Chapter 3 - The Manager's Threat
Maya Collins was a brilliant freelance architect who had spent the last three years fighting a grueling legal battle against her ex-husband, Richard, for full custody of Lily.
Richard was the general manager of the Bellweather Grill. He had intentionally invited Maya and Lily to the restaurant that evening under the pretense of a "peaceful holiday dinner."
In reality, Richard had planned to trap Maya in his territory, intending to humiliate her and pressure her into signing a legal document that would drastically reduce his child support payments in exchange for dropping his custody threats.
When Richard stepped out of his back office, adjusting his expensive silk tie, he expected to see Maya sitting alone, intimidated and ready to surrender.
Instead, he saw his ex-wife laughing brightly alongside a strikingly handsome man in a white suit vest, while Lily happily showed the stranger her crayon drawings.
Richard’s face flushed with arrogant fury. He marched over to the booth, slamming his hands down onto the table and shattering the peaceful atmosphere.
"What do you think you're doing, Maya?!" Richard hissed, glaring venomously at Ethan. "I reserved this table for a private family discussion, not a charity dinner for a random stray!"
Maya’s smile vanished, her protective maternal instincts instantly flaring up as she pulled Lily closer. "Richard, do not cause a scene in front of our daughter."
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"I am the general manager of this establishment!" Richard sneered, turning his wrath toward Ethan. "And you are trespassing. Get out of my restaurant right now before I have security throw you onto the pavement!"
👉 Read Part 4 to see Ethan's terrifyingly calm response to the manager.
