Julian: Chloe! What is going on out here on my sidewalk?
The heavy glass doors of the restaurant swung open, and Julian, the arrogant general manager, stepped out onto the patio with his arms crossed over his chest.
Chloe: Mr. Vance! I... I was just talking to this gentleman.
Julian: You are on the clock, Chloe. You are paid to wipe tables, not socialize with wealthy guests in front of our valet station.
Marcus: She was finished with her task, sir. I asked for a moment of her time.
Julian: I don't care who you are, buddy. My staff doesn't take personal visitors during lunch rush.
Julian turned his sharp glare back toward Chloe, eyeing the white envelope in her hands.
Julian: What is that in your hand? Is that a cash tip from a customer?
Chloe: It's a personal gift, Mr. Vance.
Julian: Personal gift? Hand it over right now. You know restaurant policy. All tips must be pooled and reported to management at the end of the shift.
Marcus: That is not a tip for service, Mr. Vance. That is a private legal settlement check written directly to her name.
Julian: A settlement check? For what? She's just a waitress!
Marcus: That is none of your concern. Now, if you'll excuse us, Chloe and I have business to discuss regarding her family's estate.
Julian: Estate? Chloe doesn't have an estate! Her family owes three months of back rent on their apartment downtown!
Chloe's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment as surrounding passersby turned to look.
Chloe: Please, Mr. Vance, don't talk about my personal life out here.
Julian: Then get back inside and pick up table four! Your shift isn't over yet!
Marcus: Actually, Julian, her shift ended five minutes ago. I checked her schedule with corporate before I drove over.
Julian: Corporate? Who gave you access to corporate scheduling records?
Marcus: My name is Marcus Hayes. I am the senior partner at Hayes & Associates Law Firm, and I represent the majority shareholder of this restaurant chain.
Julian swallowed hard, his face turning pale as he stepped back toward the restaurant door.
Julian: You... you represent the board?
Marcus: I do. And I suggest you go back inside before I start asking questions about your tip-pooling policies.
Julian: Right... of course, Mr. Hayes. Take all the time you need.
Julian turned quickly and hurried back inside, letting the glass door slam shut behind him.
Chloe: How did you know about my back rent, Mr. Hayes? How do you even know who I am?
Marcus: Come sit down at the coffee shop across the street, Chloe. It's time I told you the truth about your biological father.
Chloe gasped, clutching the envelope against her chest as her mind raced with a thousand questions.
Chloe: My father? But my mother told me he died when I was a baby!
Marcus: Your mother lied to protect you, Chloe. But before he passed away last month, your father made sure you would never suffer again.