Chapter 1 - The Scene in The Meridian Room
The Meridian Room was bathed in the golden, amber glow of massive crystal chandeliers that hung from high ceilings. Polished dark wood walls reflected the flickers of warm table lamps resting on pristine white tablecloths. High-society diners quietly clinked wine glasses, surrounded by soft jazz and the murmur of wealthy conversation.
Sitting at a small corner table near the window was an old man in his seventies. He wore a frayed brown wool coat over a faded knitted sweater, his silver beard neatly trimmed, his hands weathered from a lifetime of hard labor. Before him sat a single bowl of steaming chicken soup.
A loud, piercing voice shattered the restaurant's quiet elegance.
Vanessa Price stood five feet away, her blonde hair styled into sleek waves, a dazzling diamond necklace catching every light beam above her sleeveless black formal dress. She glared at the old man as if he were a stain on the hardwood floor.
Vanessa pointed an arrogant, manicured finger across the dining room, demanding the staff intervene.
“Move him!” Vanessa snapped in a harsh, arrogant voice that echoed across the room. “People like him don’t belong in this restaurant.”
Diners stopped chewing. Heads turned toward the scene.
Lily Carter, a waitress in her twenties with dark brunette hair styled in a chic bun, stepped forward immediately. She wore a crisp white button-down shirt, a dark black apron, and a brass name tag that gleamed under the chandeliers.
Instead of asking the old man to leave, Lily leaned down gently beside him. She placed a comforting, warm hand on his arm and looked straight up at Vanessa with unyielding dignity.
“No, ma'am,” Lily said in a firm, polite tone. “He arrived first and paid. He has every right to stay.”
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Vanessa’s face contorted with anger. “Do you know who I am? My family holds a major share in the investment group that manages this property! I will have you begging on the street by nightfall!”
👉 Before Lily could respond, the general manager rushed across the floor with a look of utter panic in his eyes.
