“And I want the restaurant’s performance system suspended until the review is complete.”
Robert nodded.
“Understood.”
Daniel looked at Anna.
“Effective immediately, you are relieved of your management duties pending the investigation.”
Anna’s face crumpled.
“Please, Mr. Matthews.”
“You will receive written notice of the review process.”
“I have worked here for four years.”
“I know.”
“I built this restaurant.”
Daniel looked around.
“No. You managed a restaurant built by hundreds of people who worked hard every day.”
Anna began crying harder.
“I have a family.”
Daniel’s expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm.
“So does Elen. So do the kitchen workers. So do the customers you turned away.”
Anna looked toward Luly.
“Mrs. Matthews, please. I am sorry.”
Luly studied her.
Then she said something unexpected.
“I hope you learn from this.”
Anna nodded desperately.
“I will.”
“But I cannot tell you that what happened tonight is acceptable simply because you regret it now.”
Anna lowered her head.
Daniel turned toward Marcus.
“Please escort Anna to the office while the investigation proceeds. She should have an opportunity to collect her personal belongings without being disturbed.”
The security guard nodded.
Anna walked away.
As she passed Elen, she stopped.
For a moment, it looked as if she might say something.
But she continued toward the office.
The restaurant remained silent.
Then Luly spoke.
“Daniel?”
“Yes, Mother?”
“Please don’t make a spectacle of this woman.”
He looked at her.
“I won’t.”
“She made a terrible decision. Let the proper people investigate it. But don’t forget that she is still a human being.”
Daniel nodded.
“I understand.”
He turned toward Patricia.
“Make sure the process is fair, documented, and independent.”
Patricia closed her folder.
“Absolutely.”
Chapter 10 — The Young Waitress’s Secret
When the fresh meal arrived, Elen personally carried the plate to Luly.
This time, the lamb was served on a clean white ceramic dish.
The grilled vegetables were arranged neatly around it.
A small sprig of rosemary rested on top.
Luly smiled.
“Oh, that smells wonderful.”
Elen placed the plate down.
“Would you like anything else?”
“Just someone to share the meal with.”
Elen smiled nervously.
Luly pointed toward the empty chair.
“Sit with me for a moment.”
Elen looked toward Daniel.
“Sir?”
Daniel nodded.
“Go ahead.”
The electricity is off.
For several minutes, Luly ate slowly.
She closed her eyes after the first bite.
“Oh, Robert.”
Daniel smiled sadly.
“Dad would have loved this.”
Luly looked at Elen.
“You know, my husband used to prepare lamb like this every Sunday.”
“Really?”
“Yes. He would spend the entire morning in the kitchen. He insisted that the rosemary had to be fresh.”
Elen laughed softly.
“My grandmother did something similar with chicken.”
Luly smiled.
“Then you understand.”
Ellen nodded.
After a while, Daniel asked:
“Elen, how long have you worked here?”
“Almost two years.”
“Do you enjoy the work?”
“I do.”
“What would you like to do in the future?”
Elen looked down at her hands.
“I’d like to become a restaurant manager one day.”
Daniel raised an eyebrow.
“Really?”
She nodded.
“I studied hospitality management before my father had his accident. I had to stop attending classes because I needed to work.”
“What happened to your father?”
“He fell from a construction platform. He injured his back and hasn’t been able to return to work.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.”
“Does he receive treatment?”
“Yes, but it’s expensive.”
Daniel listened.
Elen continued.
“My younger brother is seventeen. He’s preparing for his final school examinations. I want him to go to university.”
Luly reached across the table.
“You have a good heart.”
Elen smiled.
“I don’t think helping someone deserves a reward.”
Daniel nodded.
“That’s exactly why it matters.”
Elen looked at him.
“Sir, please don’t misunderstand. I wasn’t helping your mother because I thought she was important.”
“I know.”
“I didn’t even know who she was.”
Daniel smiled.
“That’s what makes your actions meaningful.”
He looked toward Patricia.
“Please arrange a meeting with our human resources department.”
Elen became nervous.
“Am I in trouble?”
Daniel laughed gently.
“No.”
“Then what is it?”
“We have a hospitality leadership development program. It provides training, professional qualifications, and paid advancement opportunities for employees who demonstrate strong leadership.”
Elen stared at him.
“Are you offering me a promotion?”
“I’m offering you an opportunity to apply.”
She looked disappointed for a moment.
Daniel noticed.
“You thought I was going to hand you a management position?”
Elen blushed.
“No, sir. I just—”
He smiled.
“You should earn it. And you should have a fair chance to do so.”
Ellen nodded.
“Thank you.”
Luly squeezed her hand.
“Your kindness opened a door tonight. What you do with that opportunity is up to you.”
Chapter 11 — The Investigation Uncovers More
The following morning, Daniel arrived at the corporate headquarters before sunrise.
