Part 2
Dessert arrived five minutes later.
A young waitress named Maria placed Sophie’s chocolate cake on the table with trembling hands.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
Daniel looked at her.
“For what?”
Maria glanced toward Vanessa.
“For tonight.”
Before Daniel could answer, Vanessa’s voice sliced across the dining room.
“Maria!”
The waitress flinched.
Vanessa marched over.
“Did I tell you to serve dessert?”
“The order was already entered.”
“I told you we needed the table.”
Sophie stared at the manager.
Daniel’s jaw tightened.
Maria whispered, “They’ve paid. I thought—”
“That’s your problem. You think.”
Several diners turned.
Vanessa seemed to enjoy the attention.
Daniel asked quietly, “Do you speak to all your employees like that?”
Vanessa laughed.
“You’re still here?”
Maria’s face reddened.
Daniel looked at her. “How long have you worked here?”
“Four years.”
Vanessa snapped, “Don’t answer him.”
Daniel leaned back.
Interesting.
Four years meant Maria had worked under the previous manager, when Bellmont House had some of the highest customer-service ratings in the company.
“Why shouldn’t she answer?”
“Because this is my restaurant.”
Daniel almost smiled.
Vanessa leaned closer.
“And frankly, people like you come in, order the cheapest entrées, occupy tables for hours, then complain when we protect the atmosphere.”
Sophie’s eyes filled with embarrassment.
Daniel’s calm became colder.
“People like me?”
Vanessa realized she had gone too far, but arrogance carried her forward.
“You know exactly what I mean.”
Then she pulled out her phone.
“Security? I need assistance removing a customer.”
Maria went pale.
“Ms. Cole, please—”
“You’re finished for tonight,” Vanessa said. “Go clock out.”
Maria stared at her. “You’re firing me?”
“I’m considering it.”
Daniel interrupted.
“No, you aren’t.”
Vanessa turned slowly.
“Excuse me?”
Daniel’s phone vibrated.
A message appeared.
Lobby. Corporate counsel and regional director present.
Daniel slipped the phone away.
Vanessa crossed her arms.
“You have exactly two minutes before security escorts you outside.”
Daniel nodded.
“Then two minutes should be enough.”
He stood.
At six foot two, he suddenly seemed very different from the tired customer Vanessa had dismissed.
“Maria,” he said, “when did she start forcing staff to remove customers based on appearance?”
Maria froze.
Vanessa’s confidence cracked.
“Don’t answer.”
Daniel continued.
“Were employees ordered to exaggerate wait times for customers she considered ‘low value’?”
Maria stared at him.
“How did you know that?”
Vanessa stepped forward.
“That is confidential business information.”
Daniel’s eyes met hers.
“Yes.”
The single word landed strangely.
Vanessa frowned.
Daniel continued.
“Were servers also told to transfer large-spending guests into Vanessa’s preferred section so she could manipulate performance bonuses?”
Maria whispered, “Yes.”
Vanessa’s face drained.
“How do you know about the bonuses?”
Daniel looked toward the entrance.
A woman in a gray suit and a man carrying a leather folder had just walked inside.
Vanessa recognized the man first.
“Mr. Harris?”
Regional director Paul Harris didn’t smile.
“Good evening, Vanessa.” Behind him stood corporate attorney Rachel Lin. Vanessa looked from them to Daniel. Confusion became fear. Paul approached the table. “Mr. Mercer,” he said, “we brought everything you requested.” The restaurant became silent. Vanessa’s lips parted. “Mr… Mercer?” Daniel turned toward her. “My full name is Daniel Mercer.” Maria covered her mouth. Vanessa whispered, “The owner?” Daniel’s voice remained quiet. “Now we understand each other.”
CONTINUE READ NEXT PART… 👇
Pages: 1 2
