You're making a scene. I don't care about the scene, Julian shouted. You're a corporate spy. That's the only explanation.
You've been planting information, haven't you? Or maybe you hacked our servers. How else would you know about the deal closing on Monday? That is privileged information.
It was in the Financial Times this morning, page six, Elena replied calmly. And the Kensington History is in the local library. I read, "Unlike you, apparently." Brett and Cole gasped. Chloe covered her mouth with her hand.
Julian's face turned a shade of crimson that matched the Cabernet he had been drinking. He felt exposed naked. She wasn't just defeating him. She was dismantling him.
"You think you're smart?" Julian hissed, leaning over the table, invading her personal space. "You think you can humiliate me? I own this town. I can buy and sell your entire existence before breakfast.
You almost bought a bankruptcy, Elena reminded him cold-heartedly. You should be thanking me. Thank you. Julian laughed a manic jagged sound.
You think I'm going to thank a servant for eavesdropping on my private conversation? You think I'm going to let you walk away and tell everyone that Julian Thorne almost made a mistake? No. He straightened his jacket, buttoning it with trembling fingers.
His eyes went dead. The predator was back and he was cornered. "Manager!" Julian bellowed.
"Get the manager out here now. The restaurant manager, a short, nervous man named Mr. Henderson, materialized almost instantly.
He looked like he was walking to his own execution. He knew Julian Thorne. He knew the amount of money Julian spent at The Obsidian. He also knew that if Julian was unhappy, the restaurant's rating would plummet overnight.
"Mr. Thorne," Henderson said, ringing his hands, sweat glistening on his bald pate. "Is there a problem? "Was the steak not to your liking?
I can have the chef. "The steak is fine," Julian spat. "The problem is the staff, specifically her. He pointed a manicured finger at Elena.
Elena stood with her hands clasped in front of her. Her posture perfect. She didn't plead. She didn't look at Henderson with puppy dog eyes.
She simply waited. Elena. Henderson looked confused. Elena is our best server.
She She is a liability. Julian cut him off. She has been harassing my table all night she has been eavesdropping on confidential business conversations and just now. Julian lowered his voice, acting the part of the victim perfectly.
She tried to extort me. Elena's eyes widened slightly. That is a lie. She claimed she heard private financial details.