CHAPTER 5: THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN
Samuel returned to his chair.
He reached for his jacket and removed a small leather wallet.
Then he looked toward Ethan.
"Young man, what is your name?"
"Ethan Miller, sir."
Samuel repeated the name.
"Ethan Miller."
"Yes, sir."
"How long have you worked here?"
"About eight months."
Samuel nodded.
"Do you enjoy it?"
Ethan looked toward Victoria.
"Most days, sir."
Samuel laughed softly.
"That's an honest answer."
Victoria rolled her eyes.
"Are we finished?"
Samuel ignored her.
He asked Ethan another question.
"Do you know who owns Westbrook Country Club?"
Ethan hesitated.
"I believe it's operated by Westbrook Hospitality Group."
"That's correct."
Samuel opened his wallet.
He removed a business card.
He held it between his fingers.
Victoria glanced at the card but did not pay much attention.
Samuel continued.
"Have you ever heard of Brooks Hospitality?"
Ethan shook his head.
"No, sir."
Samuel smiled.
"That is the company I founded."
Ethan looked surprised.
Victoria turned toward him.
"Wait. What?"
Samuel placed the card on the table.
"My name is Samuel Brooks. I helped establish the hospitality group that acquired Westbrook more than twenty years ago."
Victoria's expression changed.
She recognized the name.
Samuel Brooks was not merely an ordinary club member.
He was the original founder of the company that owned the majority of the club's operating assets.
Although he had retired from daily management, he remained a significant shareholder and served as an honorary adviser to the board.
Victoria slowly lowered her sunglasses.
"Mr. Brooks?"
Samuel nodded.
"Good afternoon, Victoria."
She immediately changed her tone.
"Oh, I didn't realize it was you."
"I gathered that."
Victoria forced a smile.
"I was just dealing with a service issue."
Samuel looked at Ethan.
"I saw."
She laughed nervously.
"These young employees sometimes need guidance."
Samuel's expression became serious.
"Guidance is one thing. Humiliation is another."
Victoria looked uncomfortable.
Samuel continued.
"I have been watching this young man for several minutes. He has been polite, patient, and professional. You have been insulting him because your preferred dish wasn't available."
Victoria opened her mouth.
But Samuel raised one hand.
"Please don't interrupt."
The terrace became quiet.
CHAPTER 6: THE CARD
Samuel picked up his business card and handed it to Ethan.
"Keep this."
Ethan looked confused.
"Sir?"
"Call me tomorrow morning."
Victoria stared at the exchange.
"What is this about?"
Samuel looked at her.
"Something that doesn't concern you."
Ethan examined the card.
It carried the Brooks Hospitality Group emblem, Samuel's name, and a private contact number.
He looked up.
"Thank you, sir, but may I ask why?"
Samuel smiled.
"Because I believe people deserve opportunities based on their character, not their ability to impress wealthy customers."
Ethan did not know what to say.
Samuel continued.
"I watched you handle a difficult situation without becoming disrespectful. That tells me more about your character than any résumé ever could."
Victoria laughed nervously.
"Surely you're not suggesting that this employee should receive special treatment because of one conversation."
Samuel turned toward her.
"No. I'm suggesting that he deserves to be treated fairly because he is a human being."
He paused.
"And I am considering offering him an opportunity."
Victoria looked shocked.
"What kind of opportunity?"
Samuel smiled.
"That is between Ethan and me."
Ethan held the card carefully.
He had no idea what Samuel intended.
But he knew the moment was important.
The older gentleman looked toward him again.
"Tomorrow morning. Nine o'clock. My office."
Ethan nodded.
"I'll be there."
Samuel returned to his chair.
Victoria remained standing.
For the first time that afternoon, she had nothing to say.
CHAPTER 7: THE WOMAN WHO COULD NOT ACCEPT LOSING
Victoria returned to her table.
Her companions were visibly uncomfortable.
One of them, Patricia, leaned toward her.
"Victoria, perhaps we should leave."
Victoria glared at her.
"Why?"
"Everyone is watching."
"Let them."
Patricia lowered her voice.
"You shouldn't have spoken to Samuel like that."