“The successful partnerships were not always the most profitable in the first year.”
Kenji paused.
“They were the ones built on accurate information and mutual respect.”
Richard leaned forward.
“Are you suggesting I've misled you?”
Kenji's expression remained calm.
“I am saying that we need to verify what you've told us.”
Richard laughed bitterly.
“Because of something a waitress said?”
Aiko's eyes hardened.
“No.”
She placed the folder on the table.
“Because of what the documents say.”
Then she added, “And because of what your behavior has revealed about your judgment.”
Richard's temper finally broke.
He pushed his chair backward.
“This is absurd!”
Several diners looked over.
He lowered his voice only slightly.
“We're discussing a nine-figure investment, and you're letting some girl in a restaurant influence your decision?”
Kenji's expression changed.
It was no longer merely disappointed.
It was cold.
“Richard.”
“What?”
“Do not speak about her that way again.”
Richard froze.
Kenji continued.
“Her knowledge did not create the problems in your proposal.”
He tapped the folder.
“It helped us recognize questions we should have asked earlier.”
Richard opened his mouth.
Kenji raised one hand.
“I have not finished.”
The millionaire fell silent.
Kenji looked at him steadily.
“When my father founded our company, he worked in a small repair shop.”
Richard blinked.
Kenji continued.
“He repaired electrical equipment for local businesses. His hands were often covered in grease.”
Aiko listened quietly.
“Some customers treated him with respect. Others treated him as though he were invisible.”
Kenji looked toward the service station.
“My father remembered every person who showed him kindness.”
He paused.
“And every person who treated him as less than human.”
Richard looked uncomfortable.
Kenji continued.
“When his business grew, he made one rule for our family.”
Aiko spoke softly.
“Never judge a person's worth by the work they perform.”
Kenji nodded.
“Exactly.”
He looked directly at Richard.
“You have shown me how you treat someone when you believe they have no power over you.”
Richard swallowed.
“And that concerns me more than any presentation you have given.”
Richard sat down slowly.
He looked suddenly older.
For years, he had been surrounded by people who laughed at his jokes, agreed with his opinions, and tolerated his temper.
Employees feared losing their jobs.
Business associates wanted his money.
Strangers admired his wealth.
He had mistaken their compliance for respect.
And now, for the first time in years, someone with equal financial power was refusing to indulge him.
He glanced toward the kitchen.
“Fine,” he muttered.
“I'll apologize.”
Aiko watched him.
Richard looked irritated.
“What else do you want?”
Kenji answered.
“An apology is meaningful only when you understand why it is necessary.”
Richard exhaled sharply.
“I'm sorry I offended her.”
Kenji said nothing.
Richard looked around.
“Is that good enough?”
Aiko shook her head.
“You're apologizing to us.”
Richard frowned.
“She's not here.”
“Then wait until she returns.”
Richard looked at his watch.
He had never imagined spending an expensive business dinner waiting to apologize to a waitress.
But the alternative was losing a deal that could determine the future of his company.
So he waited.
When Naomi returned to the dining room, she expected the guests at table twelve to have finished their meal.
Instead, Richard was sitting stiffly in his chair.
Aiko stood as Naomi approached.
“Miss Carter.”
Naomi stopped.
“Yes, ma'am?”
“Would you have a moment?”
Naomi glanced toward Daniel.
He nodded.
She approached the table.
Richard cleared his throat.
“Listen.”
Naomi looked at him.
He struggled with the next words.
“I may have been a little inappropriate earlier.”
Aiko's expression remained neutral.
Naomi said nothing.
Richard continued.
“I was joking around. Things got out of hand.”
He paused.
“So, I'm sorry if you were offended.”
Naomi studied him.
Then she spoke quietly.
“May I ask you something?”
Richard sighed.
“What?”
“Are you sorry for what you said, or sorry that other people heard it?”
The question struck him harder than he expected.
His face reddened.
“I just apologized.”
Naomi nodded.
“Yes, sir.”
“Then what more do you want?”
She answered simply.
“Nothing.”
Richard stared at her.
Naomi continued.
“I don't need you to like me. I don't need you to admire me. And I don't need your money.”
Her voice softened.
“I only hope that the next time someone serves your dinner, cleans your office, or carries your luggage, you'll remember that you don't know their whole story.”
Richard looked away.
Naomi added, “That's all.”
Kenji watched her thoughtfully.
Then he stood.
“Miss Carter, would you be willing to speak with my daughter privately before you leave tonight?”
Naomi looked surprised.
“About what?”
Aiko smiled.
“A professional opportunity.”
Richard's head snapped up.