SOLVED. Book about 'new money' trying to fit in with 'old money' in New York. Spoilers below. [s]

[Ola]

I read this book about 16 years ago (2003/04). It's set in New York, there's some popular restaurant and only famous/ important people get seats except for a man who happens to know anyone that's worth knowing. He always gets the best table in the house.

There's a young lady from old money whose mother doesn't consider her very attractive but is trying to marry her off. Her mother has expenive chippendale furniture...

There's a new addition to town a loud-mouthed, vulgar unattractive man who despite his newly acquired wealth is constantly looked down on by the 'old money' people. When he starts to give advice / (loans, not really sure ) he gets accepted to the "old boys club".
Later on in the book, while renovating his apartment, one of the movers or handymen falls to his death.

There's a lady who hosts exclusive dinners at her home, and chooses a theme or topic for each dinner.

In the end, the new money guy ends up going to prison, the 'old money' guys avoid him and his wife leaves him after realising she doesn't want to fit in with the rich anymore

[Rosa]

People Like Us?

[Ola]

Thanks so much Rosa!!! This is it!!! Can't wait to read it again.

[Rosa]

Great, you're welcome! While I was searching for it on the Internet Archive ("Chippendale", "best table", "new money", "New York"), I found another book in a similar vein, Manhattan. I think I'll read it. Thanks for introducing me to these trash classics!

[Rosa]

I read Manhattan on the Internet Archive. And it was bad. Well, what did I expect?