Certain that the evening belonged to him.
The daughter stood near the service station holding a champagne bottle.
She watched him greet the property developer.
The men embraced.
Then exchanged a few words in Thai.
The developer asked whether everything was ready.
The billionaire smiled.
“Almost.”
They approached the table.
Several other guests followed.
The daughter recognized the legal consultant who had helped prepare the disputed documents.
He appeared nervous.
His eyes moved repeatedly toward his phone.
She also recognized a representative associated with the proposed buyer.
The man spoke little and avoided making eye contact with service staff.
The billionaire noticed the daughter when she approached to offer champagne.
For a moment, his gaze lingered.
Then he smiled.
“Well, look at that.”
She lowered her head politely.
“Good evening, sir.”
He examined her outfit.
“Beautiful.”
“Thank you, sir.”
He leaned closer.
“Do you know what you're wearing?”
The daughter looked at him calmly.
“Yes, sir.”
He laughed.
“I meant the name.”
She nodded.
“A traditional Chut Thai Chakri ensemble adapted for tonight's formal service.”
The billionaire looked briefly surprised.
Then smiled again.
“Someone trained you well.”
She lowered her eyes.
“The restaurant takes service seriously.”
He laughed.
Then turned toward his companions.
“Excellent. At least they know how to present the culture properly.”
The daughter moved to the next guest.
She noticed that the billionaire did not ask whether anyone else wanted champagne before instructing her to refill his glass.
The old sense of entitlement was unmistakable.
During the first course, he dominated the conversation.
He discussed property prices.
Luxury travel.
Development opportunities.
He described one of his recent purchases as a bargain because the seller had been desperate.
Several men laughed.
The daughter served quietly.
She answered questions professionally.
She listened when guests discussed food preferences.
And she maintained the same courtesy toward every person at the table.
The billionaire began noticing her again.
He appeared amused by how composed she remained.
At one point, he asked whether she was from Thailand.
She answered that she was American.
He smiled.
“Of course.”
Then he looked toward the other businessmen.
“She's wearing a Thai costume but she's American.”
The property developer chuckled.
The daughter said nothing.
She had learned long ago that identity was not a test she was required to pass for strangers.
She continued serving.
A few minutes later, the billionaire switched to Thai while discussing one of the hotels.
He described the original Bangkok property as an inefficient asset.