Chapter 3 - The Long Walk Home
The restaurant manager snapped his fingers, and four burly security guards immediately stepped out from the shadows.
They surrounded the Morgan family's table, their expressions cold and professional.
"Please gather your belongings and leave the premises immediately," the head of security instructed.
Evelyn burst into theatrical, wailing tears, practically hiding under the table.
Sofia looked completely humiliated as the other wealthy guests began recording the scene on their smartphones.
"You can't do this to us!" Sofia screamed at me, her perfect, elegant mask slipping away entirely.
"We are high society!"
"You are bankrupt," I stated simply, not raising my voice.
"Your father’s company has been legally dead for a year, kept alive only by my grace."
"And I am calling those loans in tomorrow morning at exactly eight o'clock."
Daniel looked like he was going to have a heart attack right there on the expensive Persian rug.
The security guards gently but firmly escorted the weeping Morgans toward the grand exit.
Lion stood frozen in the middle of the room, completely isolated and alone.
He looked at the empty chairs where his flawless future in-laws had just been sitting.
Then, he looked at me, his eyes begging for a forgiveness I was not ready to give.
"Dad, please, let me explain," Lion choked out, taking a desperate step toward me.
I held up my rough, dirt-stained hand, stopping him in his tracks.
"There is absolutely nothing to explain, son."
"You made your choice when you let him insult my dignity in front of an audience."
I turned my back on him and started walking toward the sliding kitchen doors.
"Dad, wait!" Lion yelled, his voice echoing tragically through the silent, staring room.
I didn't stop.
I didn't look back.
I walked straight through the hot steam of the kitchen, greeting the line cooks who had always treated me with genuine respect.
I stepped out the heavy back door into the cool, refreshing night air of the alleyway.
A sleek, black Maybach was waiting quietly by the dumpsters.
My private driver, Thomas, opened the door and offered a sympathetic, knowing smile.
"Rough night, sir?" Thomas asked quietly.
May you like
"Just taking out the trash, Thomas," I replied, sinking into the plush leather seat.
"Take me home."
