blooming roses, and sculpted hedges.

To his right, a long stone pool shimmered under the sun, its surface broken by a series of slow-bubbling fountains.

The path curved gently, revealing a quieter section of the estate: the Veranda Dining area.

James pulled up to a small roundabout surrounded by marble benches and vine-wrapped trellises.

A valet in a grey uniform with white gloves stepped forward immediately.

James stepped out, handed over the key fob, and turned slowly, taking in the space.

Ahead of him stood the Veranda Dining Pavilion — open on three sides, with tall cream-colored pillars holding up a glass canopy. White curtains danced in the breeze, tied back with gold cords. freewebnoveℓ.com

Underneath the canopy were long dining tables draped in white linens, set with polished silverware, crystal glasses, and fresh floral arrangements in low glass bowls.

Servers moved quietly, refilling water glasses and setting down folded menus.

Even though it was still early, James saw wmall groups of people were already gathering, dressed in quiet elegance — linen suits, pastel dresses, designer loafers and heels, expensive watches, silk scarves.

James stood there for a moment, let out a deep breath, adjusting his blazer and taking it all in.

He was still scanning the space and admiring it, when a voice behind him broke the silence.

"I heard that we have a new member. It must be you, right," the unfamiliar voice said, filled with coldness and disdain.