She gently set the wine bottle on the service stand beside the table.
Straightened her back.
And answered in Thai.
"ฉันพูดภาษาไทยได้ค่ะ และเข้าใจทุกคำที่คุณพูดมาตลอด"
I speak Thai, and I've understood every word you've been saying.
The billionaire's smile disappeared.
Completely.
He stared at her.
For several seconds, the table became motionless.
Then the younger businessman slowly raised his head.
The waitress continued, still in Thai.
"คุณไม่ควรคิดว่าคนที่ทำงานบริการไม่มีการศึกษานะคะ"
You shouldn't assume people who work in service have no education.
The billionaire blinked.
His mouth opened slightly.
Then he forced a laugh.
"Interesting."
He glanced toward his companions.
"Very interesting."
But his eyes were no longer amused.
The waitress stood calmly.
The older businessman cleared his throat.
The billionaire leaned back.
"One rehearsed sentence doesn't make you fluent."
She remained still.
He smiled again, attempting to recover.
"Perhaps somebody taught you a few phrases."
The waitress nodded politely.
Then answered in Mandarin Chinese.
"我也会说中文，而且我听得懂你们刚才讨论的合同。"
I also speak Chinese, and I understand the contract you were discussing.
The younger businessman froze.
The waitress continued in French.
"Je parle également français, et je sais parfaitement reconnaître une clause financière trompeuse."
I also speak French, and I know how to recognize a misleading financial clause.
Then Spanish.
"También hablo español, señor. Y trabajar en un restaurante no significa que una persona sea ignorante."
I also speak Spanish, sir. And working in a restaurant doesn't mean someone is ignorant.
Finally, she returned to English.
"And English is my first language. That's five languages, sir."
The table fell silent.
The older companion stared at her.
The younger one slowly lowered his menu.
At the next table, a woman in an evening dress stopped lifting her wine glass.
The billionaire looked toward the envelope.
Then back at the waitress.
His expression had changed from entertainment to disbelief.
Then disbelief to anger.
"You think that makes you impressive?"
The waitress did not answer immediately.
She looked toward the money.
Then toward his face.
"No, sir."
He seemed surprised.
She continued.
"I think it means I answered your question."
For a moment, he had no response.
Then he gave a sharp laugh.
"Well, congratulations."
He tapped the envelope.
"Take your little prize."
The waitress remained still.