Victoria laughed.
"I didn't know who he was."
"That doesn't make it better."
Victoria stared at her.
"Whose side are you on?"
"I'm not taking sides."
"Then stop talking."
She turned toward Daniel.
"I want to speak with the general manager."
Daniel nodded.
"I can arrange that."
"Now."
He walked away.
Victoria watched Ethan return to the service station.
She could not understand why Samuel had shown him so much attention.
He was just a waiter.
A young man who carried plates and filled glasses.
What could possibly make him deserving of an opportunity from one of the most influential men in the hospitality industry?
Her pride refused to accept the situation.
She took out her phone and called a friend who served on the club's membership committee.
"Linda, I need a favor."
"What happened?"
"One of the employees was disrespectful to me."
"What employee?"
"Ethan Miller. Green uniform. Young."
"What did he do?"
"He recorded me and embarrassed me in front of everyone."
Linda paused.
"Did you threaten him?"
Victoria became irritated.
"That's irrelevant."
"Victoria..."
"I want him removed from the terrace."
Linda sighed.
"I can't do that."
"Why not?"
"Because Samuel was there."
Victoria lowered her voice.
"Samuel Brooks?"
"Yes."
"He interfered in my conversation."
"Then I suggest you leave it alone."
Victoria ended the call.
She stared at the phone.
She was not accustomed to being told what she could or could not do.
And she had no intention of letting a young waiter make her look foolish.
CHAPTER 8: THE NEXT MORNING
At 8:45 the following morning, Ethan stood outside the headquarters of Brooks Hospitality Group.
The building was located in a modern business district overlooking the river.
He wore his best suit, which he had purchased secondhand several years earlier.
He had barely slept.
He had spent most of the night wondering why Samuel Brooks wanted to meet him.
Perhaps it was a complaint.
Perhaps the older man wanted a statement about the incident.
Or perhaps he genuinely intended to offer him something.
At 8:58, the receptionist called upstairs.
"Mr. Brooks is ready to see you."
Ethan entered the elevator.
When the doors opened, a woman named Helen welcomed him.
"Good morning, Ethan. Mr. Brooks is expecting you."
She led him into a spacious office.
Samuel stood near the windows.
He was wearing a dark blue suit.
"Good morning, young man."
"Good morning, sir."
"Please sit."
Ethan took a seat.
Samuel placed a folder on the desk.
"I hope you didn't spend the entire night worrying about yesterday."
Ethan smiled nervously.
"I'll admit I was curious."
Samuel laughed.
"That's understandable."
He opened the folder.
Inside were photographs of several restaurants, hotels, and community projects.
"Do you know much about hospitality management?"
Ethan shook his head.
"Not professionally. I've worked in restaurants since I was seventeen."
"Why?"
"My mother raised me alone after my father passed away. I wanted to help with expenses."
Samuel nodded.
"What do you want to do with your life?"
Ethan thought for a moment.
"I'd like to own a restaurant someday."
Samuel smiled.
"Why a restaurant?"
"Because I believe food brings people together. My mother used to cook for our neighbors when they were struggling. She never asked for anything in return."
Samuel looked interested.
"Tell me more."
Ethan explained how his mother had managed a small family kitchen while working another job.
He spoke about watching her prepare meals late at night.
He remembered how she had sometimes given food away even when they had very little money.
Samuel listened carefully.
When Ethan finished, the older man closed the folder.
"Would you be interested in learning how to manage a business?"
Ethan blinked.
"Yes, sir. Absolutely."
Samuel smiled.
"Then I have an offer."
CHAPTER 9: THE OPPORTUNITY
Samuel explained that Brooks Hospitality was preparing to launch a new restaurant development program.
The company intended to invest in promising young professionals who demonstrated integrity, discipline, and leadership potential.