Then back at Elena.
“Miss Marković,” he said, “who exactly do you work for when you're not serving tables?”
Elena recognized the shift.
The question wasn't casual anymore.
She answered carefully.
“I'm a graduate student and research assistant.”
“For whom?”
“My academic supervisor.”
“Name?”
She hesitated only briefly.
“Professor Camila Ibarra.”
Luc's face went pale.
Inés watched him.
Antoine's smile disappeared.
He knew Professor Ibarra.
His group had complained repeatedly about the independent assessment her team was helping prepare.
Luc had assured him the critical questions were being handled.
And now one of the people involved was standing beside his table.
He leaned forward.
“Have you been reviewing our Spanish expansion?”
Elena looked directly at him.
“I'm not authorized to discuss confidential research assignments.”
Antoine's jaw tightened.
“So you have.”
She didn't answer.
He looked toward Inés.
“Did you arrange this?”
Inés stared.
“Arrange what?”
“A waitress who happens to work on a project review sitting beside us during a private dinner.”
Elena felt her stomach tighten.
Inés looked astonished.
“Antoine, I didn't know she worked here.”
Beatriz folded her arms.
“And you were the person who decided to test her.”
Antoine glanced toward Luc.
The financial director avoided his eyes.
For a moment, the millionaire seemed to understand how badly he'd miscalculated.
Then his embarrassment turned into anger.
He looked toward Elena.
“Who gave you permission to listen to our private conversation?”
She remained composed.
“Monsieur, I was assigned to serve your table.”
“That's not an answer.”
Elena spoke calmly.
“You were discussing business in a dining room where service staff were present. I didn't record your discussion or request confidential documents.”
Antoine's face reddened.
He looked toward the restaurant manager, who had appeared near the doorway.
“Laurent!”
Étienne hurried forward.
“Yes, monsieur?”
Antoine pointed toward Elena.
“Is this how your restaurant operates?”
The manager looked confused.
“I'm sorry?”
“Your staff interfere in private business discussions?”
Elena felt the room turning against her.
Not because she'd done something wrong.
Because a wealthy guest was angry.
And the manager depended upon men like Antoine for the restaurant's reputation and revenue.
Étienne looked toward her.
“Elena, perhaps you should return to the kitchen.”
She swallowed.
Before she could answer, Inés spoke sharply.
“Absolutely not.”
Everyone turned.
The Spanish investor's expression was cold.
“Your employee did not initiate this conversation. Antoine did.”
Beatriz nodded.
“And she answered every question appropriately.”
Antoine stared.