Chapter 4 - The Diner
The armored Maybach didn't pull up to a Michelin-starred restaurant or an underground billionaire club. It parked in front of a neon-lit, 24-hour greasy spoon diner on the edge of the city limits.
Julian stepped out, offering Clara his hand. She stared at it for a second before ignoring it and stepping out on her own. Julian dropped his hand, amused, and followed her inside.
The diner was empty except for a sleepy waitress. Julian slid into a vinyl booth across from Clara, completely out of place in his five-thousand-dollar suit.
"Pancakes and black coffee," Julian ordered for both of them without looking at a menu.
"Controlling, aren't we?" Clara noted, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Decisive," Julian corrected. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the sticky table. "I looked into your background today, Clara Vance. Twenty-six. Business degree. You’ve been running the night shift flawlessly for two years, single-handedly increasing our VIP retention by forty percent. You are wildly overqualified for your position."
"I like the night shift. It's quiet."
"You like it because it hides you," Julian said, his eyes piercing through her defenses. "You have a mountain of student debt and a sister in a private medical facility. You work nights so you can visit her during the day."
Clara’s blood ran cold. "Excuse me? You investigated my family?"
"I investigate anyone who shows no fear of me. I needed to know what your leverage was." Julian’s voice softened slightly, a terrifying shift from the ruthless boss. "Your sister's medical bills were paid in full an hour ago."
May you like
Clara half-stood from the booth, furious. "I don't want your money! You can't just buy my life because I proved you wrong!"
"Sit down, Clara," Julian commanded, his tone instantly hardening. "I didn't buy your life. I cleared your debts because starting tomorrow, you are working directly for me. And I need your absolute, undivided attention."
