Victoria continued.
“Thomas has been difficult to persuade, but his daughter is more practical. I believe we can reach an arrangement.”
The investor nodded.
“Would the restaurant remain independent?”
“For the first year, likely. After that, we’d evaluate the brand.”
Claire’s fingers tightened around the tray.
She knew Thomas had not authorized any sale.
She also knew Victoria had no agreement with the family.
But she said nothing.
She continued serving.
The main course arrived at eight.
Steaks were presented on heated plates, accompanied by roasted vegetables and potatoes. The sommelier recommended a reserve Cabernet, and the guests began discussing the wine’s origin.
Victoria, meanwhile, was becoming increasingly impatient.
She had requested a specific cut of beef for one of her investors, but the kitchen had informed her that the item was not available in the requested portion size. Claire had explained the alternatives.
Victoria had not appreciated the answer.
“Surely you can make an exception,” she said.
“I can ask the chef,” Claire replied.
“Don’t ask. Make it happen.”
Claire returned to the kitchen.
The chef checked the inventory and confirmed that the exact cut was unavailable.
Claire relayed the answer politely.
Victoria frowned.
“Then why wasn’t it available?”
“It’s a limited cut, and the kitchen has already sold the remaining portions.”
“I’m hosting an important dinner.”
“I understand.”
“Then I expect you to solve the problem.”
Claire suggested a similar cut from the same supplier, prepared with the same seasoning.
Victoria rejected it.
“Do you know how much this dinner is worth to my company?”
Claire remained professional.
“I understand that it’s important. I can offer the chef’s recommendation, or I can ask whether another dish would suit your guest.”
Victoria leaned back.
“Unbelievable.”
The investor beside her attempted to smooth things over.
“It’s fine, Victoria. The original selection looks excellent.”
Victoria forced a smile.
“Of course.”
Claire moved away.
But the incident had unsettled her.
She knew that a restaurant could not always provide every requested item. Good service meant finding alternatives, not promising the impossible.
She also knew that Victoria’s irritation was no longer about the food.
It was about control.
At eight twenty, Claire carried a tray of after-dinner drinks toward the private room.
The dinner had begun to wind down, though the investors were still discussing potential acquisitions. Victoria had ordered a selection of digestifs and asked for the bill to be prepared discreetly.
Claire balanced the tray carefully.
A server moving in the opposite direction stepped aside to allow a guest to pass. Claire adjusted her route to avoid a chair that had been pushed into the aisle.
As she approached the private room, she heard Victoria’s voice.
“I’m telling you, the family is ready to move forward.”
Claire slowed.
The door was partly open.
Victoria continued speaking.
“The daughter is handling the operation now. She understands that an independent restaurant is a liability in this market.”
Claire’s jaw tightened.
She pushed the door open gently.
“Excuse me. Your drinks.”
Victoria looked up.
“Finally.”
Claire began serving.