He inclined his head.
"Mrs. Zhou."
She waited.
Victor glanced toward the dining room.
"Is Miss Brooks working today?"
Mei studied him.
"Why do you ask?"
For a moment, he appeared uncomfortable.
Then answered.
"I'd like to speak with her."
Mei didn't move.
"About the acquisition?"
"No."
He took a breath.
"About the way I treated her."
The restaurant owner considered him.
Then said, "I'll ask whether she wants to see you. I won't bring her out without her agreement."
Victor nodded.
"Of course."
Mei returned to the office.
Nia happened to be reviewing a service schedule before her evening shift.
When Mei explained who was waiting, she looked surprised.
For several seconds, she remained quiet.
Then asked whether Victor was alone.
"Yes."
Nia considered the situation.
She didn't owe him a private conversation.
She didn't need to accept an apology to prove she was gracious.
And she didn't have to put herself in an uncomfortable position simply because a wealthy former customer requested it.
But after a moment, she decided she wanted to hear what he had to say.
She asked Mei to remain nearby.
Then walked into the dining room.
Victor stood when she approached.
For a moment, the gesture seemed unfamiliar to him.
Nia wore a simple black blouse and tailored trousers that afternoon, not the red qipao from the original dinner.
Her hair was still arranged in a braided bun.
She looked calm.
"Mr. Liang."
He nodded.
"Miss Brooks."
She indicated the chair across from him.
They sat.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Victor looked toward the table.
"I owe you an apology."
Nia waited.
He took a breath.
"The way I spoke to you at that dinner was disrespectful."
She nodded slightly.
He continued.
"I made assumptions about your knowledge and abilities because of your job and appearance."
For a moment, he looked uncomfortable.
"I behaved badly."
Nia studied him.
Then answered.
"Yes, you did."
Victor nodded.
He seemed to appreciate the absence of a polite denial.
After a pause, he continued.
"I also dismissed the concerns you raised about the consent. That was a serious mistake."
Nia looked toward him.
"The evidence was there before the dinner."
"I know."
"My mother's medical condition was documented. The waiver's origin was questionable. People were telling you that."
Victor lowered his eyes.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then answered quietly.
"I didn't want the deal delayed."
Nia nodded.
She had suspected as much.
Victor continued.
"I convinced myself the lawyers would resolve it."
He looked toward her.