For a moment, the billionaire seemed to realize how absurd his position had become.
He wanted to accuse the restaurant of allowing someone to hear his private conversation.
But he had spoken those words openly in front of a person he had personally summoned to the table.
He had offered her money.
He had mocked her.
And he had discussed an apparent forgery while laughing at the assumption that she could not understand Thai.
The manager continued.
โIf there's a concern about the service, I'll address it. Corporate matters should be discussed with the appropriate representatives.โ
The billionaire's face reddened.
He looked toward the daughter.
โThis is outrageous.โ
She nodded slightly.
โI agree.โ
Then she pointed toward the document.
โThat's why I asked your office to stop circulating my signature.โ
His eyes widened.
โYou did what?โ
She looked at him.
โYour closing documents were challenged earlier today.โ
The billionaire stared.
The developer reached for his phone.
The legal consultant went pale.
The daughter continued.
โThe escrow bank has been informed that I did not authorize the proposed transfer. The relevant parties have been instructed to verify any purported consent through independent channels.โ
The billionaire looked toward his consultant.
โWhy didn't you tell me?โ
The consultant swallowed.
โI tried.โ
The billionaire's expression hardened.
โWhen?โ
โThis afternoon. The bank requested direct confirmation.โ
The daughter watched them.
The consultant continued.
โAnd then again before dinner.โ
The billionaire turned toward him.
โYou told me it was routine.โ
The consultant looked down.
โI said it required review.โ
The billionaire slammed his palm against the table.
Several glasses trembled.
At nearby tables, guests turned toward the noise.
The restaurant manager stepped closer.
โSir, please lower your voice.โ
The billionaire looked furious.
โDo you know who I am?โ
The manager answered quietly.
โYes, sir.โ
For some reason, the simple response made him even angrier.
The daughter remained still.
She had watched her father handle difficult guests for years.
He never raised his voice simply to prove that he could.
He understood that calmness could communicate authority more effectively than shouting.
She looked toward the billionaire.
โI'm not asking you to confess to anything at this table.โ
He stared.
โThen what do you want?โ
โI want you to stop representing that I approved a transaction I have not approved.โ
The billionaire opened his mouth.
She continued.
โI want the original records preserved. I want the related-party interests disclosed. And I want the employees who raised concerns protected from retaliation.โ
The legal consultant lowered his eyes.