Then agreed, on the condition that the general manager remain nearby.
They moved to a smaller sitting area connected to the dining room.
A low table stood between two upholstered chairs.
A large window overlooked the city.
The billionaire sat with his hands clasped together.
For several moments, he said nothing.
Then he looked at her.
"I owe you a proper apology."
She waited.
He continued.
"What I said to you in Hindi was insulting."
"Yes."
"Throwing money at you was worse."
She nodded.
He swallowed.
"And I did it because I assumed you couldn't understand me and had no power to challenge me."
The owner studied his expression.
His voice was different now.
Less theatrical.
Less defensive.
He seemed to be speaking carefully, without searching for a way to make himself appear innocent.
She allowed him to continue.
"I've spent years conducting negotiations where people are constantly trying to impress me. I think I began assuming everyone wanted something."
She remained silent.
"And when somebody didn't behave as I expected, I treated it as disrespect."
The owner considered that.
"That explains something about your thinking."
He looked up.
"But it doesn't excuse what happened."
He nodded.
"You're right."
She folded her hands.
"Do you apologize to employees when you treat them badly?"
The question seemed to surprise him.
He thought for a moment.
"Not often enough."
She nodded.
"Then perhaps that's where you should begin."
The billionaire looked toward the window.
"I can offer compensation."
Her expression hardened slightly.
"For what?"
"The insult. The inconvenience."
She shook her head.
"You're doing it again."
He frowned.
"What?"
"Looking for a financial solution to a problem that began because you believed money made you superior."
He leaned back.
She continued.
"I don't want compensation for a hundred-dollar bill being thrown at me. I want to know that you understand why it was wrong."
The billionaire looked toward the floor.
He was silent for a long time.
Then he spoke in Hindi.
“मैंने आपका अपमान किया। मुझे सच में अफ़सोस है।”
I insulted you. I am truly sorry.
The owner looked at him.
For the first time that evening, his Hindi contained no hidden mockery.
No attempt to impress.
No condescension.
Only a direct acknowledgment.