I was quietly cutting my daughter’s chicken when the manager stopped beside our table and sneered, “People like you don’t belong in this section.”

did you know that?”

Vanessa stepped forward.

“That is confidential business information.”

Daniel met her eyes.

“Yes.”

The single word landed strangely.

Vanessa frowned.

Daniel continued.

“Were servers also told to transfer large-spending guests into Vanessa’s preferred section so she could manipulate performance bonuses?”

Maria whispered, “Yes.”

Color drained from Vanessa’s face.

“How do you know about the bonuses?”

Daniel looked toward the entrance.

A woman in a gray suit and a man carrying a leather folder had just entered.

Vanessa recognized the man first.

“Mr. Harris?”

Regional director Paul