Chapter 2

Over the next two days, I went to the restaurant as usual and ran the place like nothing had happened.

I just stepped away now and then to make a few calls and sign a few papers.

Maybe she was letting me stew on purpose, because Hailey didn't come by those two days.

Maureen, who normally couldn't stay away from the place, didn't come either.

But every so often she'd send me a message:

"Jerome, that's enough. Stop making a scene."

"Hailey and I grew up together. Can't you just put up with it, for my sake?"

"Hailey's right, you've been spoiled rotten. If you've got the nerve, stay mad your whole life and don't come back."

I didn't reply to a single one. I just quietly took care of what needed taking care of.

Three days later, right after I signed the last contract, Hailey walked in.

She had on a brand-new dress, her hair styled sleek and fashionable, arrogance radiating off her from head to toe.

On her arm was a young man in a crisp suit.

Her boyfriend, Oliver James.

Maureen trailed alongside the two of them, not looking at me.

Behind them came a whole procession of people.

Most of them were relatives from Hailey's and Oliver's families.

The moment they came through the door, the whole crowd started grabbing seats and settling in wherever they pleased.

Hailey strutted up to the front counter and gave me her order:

"I'm booking out your whole restaurant for my engagement party today. Every table gets your most expensive liquor and your best dishes."

"Australian lobster, abalone, sea cucumber, king crab, premium wagyu beef, deluxe seafood stew, bring it all out. And for the drinks, straight top-shelf whiskey, no cutting corners."

I lifted my head and looked calmly at her, at all that swagger, and confirmed:

"You're sure you want all of this liquor and these dishes on every table? Once the order's placed, there are no cancellations and no returns."

Hailey slammed her hand on the counter and raised her voice to a shout:

"Obviously!"

"I told you to bring it out, so bring it out. Why all the yapping?"

Oliver's relatives all marveled at it.

"Wow, all this good liquor and food, that's got to cost a fortune, huh?"

Hailey waved a careless hand.

"Today's my engagement party with Oliver. It has to be done big."

"Don't worry, every bit of it is on me. You all just eat and enjoy yourselves."

With that, she turned her head and glared at me, hurrying me along:

"What are you standing there for? Go get the food out, now!"

I looked at that smug face of hers.

Then I glanced at the restaurant transfer contract I'd just signed, and gave a faint smile.

"All right."