“What did you tell her?”
“That confidential matters go through the owners’ representatives.”
He nodded.
“Good.”
“She seems to believe she’s already negotiated a deal.”
Daniel sighed.
“I’ll speak with her.”
Claire placed the folder on the desk.
“Not yet. Let’s finish service first.”
Daniel looked at the folder.
“Everything is ready?”
“Yes.”
“Then we can announce it tonight.”
Claire smiled faintly.
“Assuming nobody breaks anything.”
Neither of them knew how quickly that possibility would become real.
At eight forty, the main dining room was still busy.
A birthday party occupied the large central table. Two couples were sharing a bottle of wine near the fireplace. The pianist had resumed playing, and the soft notes of a jazz standard drifted through the room.
Claire carried a silver tray containing two glasses of red wine, a small decanter of water, and a folded service napkin.
She was heading toward the Langford table when Victoria emerged from the private room.
“Claire.”
Claire stopped.
“Yes?”
“Come here.”
Claire approached.
Victoria held a printed document.
“Explain this.”
Claire glanced at it.
It was a copy of the Sterling House’s public corporate registration, with a note attached about the restaurant’s current ownership structure.
“I’m not the appropriate person to interpret legal documents,” Claire said.
Victoria’s eyes narrowed.
“Don’t play games with me.”
“I’m not.”
“Your name appears here.”
Claire looked at the document.
Her name had been listed as the intended successor in an earlier filing, though the final transfer had not yet been publicly recorded.
Victoria tapped the paper.
“Why is your name on this?”
“Because I’m part of the ownership transition.”
Victoria stared at her.
“What?”
Claire held the tray steady.
“I’m involved in the succession process.”
Victoria’s face changed.
“You’re involved?”
“Yes.”
Victoria looked at the document again.
Then she laughed, sharply and incredulously.
“You’re a waitress.”
Claire did not blink.
“I’m also the owner’s daughter.”
Victoria’s expression shifted from amusement to irritation.
“Thomas is selling this place.”
“No.”
“I have been negotiating with him for months.”
“He declined your offers.”
“He agreed to discuss terms.”
“He agreed to discuss a partnership proposal. He did not agree to sell.”
Victoria stepped closer.