Ultimate Cash System
Chapter 161: American Food.

Chapter 161: American Food.

Lukas leaned back on the plush sofa of his suite in the Four Seasons Philadelphia. The city lights outside flickered faintly through the large windows. The people’s hype had calmed more than before, but he was still famous in Philadelphia. The silence of the room gave him a little peace after everything.

He stared at the ceiling for a while, then grabbed his phone.

First, he called his father.

Ring-Ring

The call connected quickly.

"Luke? Are you okay?" Ronald’s familiar voice came through with a warmth only a father could have.

"Yeah, Dad. I’m good. At the hotel. I went to Japan for a vacation and am now back in Philadelphia. The flight was smooth. The crowd was crazy today when I went outside, but everything went well."

Ronald sighed with relief. "Good. You’ve made some fans, huh? Your mom watched the last match on TV. Smiled the whole time."

Lukas’s tone shifted slightly, softer now. "How is she? Any change?"

There was a pause. Then Ronald said, "No change, but she’s stable. Same as before. The doctors say we just have to be patient."

Lukas exhaled slowly. "Alright... I’ll come back in a week, once the business here is settled. We’ll be home."

"Don’t rush, Luke. Do what you have to. Your mom would want you to do your best. She’s proud of you."

"Thanks, Dad. Take care of her. I’ll call tomorrow."

"I always do. Love you, son."

"Love you too."

He ended the call and sat quietly for a moment. His father never said things like that, which felt a little strange but also comforting.

After sitting in silence for a while, Lukas stood up and walked to the hotel room’s menu set on the table. He flipped through the pages with one hand and eventually ordered a full-course American dinner. It had been a long time since he enjoyed his country’s food properly, not the rushed meals between games or travel, but something rich and well-made.

An hour later, the knock came, and he opened the door to find a server wheeling in a silver-covered tray. They set the meal on the table and left quietly.

Lukas lifted the cover, revealing a perfectly grilled steak with buttery mashed potatoes, garlic-roasted asparagus, a bowl of creamy lobster bisque, and a small basket of warm dinner rolls. There was even a slice of key lime pie resting neatly on a porcelain plate.

He sat down and took the first bite of the steak. The tender meat melted in his mouth, seasoned just the way he liked. The flavor hit him hard. He had missed this. The exact kind of simple but perfect meal he could never get overseas. Every chew brought back a flood of memories—American diners, game-day meals, lazy Sunday lunches. It wasn’t just food. It was a piece of home.

He didn’t rush. He took his time, slicing each bite carefully, chewing slowly, and letting the taste linger. The mashed potatoes were creamy with a buttery richness he hadn’t realized he craved. The asparagus had that crispy edge and a garlic flavor that balanced the meat so well. The soup warmed him up from the inside, and the rolls were still warm to the touch.

When he finally reached for the pie, he almost smiled. The tartness of the lime, the smooth custard, and the crumbly crust combined in a way that made him pause and close his eyes for a second.

Lukas leaned back again, full and satisfied. The weight in his chest felt a little lighter. This meal, in its own quiet way, reminded him why coming back home still mattered.

Lukas took out his phone again, this time dialing Annie.

Ring-ring.

"Hello?" Annie’s voice was cheerful and filled with background chatter and music.

"Hey, Annie. Are you free to talk for a sec?"

"Of course, we’re just trying on shoes. Bella’s on her third pair and still can’t decide. I think the shop assistant’s sweating."

Lukas chuckled. "Sounds like fun. How are you two holding up?"

"Honestly? It’s weird. But a good weird. Bella’s trying. I’m trying. We actually joked about your horrible taste in clothes a few minutes ago."

"Wow, bullying the provider now? That’s cold."

"Oh please, you’re too soft to be mad about that," Annie teased.

Lukas smiled. Just hearing her laugh made the day better.

"Did you eat something?" Annie asked suddenly, her voice shifting just slightly to concern.

"Yeah, had a proper American dinner. Steak, mashed potatoes, the works."

"Good. You sounded tired last night. Did you sleep well?"

"I did, actually. First time in a while. I think the food helped."

"See? I told you. You just needed real food and less drama."

There was a pause. Lukas hesitated.

"You girls need anything else while you’re out? Money? Driver? New private island?"

Annie laughed. "We’re fine. Bella wants a matching bag now, though. Just send more credit."

"Of course. Only the best for my queens."

There was a quiet moment, then Annie softly said, "Thank you, Lukas. For today. For being honest. For... this weird little thing we’re doing."

"I should be the one thanking you, Annie. You didn’t have to accept anything. But you did."

"Well, I accepted Bella. Not another woman, just saying."

"Crystal clear. I already gave up my harem dreams."

Annie chuckled. "Good. Because next time I see you, you’re carrying all the bags."

"Deal. I need the gym anyway."

"Alright, I’m hanging up now. Bella wants to know if she can buy heels higher than her GPA."

"Tell her I said yes, if she promises not to trip."

Annie laughed again. "Bye, Lukas."

"Bye, Annie."

Lukas leaned back on the sofa again, sipping water slowly, when he suddenly heard the elevator’s chime.

Ding.

His brows furrowed. He wasn’t expecting anyone.

A few seconds later, the door to his suite burst open. Jay and Roy entered first, each man weighed down with designer shopping bags hanging from both arms.

"Yo, Boss," Jay grinned, setting down a few bags by the door. "Hope you missed us."