One investor accepted a glass of brandy. Another chose espresso. A third asked for sparkling water.
Victoria watched Claire set down the final glass.
“Where is Daniel?”
“I believe he’s assisting a guest in the main dining room.”
“Go get him.”
“Certainly.”
Claire turned to leave.
“Actually,” Victoria said, “wait.”
Claire stopped.
Victoria leaned back in her chair.
“I have a question.”
“Yes, Ms. Langford?”
“Has the ownership paperwork been finalized?”
Claire kept her expression neutral.
“That would be a question for the owners’ representatives.”
Victoria gave a short laugh.
“You’re standing here in a uniform, and you’re telling me you don’t know?”
“I’m telling you that confidential ownership matters are handled by the appropriate representatives.”
Victoria’s eyes narrowed.
“Interesting answer.”
Claire did not respond.
Victoria glanced toward the investors.
“See? This is exactly the problem with family businesses. Everyone thinks they have authority, but nobody knows who’s actually in charge.”
One investor shifted uncomfortably.
“Victoria, perhaps we should discuss the terms privately.”
“We are discussing them privately.”
Claire stood still.
Victoria turned back to her.
“Tell me, do you know what a restaurant like this is worth?”
Claire replied calmly.
“I know what it means to the people who work here.”
Victoria laughed.
“That’s not what I asked.”
Claire said nothing.
Victoria leaned forward.
“Let me explain something. A restaurant is an asset. It has revenue, liabilities, contracts, property value, and a brand. Sentiment is irrelevant if the business can’t compete.”
Claire met her gaze.
“Sentiment isn’t the only thing that matters. But neither is the purchase price.”
Victoria’s expression hardened.
“Are you correcting me?”
“No.”
“You sound like you are.”
“I’m answering your question.”
Victoria looked toward the investors.
“Do you hear this?”
One of them looked down at his plate.
Claire picked up the empty espresso cup.
“Would anyone like anything else?”
Victoria waved her away.
“Just bring the check.”
Claire nodded and left the room.
In the corridor, she paused for a moment.
She had hoped to avoid a confrontation until after the ownership announcement.
But Victoria seemed determined to provoke one.
Claire took a slow breath and continued toward the office.
Daniel was there reviewing the evening’s receipts.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
“Victoria wants the check. And she asked about the ownership paperwork.”
Daniel looked up.