For now, serving wealthy guests was simply how she paid her bills.
Emily noticed Victor's expression.
She approached carefully.
"Mr. Harrington?"
Victor looked up.
"This steak is cold."
Emily glanced at the plate.
"I'm very sorry, sir."
"Cold."
"I apologize. I'll replace it immediately."
Victor put down his fork.
"No."
Emily stopped.
"No?"
"Bring the chef."
Emily's heart sank.
"Of course."
She turned.
"Wait."
Emily looked back.
Victor pointed at the plate.
"Do you know how much this costs?"
She swallowed.
"Yes, sir."
"Then why would you bring me this?"
"I didn't prepare it."
"You're responsible for serving it."
"Yes, sir."
"So you're responsible."
Emily nodded.
"I understand."
Victor stared at her.
"Do you?"
She lowered her eyes.
"Yes."
"Then fix it."
"I will."
She walked toward the kitchen.
Victor watched her leave.
At a nearby table, an elderly couple quietly observed.
The husband whispered,
"That man is difficult."
His wife nodded.
"She handled it well."
Emily returned five minutes later with a new plate.
She placed it carefully in front of Victor.
"Chef has prepared a fresh steak."
Victor cut it.
Tasted it.
This time it was warm.
He nodded.
"Better."
Emily smiled politely.
"Is there anything else I can get for you?"
Victor looked at her.
"Actually, yes."
She waited.
"Water."
"Of course."
"And stop smiling."
Emily froze.
"I'm sorry?"
"You smile too much."
Emily didn't know what to say.
Victor leaned back.
"This isn't a family diner."
"No, sir."
"You're working in a luxury restaurant."
"Yes."
"Act like it."
Emily's smile disappeared.
"Yes, sir."
She turned away.
She returned with water.
Victor continued eating.
For the next fifteen minutes, everything was quiet.
Then Emily made one small mistake.
She placed the water glass slightly too close to his plate.
Victor immediately moved it.
He looked at her.
"You again."
"I'm sorry."
"Are you?"
Emily nodded.
"Yes."
Victor laughed.
"You say sorry very easily."
She stood silently.
"Do you even understand why you're apologizing?"
"Because I placed the glass too close."
"No."
Victor pointed toward the dining room.
"You're apologizing because you know you're incompetent."
Several guests looked over.
Emily's face became red.
"I don't believe I'm incompetent."
Victor stared at her.
"What did you say?"
Emily realized she had spoken too honestly.
"I said I'm sorry."
Victor smiled.
"Better."
Then he raised his voice.
"Manager!"
The restaurant became quiet.
The floor manager immediately approached.