The Waitress With a PhD Who Silenced a Arrogant And Rude Billionaire
Chapter 10
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At 9:15, Theodore's party finished their meal. The bill came to $600. Theodore pulled out his wallet and dropped three twenties on the table: $60 on a $600 meal. It was technically 10%, but in a restaurant like the Sterling Oak, 20% was standard.The red-haired woman looked at the money, then at Theodore. "That's not enough.""It's more than adequate for the service we received," Theodore replied coolly."She's been professional all evening. Despite—" The woman trailed off, but her meaning was clear.Theodore stood, buttoning his suit jacket. "I tip based on the level of engagement I receive. Our server has been adequately robotic. The tip reflects that."He walked out. His companions followed, though the woman glanced back at Camille with an expression that might have been apology, or pity, or both.Camille collected the money and cleared the table. Bethany appeared at her elbow. "That was brutal.""It's fine.""It's not fine. None of this is fine." Bethany's voice was fierce. "You should report him or something. Or quit. You deserve better than this.""I can't afford better than this," Camille said quietly.That night, the bus ride home felt longer than usual. The city outside the window was bright and busy, full of people living their lives, chasing their dreams, being treated with basic dignity. Camille felt separate from all of it, like she was watching the world through glass.At home, her mother was watching a cooking show. Gloria looked up when Camille entered, her brown eyes immediately concerned. "Baby, what's wrong?""Nothing, Mama. Just tired.""Don't lie to me. You've been tired before. This is something else."Camille sat down heavily on the couch, suddenly exhausted beyond measure. "How do you do it, Mama? How do you keep hoping when everything feels impossible?"Gloria turned off the television and shifted in her chair to face her daughter fully. "What happened?"So Camille told her. Not everything, but enough: about Theodore Lancaster, about his German mockery, about feeling invisible and worthless and trapped.When she finished, Gloria was quiet for a long moment. Then she said, "Come here, baby."Camille moved to sit on the floor beside her mother's chair, resting her head on Gloria's lap the way she had as a child. Gloria stroked her daughter's hair gently."Listen to me," Gloria said. "That man, whoever he is, he doesn't define you. His opinion doesn't matter. His words don't change who you are.""But they hurt, Mama. They hurt so much.""I know. But pain is temporary. Your worth isn't. You are a brilliant, educated, kind woman. You speak five languages. You studied at one of the best universities in the world. You sacrificed your dreams to take care of me." Gloria's voice cracked. "Don't let some cruel man with money make you forget any of that.""How do I remember when I spend every day being treated like I'm nothing?"