She considered the question.
"We'll figure it out."
I shook my head.
"You don't understand. I've already been through this once."
Her expression softened.
"I know."
I stared at my hands.
"I can't keep starting over."
Teresa was quiet.
Then she reached for my notebook.
She didn't open it.
She simply placed her hand over the cover.
"Naomi, you're not starting from nothing."
I looked toward her.
She continued.
"You've got an education. Experience. A lawyer. People who care about you. And apparently enough Cantonese to scare the hell out of a millionaire."
I laughed despite myself.
She grinned.
"There she is."
I wiped my eyes.
For a moment, I felt almost normal.
Then the break room door opened.
Paul Donovan stood outside.
His expression was rigid.
"Naomi. My office."
Teresa immediately stood.
"I'll come."
Paul looked irritated.
"This is a personnel conversation."
Teresa folded her arms.
"Then ask whether she wants a representative or witness."
Paul stared.
For a moment, I thought he would shout.
Instead, he looked toward me.
"Do you want Teresa present?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
His expression tightened.
"Fine."
We followed him down the service corridor.
His office was small, with a desk, two chairs, and a wall covered in staff schedules.
He sat.
I remained standing until Teresa pulled out a chair for me.
Paul folded his hands.
"Naomi, I'm extremely disappointed."
I took a breath.
"I'm sorry the lunch service was disrupted."
He shook his head.
"Disrupted? A major client abandoned a private signing."
I looked at him.
"Mr. Lam stopped the signing because he wanted his lawyer to verify a contract."
Paul leaned forward.
"That's not your concern."
I kept my voice steady.
"It was a financial issue I had previously reported in a professional capacity."
He waved one hand.
"You're employed here as a server."
"Yes."
"Not a financial adviser."
"I didn't give financial advice. I warned a guest about an apparent discrepancy when another guest challenged me publicly."
Paul's face flushed.
"You're missing the point."
Teresa shifted beside me.
I looked toward him.