For the next two days, I went to the restaurant as usual and ran everything like nothing had happened.
I just slipped away now and then to make a few calls and sign a few documents.
Abner didn't come by those two days, as if he meant to leave me stewing.
Noel, who used to drop in all the time, didn't show up either.
But every so often he'd send me a text:
"Amelia, that's enough. Stop making a scene."
"My mom's right. You've been spoiled rotten."
"If you've got the nerve, hold this grudge for the rest of your life. Don't come back."
I didn't reply to a single one. I just quietly handled what needed handling.
On the third day, right after I signed the last contract, Abner suddenly walked in.
He was in a brand-new outfit, hair slicked back and shining, arrogance radiating off every inch of him.
Jemima and Noel trailed close behind, not looking at me.
And behind them came a whole crowd, dozens of people.
Most of them were James relatives, along with Abner's friends.
The moment they came through the door, the whole bunch of them helped themselves to tables and sat down.
Abner swaggered up to the front counter and gave me his order.
"It's my birthday today. I'm booking out the whole place."
"Bring the most expensive liquor and the best food to every single table."
"Lobster, abalone, sea cucumber, fresh crab, Wagyu, luxury seafood stew, all of it. For drinks, straight to the top-shelf liquor. No cutting corners."
I lifted my head, looked calmly at his strutting arrogance, and confirmed it with him.
"You're sure you want all of that liquor and all of those dishes on every table? Once it's ordered, there's no returning or exchanging it."
Abner slammed his hand on the counter and raised his voice into a shout.
"Obviously!"
"When I tell you to bring it, you bring it. Since when do you talk this much?"
"You itching for another slap?"
Seeing this, his friends fell over themselves flattering him.
"That's our Abner for you. Even his birthday dinner comes with attitude!"
Among the James relatives, some looked excited, others worried.
"Abner, isn't this a bit much? All this fine food and liquor, that's got to cost a fortune."
But Abner waved it off like it was nothing.
"What's this?"
"It's just one meal. Eat as much as you want."
"Everything the whole room spends today is on me."
Then he turned his head and glared at me, hurrying me along.
"What are you standing around for? Go get the food out!"
"Waste any more of my time and I'll slap you. Try me."
I looked at that vicious, twisted face of his.
Then I glanced at the restaurant transfer contract I'd just signed, and gave a faint smile.
"All right."
