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Rejection 2
Manager Idris leaned forward, his cordial mask completely gone. Let me be very clear with you, Mr. Lu. Three years ago, you helped expedite a permit for one of our satellite locations. A minor bureaucratic favor that took you perhaps an afternoon of phone calls. I thanked you then with a complimentary dinner. We are now even. That debt, such as it was, has been paid.”
Vincent’s hands gripped the armrests harder.
“What you’re asking for now,” Idris continued, “is not the same as the favour. You’re asking me to risk my position, my reputation, and my relationship with Madame Duchamp herself…a woman I’ve worked for twenty–three years…so that your fiancée can attend a party. Do you understand how insulting that is”
“I’m not trying to insult you…”
“Then what are you trying to do?” Idris asked coldly. “Because from where I’m sitting, you are attempting to cash in a favor that doesn’t exist for something that’s completely beyond my power to provide.”
Vincent’s face burned. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important.”
“Important to whom? Idris shook his head. “Mr. Lu, everyone who wants an invitation to that gala thinks their reason is important. Your situation isn’t special.”
The words hit Vincent hard.
Idris stood, signaling the meeting was over. “I’m sorry I can’t help you. But even if I could, I wouldn’t. The answer is no. It will remain no. Please don’t contact this restaurant again regarding this matter.”
Vincent remained seated, his mind racing. Two hours of waiting. The humiliation. Victoria’s expectations. The Harrisons‘ smug faces. All of it crashing down around him.
“What if I made it worth your while?” Vincent said quietly.
Idris paused halfway to the door. “Excuse me?”
“Everyone has a price.” Vincent stood, reaching into his jacket. “What if I offered you something that made it worthwhile to find a way?”
“Mr. Lu…”
“Fifty thousand,” Vincent said.
The office went deathly silent.
Idris’s expression transformed from annoyance to something much colder. “You’re attempting to bribe me.”
“I’m offering compensation for your time and effort…”
“In my office. In Madame Duchamp’s restaurant.” Idris’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “Do you have any idea what you’ve just done?”
Vincent’s confidence cracked. “I didn’t mean…”
“Get out.‘
“Manager Idris, please…”
“Get out of my restaurant. Now. Before I have security remove you
Vincent’s last thread of composure snapped. The desperation, the Humiliation, the crushing weight of Victoria’s expectations… it all converged into white–hot anger.
“You think you’re so important,” Vincent hissed, his voice shaking “Sitting in your little office, playing gatekeeper for some old woman’s party. You’re just middle management, Idris. A glorified secretary.”
Pejection 2
+25 Bonus
Idris’s face remained impassive, but his hand moved to his desk phone.
“I could destroy you,” Vincent continued, his voice rising. “You think this place is untouchable?”
“Are you threatening me, Mr. Lu?”
(4
One word from me and this restaurant…all of Madame Duchamps restaurants…could face inspections that would shut you down for weeks. Maybe months.”
“I see.” Idris picked up his phone receiver. “Security, ple
come to my office.”
“You’re making a mistake,” Vincent said, his voice now desperate and threatening simultaneously. “Victoria Cole doesn’t forget people who refuse to help her. When Cole Enterprises completes its expansion, you’ll wish you’d been more cooperative.”
Two security guards appeared in the doorway…both large men in dark suits.
“Escort Mr. Lu from the premises,” Idris said calmly. “And inform all Maison Lumière locations that he’s no longer welcome at any of our establishments.”
“You can’t…”
“I just did.” Idris met Vincent’s furious gaze without flinching.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
