The Waitress With a PhD Who Silenced a Arrogant And Rude Billionaire
Chapter 25
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"Third, you work on yourself: see a therapist, figure out why you hurt people, become someone better. Because if you're going to be in my life in any capacity, I need to know you won't turn back into that man from the restaurant."Theodore nodded. "I've already made an appointment with a therapist. First session is Thursday.""Good." Camille folded the card carefully and put it in her pocket. "And fourth, we start over. Clean slate. No more waitress and customer. No more power dynamics. Just two people trying to navigate a complicated situation.""I'd like that very much." Theodore extended his hand. "Hello. I'm Theodore Lancaster. I'm a work in progress and a recovering jerk. Nice to meet you."Despite everything, Camille smiled. She shook his hand. "Camille Johnson. Former scholar, current caregiver, future PhD. The pleasure is... well, it's not exactly a pleasure yet, but maybe it could be."They talked for another hour, the 30-minute limit forgotten. Theodore told her about his childhood, his absent parents, his drive to succeed that had become an obsession. Camille told him about her mother, about Paris, about the dream she'd put on hold.When they finally left the cafe, something had shifted. They weren't friends, not yet, but they weren't enemies either. They were two broken people trying to find their way back to wholeness. And maybe, just maybe, they could help each other along the way.The next three days passed in a blur of phone calls and paperwork. True to his word, Theodore worked quickly.On Wednesday, a representative from the Sterling Medical Foundation contacted Gloria, informing her that she'd been selected for a comprehensive care program: all her medications would be covered; she'd receive regular checkups with a specialist; transportation to appointments would be provided.Gloria cried when she heard. "It's a miracle, baby. A real miracle."Camille smiled, not mentioning Theodore's involvement. She'd agreed to keep it anonymous, and she would honor that. Her mother deserved to receive help without the complicated feelings that would come from knowing its source.On Thursday, Camille received an email from the Sorbonne. They were pleased to inform her that she'd been awarded the Lancaster European Studies Fellowship, a newly established grant that would cover her tuition and provide a living stipend. She could complete her degree remotely, with only one trip to Paris required for her defense.Camille read the email three times, her hands shaking. It was real. She was going back. She could finish what she'd started.She called Theodore immediately. "Did you do this?""I told you I would." His voice was warm. "Congratulations, Dr. Johnson. Or you will be soon.""I haven't defended yet.""You will. I've read your work. You're brilliant."Camille felt tears in her eyes. When was the last time someone had called her brilliant and actually meant it? "Thank you. I don't know how to thank you properly.""Just finish your degree. That's all the thanks I need."