"Please, come inside. We've prepared everything for your visit."
Richard entered the restaurant.
His eyes immediately found Olivia.
She was standing near the service counter, holding a tray.
Their eyes met.
For several seconds, Olivia simply stared.
Then recognition slowly appeared on her face.
The old man.
The customer from last night.
The man she had defended when Marcus demanded that he be removed.
Her tray almost slipped.
Richard smiled warmly.
"Good morning, Olivia."
She struggled to find her words.
"Good morning, sir."
Mr. Collins looked between them.
"You two know each other?"
Richard answered before Olivia could speak.
"Yes. Olivia served me dinner last night."
The manager's expression changed.
"Last night?"
Richard nodded.
"She was exceptionally professional."
Vanessa, standing nearby, looked confused.
Richard continued.
"She also reminded me of something that this restaurant seems to have forgotten."
The manager forced a smile.
"And what might that be, sir?"
"That every guest deserves respect. And every employee deserves dignity."
The room became silent.
Richard turned toward the manager.
"I would like to review the restaurant's management practices."
"Of course, sir."
"And I want to speak with Olivia privately afterward."
Mr. Collins swallowed.
"Certainly."
The meeting began in the private dining room.
Richard sat at the head of the table.
The manager, assistant manager, and several senior employees took their seats.
James placed a folder on the table.
Richard opened it.
"I founded this restaurant because I believed fine dining should be about more than expensive food. I wanted people to feel welcomed, respected, and valued."
He paused.
"Last night, I discovered that we have lost sight of that purpose."
Mr. Collins shifted in his chair.
"Sir, I assure you that we always strive to provide excellent service."
Richard looked at him.
"Then explain why an employee was threatened with termination for refusing to humiliate another customer."
The manager became pale.
"Mr. Reed is an important client."
"That was not my question."
Mr. Collins remained silent.
Richard continued.
"I watched the entire interaction. I saw how the staff treated me when they assumed I was an ordinary elderly man. I saw how quickly your attitude changed when another customer demanded special treatment."
He looked around the room.
"I also noticed that some employees were more concerned with the size of a bill than the quality of their service."
Vanessa stared at the table.
Richard turned to her.
"Do you remember the gentleman who ordered soup last night?"
Vanessa nodded nervously.
"Yes, sir."
"What did you say about him?"
She hesitated.
"I don't remember exactly."
Richard looked at James.
James opened the folder.
"We reviewed the incident with the available security footage."
Vanessa's face turned red.
Richard did not raise his voice.
"I am not interested in punishing people for making mistakes. But I will not allow employees to believe that kindness is reserved for wealthy customers."
He then turned toward Mr. Collins.
"I want a complete review of our workplace policies, customer service standards, and employee treatment."
"Of course, sir."
"And I want Olivia's employment record."
The manager quickly handed over a file.
Richard examined it.