Eleanor looked surprised.
"Would you really do that?"
"Absolutely. If we can, I'd be happy to."
For the first time that evening, Eleanor's expression became noticeably brighter.
"That would mean a great deal to me."
Daniel returned to the kitchen and spoke with the chef.
Fortunately, the restaurant still had access to an old recipe book. The roasted chicken preparation had changed slightly over the years, but the chef agreed to prepare a version closer to the original.
Daniel also asked whether the kitchen could prepare a smaller portion of soup.
Everything seemed perfectly ordinary.
Until Victoria noticed him.
"What are you doing?" she demanded.
Daniel turned around.
"I'm checking whether we can prepare the original roasted chicken recipe for table twelve."
Victoria frowned.
"Why?"
"The customer used to come here with her husband. She said it was his favorite dish."
Victoria glanced toward the dining room.
"And?"
"I thought it would be a nice gesture."
Victoria shook her head.
"Daniel, this is a restaurant, not a charity organization. We don't waste kitchen time preparing special meals because someone tells us a sentimental story."
Daniel remained polite.
"I understand. The chef said it wouldn't be a problem."
"Then stop discussing it and get back to work."
Daniel nodded.
"Yes, ma'am."
He returned to the dining room.
Victoria watched him leave, clearly irritated.
She believed employees should never go beyond their assigned responsibilities.
To her, kindness was acceptable only when it did not interfere with business.
Chapter 4: THE MANAGER'S UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL
At seven fifteen, Eleanor's food arrived.
Daniel carefully placed the soup in front of her.
"Here you are, ma'am. Please be careful. It's hot."
"Thank you."
He returned with the roasted chicken a few minutes later.
Eleanor looked at the plate.
For a moment, she did not speak.
The presentation reminded her of the meals she and Robert had enjoyed decades earlier.
"Is this the original preparation?" she asked.
"It's as close as our chef could make it."
Eleanor smiled.
"You have no idea how much I appreciate this."
Daniel placed the plate gently in front of her.
"Enjoy your meal."
She began eating.
Everything seemed peaceful.
Then Victoria appeared.
She approached the table with a professional smile that did not reach her eyes.
"Good evening, madam. I hope everything is satisfactory."
Eleanor looked up.
"Yes, thank you. Your waiter has been wonderful."
Victoria glanced at Daniel.
"Wonderful?"
"Yes. He's been very thoughtful."
Victoria forced another smile.
"That's good to hear."
She looked at the plate.
"Is there anything else we can do for you?"
"No, thank you. Everything is lovely."
Victoria nodded and turned away.
Daniel continued serving other tables.
But Victoria was not finished.
A few minutes later, she returned to the dining room and noticed Daniel standing near Eleanor's table.
He was checking whether she needed anything.
Victoria immediately approached him.
"Daniel, I need you in the kitchen."
"Is everything okay?"
"Now."
Daniel looked at Eleanor.
"Excuse me for a moment, ma'am."
He followed Victoria several steps away.
"What is it?" he asked quietly.
Victoria lowered her voice.
"Why are you spending so much time at that table?"
"She's dining alone. I was making sure she had everything she needed."