By the third course, the atmosphere at table 4 had shifted from boisterous to cruel. The wine had been flowing. Julian had ignored the advice and drank the Pétrus too fast, and was now on his second bottle of a heavy cabernet. He was holding court, regaling his sycophants with the story of his latest conquest.
So, the CEO, old guy, real tearjerker type starts begging me," Julian said, gesturing with a fork full of lobster. He says, "Mr. Thorne, my family has owned this factory for three generations. And I looked at him and said, "That's the problem, Bob.
Sentimentality is a liability on the balance sheet. I bought the debt, foreclosed on the property and fired the board this morning. Net profit $40 million by next quarter.
Brett slapped the table. You're a savage, Julian. A literal savage. It's not savagery, it's evolution, Julian declared.
He looked around bored. His eyes landed on Elena, who was silently refilling the water glasses. He needed a new game. The story was over and he needed fresh entertainment.
You, Julian said, pointing his knife at Elena. Waitress, what's your name again? "Elena, sir." Elena, tell me, Elena, what do you think of that story? Do you think I'm a bad man for firing 3,000 people to make the stock price jump?
It was a trap. If she said yes, she was rude and he'd get her fired. If she said no, she was submissive and he'd mock her for having no morals. Elena stopped pouring.
She set the pitcher down. I think, sir, that efficiency often looks like cruelty to those who don't understand the endgame. Julian blinked. It was a diplomatic answer.
Too diplomatic. He didn't like it. He wanted to see her squirm. He wanted to prove that the gap between him and her wasn't just money, it was biology, intellect.
An answer straight out of a PR handbook, Julian sneered. Tell me, how much do they pay you here? "Minimum wage plus tips. What is that, $30,000 a year? $40,000 if you smile enough?" I get by, sir, Elena said quietly.
You get by, Julian mocked. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a sleek black money clip. He peeled off five $100 bills and fanned them out on the white tablecloth next to the candle. Let's play a game, Elena.
I'm bored and the Wagyu is taking too long. Julian, don't. Chloe whispered, touching his arm. She's just working.
Quiet, Chloe. The adults are talking. Julian looked at Elena with a shark-like grin. I'm going to ask you a question.