For several seconds, she couldn't speak.
Then she whispered, “I think I just lost my job.”
Nadia stared.
“Why?”
Elena closed her eyes.
“Because I answered a question.”
Before Nadia could respond, Étienne entered the corridor.
His expression was severe.
“Elena. My office. Now.”
She followed him.
The office was small, with a desk, a computer, and framed photographs of the restaurant's famous guests.
Étienne closed the door.
Then turned toward her.
“What were you thinking?”
Elena stared.
“I'm sorry?”
“You argued with one of our most important clients.”
She took a breath.
“He challenged me to speak Spanish.”
“You should have declined.”
“He continued questioning me, and I answered.”
Étienne rubbed his forehead.
“Elena, do you understand how much business Delcourt brings here?”
She looked toward him.
“Yes.”
“Then why embarrass him?”
For a moment, she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
“I'm not the person who offered a hundred thousand dollars to humiliate a member of the staff.”
Étienne's expression hardened.
“Watch your tone.”
Elena took a breath.
She wanted to shout.
Wanted to remind him that he'd watched Antoine insult her education and income.
That the entire room had heard the challenge.
That she had never raised her voice or insulted a guest.
But she needed this job.
The rent was due.
Her mother's next medical appointment required a payment Elena had already promised to help cover.
And until that evening, La Verrière had been one of the few places where she could reliably earn enough to keep studying.
So she remained calm.
“I did not disclose confidential information or behave disrespectfully.”
Étienne looked toward the desk.
“You've created a difficult situation.”
Elena stared.
Then asked quietly, “For whom?”
The manager didn't answer.
He opened a drawer.
Removed a form.
And placed it on the desk.
“For now, I'm taking you off the schedule pending review.”
Elena felt cold.
“How long?”
“I don't know.”
She looked toward the form.
“Will I be paid?”
Étienne hesitated.
“We'll discuss that.”
Her stomach tightened.
For several seconds, she couldn't speak.
Then she nodded.
“I'd like a copy of the decision and the reason for it in writing.”
Étienne frowned.
“Why?”
“So I can understand what conduct is being investigated.”
He looked irritated.
But Elena remained still.
Finally, he nodded.
“Very well.”
She left the office holding the document.
Nadia was waiting near the lockers.
One look at Elena's face told her everything.