She'd wanted to earn money, finish her research, and help her mother.
Now strangers were discussing her appearance, race, accent, education, and private life as though she belonged to them.
She closed the video.
Then called Nadia.
“Who recorded it?”
“I don't know. One of the guests, probably.”
Elena took a breath.
“Has the restaurant said anything?”
Nadia hesitated.
“Étienne's panicking.”
“About what?”
“People are calling to ask whether you were fired.”
Elena closed her eyes.
Nadia continued.
“And several staff members are furious.”
Elena frowned.
“Why?”
“Because we watched him suspend you for answering a question.”
For several seconds, Elena couldn't speak.
Then Nadia whispered, “You're not alone, Elena.”
The words echoed her mother's reassurance.
Her professor's.
Inés's.
For the first time since the dinner, Elena began to understand that the evening had exposed more than one man's arrogance.
It had exposed how easily people were willing to accept mistreatment when the person responsible was wealthy enough.
And the restaurant staff had been watching that happen for years.
The following morning, Étienne called.
Elena answered cautiously.
“Hello?”
“Elena. It's Étienne.”
“Yes?”
He cleared his throat.
“I'd like to speak with you about returning to work.”
She stared.
For a moment, she couldn't believe the sudden change.
“Returning?”
“Yes.”
He hesitated.
“The situation has become rather complicated.”
Elena looked toward the suspension notice.
She remembered his words.
Do you understand how much business Delcourt brings here?
Now that the video was public, the restaurant suddenly wanted her back.
She took a slow breath.
“I'd like the written reasons for my suspension corrected first.”
Étienne remained silent.
Elena continued.
“And I need confirmation that I won't be disciplined for politely answering a question a guest asked me.”
The manager sounded irritated.
“Surely we can discuss this informally.”
Elena looked toward the wall.
She knew what informal meant.
A conversation without a record.
A promise that could disappear.
And a convenient explanation if anyone later asked why she'd lost her shifts.
She answered calmly.
“I'd prefer to discuss it with the appropriate staff representative and obtain the terms in writing.”
Étienne sighed.
“Very well.”
When the call ended, Elena sat at her desk for several minutes.
Then she called Professor Ibarra.
Camila answered.
“Good morning.”
Elena smiled faintly.
“Professor, I think I may be getting my job back.”
Camila laughed.
“Good.”
Elena hesitated.
“But I'm not sure I want it anymore.”