"A document?"
Whitmore leaned forward.
"She began making accusations in Cantonese."
Paul's eyes widened.
"You did what?"
I swallowed.
"I answered a question directed at me and warned Mr. Lam about a discrepancy I'd previously reported in my professional capacity."
Paul stared.
For a moment, he seemed unable to understand.
Then he looked toward Whitmore.
"I'm terribly sorry, sir."
My chest tightened.
Here it came.
The same familiar script.
The customer complained.
The manager apologized.
The employee became the problem.
Paul turned toward me.
"You're relieved of duty."
I stared.
"Mr. Donovan—"
"Now."
Teresa appeared in the doorway behind him.
She must have heard the raised voices.
Paul pointed toward the service corridor.
"Go to the office. We'll discuss your employment."
I felt my throat tighten.
Eight months.
Eight months of double shifts, careful service, and trying to rebuild my savings.
And it could disappear in an afternoon because a wealthy man didn't like what I said.
I looked toward Mr. Lam.
He was watching silently.
Then he spoke.
"Mr. Donovan."
Paul turned immediately.
"Yes, sir?"
"I would prefer that you not make personnel decisions on my behalf."
Paul blinked.
"Of course, sir."
Mr. Lam continued.
"Miss Bennett has raised a concern relevant to our transaction. I have asked my counsel to review it."
Paul nodded quickly.
"Absolutely."
Then he glanced toward me.
"But she should not have involved herself in a private business discussion."
Mr. Lam studied him.
"Mr. Whitmore involved her."
The words landed heavily.
Paul looked confused.
Mr. Lam continued.
"He challenged her to speak Cantonese. He made a wager. He threw a menu at her feet."
Paul's face changed.
He looked toward Whitmore.
The millionaire stared at the table.
Mr. Lam's voice remained controlled.
"I don't know every detail of her employment. But I do know who initiated the exchange."
Paul swallowed.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then he nodded.
"I understand."
He turned toward me.
"Naomi, please wait in the office while we sort this out."
I looked at him.
Then at Teresa.