“You’re telling me she owns this place?”
Daniel nodded.
“Ms. Bennett is the controlling owner under the final transfer agreement. Thomas Bennett retains a limited advisory role during the transition.”
Victoria shook her head.
“No. No, this is some kind of stunt.”
Claire opened the folder.
Inside were several documents bearing the signatures of the attorneys, the previous owner, and the relevant corporate representatives. A formal transfer certificate sat on top, with the final acknowledgment attached behind it.
Claire did not thrust the papers toward Victoria.
She simply held them open.
“You asked about the paperwork,” she said. “It’s finalized.”
Victoria looked at the signatures.
Her eyes moved across the pages, searching for a mistake.
A missing seal.
An incorrect date.
Some technical defect that would allow her to dismiss the entire thing.
But the documents were complete.
Her own legal counsel’s firm was listed among the recipients of the final notice.
Victoria’s voice dropped.
“When did this happen?”
“Today.”
“Why wasn’t I informed?”
Claire’s expression remained calm.
“Because you weren’t part of the transaction.”
Victoria looked toward Daniel.
“You knew?”
“Yes.”
“And you didn’t tell me?”
Daniel’s tone was respectful.
“I’m not authorized to disclose confidential ownership information to prospective buyers or outside parties.”
“Prospective buyers?”
Victoria’s voice sharpened.
“I have been negotiating with this family for months.”
Daniel nodded.
“I’m aware.”
“And you let me come here under the impression that we were close to an agreement?”
Claire closed the folder slightly.
“No one told you an agreement had been reached.”
Victoria turned toward her.
“You knew exactly what I wanted.”
“Yes.”
“And you let me host this dinner.”
“You reserved the private room. We honored the reservation.”
Victoria stared at her.
“You could have told me.”
Claire’s expression remained composed.
“You were a guest at the restaurant. The ownership transfer was confidential until it became final.”
Victoria looked around.
The diners were watching again.
Her face reddened.
“This is humiliating.”
Claire glanced at the shattered glasses.
“I understand.”
“You understand?”
“Yes.”
Victoria pointed toward the floor.
“You allowed me to be embarrassed in front of my investors.”
Claire looked at her steadily.
“You knocked a tray out of my hands in front of your investors.”
A few diners inhaled sharply.