AN UNEXPECTED THREAT!👀

1039 Words

HIS POSSESSION Chapter Seven: An Unexpected Threat Sunday evening welcomed Manhattan with a gentle breeze, the fading sunlight casting long shadows across the city’s streets. By the time Adrian’s black sedan came to a stop outside Le Château, the restaurant was already glowing beneath its crystal chandeliers. He stepped out, adjusting the cuff of his tailored black suit. Without realizing it… He found himself wondering if Ethan had returned. The thought lingered only for a second before he pushed it aside. Inside, the hostess greeted him with her now familiar smile. “Good evening, Mr. De Luca.” “Good evening.” “We’re happy to have you back.” “Thank you.” As she led him toward table nine, Adrian’s gaze swept across the dining room. There. Near the windows. Ethan was helping an elderly woman settle comfortably into her chair before carefully unfolding her napkin across her lap. The old woman smiled warmly. “You remind me of my grandson.” Ethan chuckled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” “You should.” “I hope he visits you often.” “He does… just never often enough.” “I’ll make sure tonight’s dessert makes up for it.” The woman laughed. “So you’re a charmer, too?” “Only on Sundays.” Adrian looked away before Ethan noticed him watching. Something inside him settled. A feeling so subtle he almost missed it. Relief. A few moments later, Ethan approached. “Good evening, Mr. De Luca.” “Good evening.” “It’s nice to see you again.” “You as well.” Ethan smiled. “I hope Daniel took good care of you yesterday.” “He did.” “I heard you asked for me.” The words were innocent. Pure curiosity. Adrian met Ethan’s eyes. “…You heard?” Daniel had mentioned it during the afternoon briefing.” “I was simply surprised not to see you.” It was the truth. Simple. Honest. Ethan’s smile softened. “I appreciate that.” He opened his notebook. “Shall I choose your dinner again?” “If you don’t mind.” “I don’t.” For reasons neither of them understood… The exchange felt comfortably familiar. The evening unfolded peacefully. Between courses, Adrian observed Ethan moving effortlessly through the restaurant. He remembered birthdays. He noticed empty glasses before anyone asked. He thanked the kitchen staff after every order. Even when the restaurant grew busier, he never appeared impatient. His kindness wasn’t reserved for customers. It extended to everyone around him. That, Adrian realized… Was rare. Near the end of the evening, the calm atmosphere suddenly shifted. A loud crash echoed through the dining room. A tray slipped from the hands of a newly hired waiter. Plates shattered across the marble floor. Several guests gasped. Wine splashed across the expensive jacket of a sharply dressed customer. The man’s chair scraped loudly against the floor as he stood. “What is the meaning of this?” The young waiter froze. “I-I’m so sorry, sir…” “Sorry?” the customer snapped. “Do you have any idea how much this suit costs?” The young man’s hands trembled. “I didn’t mean—” “You people call this professional service?” Conversations around the restaurant faded into uneasy silence. Before the waiter could answer, Ethan stepped between them. “I’m very sorry for what happened, sir.” “I wasn’t speaking to you.” “No,” Ethan replied calmly, “but you’re speaking to a member of our team.” The customer folded his arms. “So now you’re defending incompetence?” “I’m asking for a moment to make this right.” “There is no making this right.” “There may not be,” Ethan admitted. “But shouting at him won’t change what’s already happened.” The young waiter lowered his head, clearly fighting back tears. Ethan glanced toward him. “Daniel.” “Y-Yes?” “Take a breath.” “I’m sorry…” “I know.” Ethan offered him a reassuring smile. “I’ll handle this.” Daniel nodded weakly before stepping back. Ethan turned his attention to the customer once more. “I’d like to offer to have your jacket professionally cleaned at the restaurant’s expense.” The man scoffed. “And if it can’t be cleaned?” “Then we’ll discuss replacing it.” “You’ll replace a custom-made Italian suit?” “If that’s what is fair.” The customer stared at him for several long seconds. Finally… His shoulders relaxed. “…Fine.” “I appreciate your understanding.” “I wouldn’t call it understanding.” Ethan smiled politely. “I’ll settle for patience.” A reluctant chuckle escaped the man despite himself. The tension dissolved almost instantly. Within minutes, conversations resumed, new dishes were served, and the restaurant returned to its usual rhythm. Adrian had witnessed every second. Not once had Ethan raised his voice. Not once had he lost control. He had protected his colleague without humiliating the customer. Firm. Respectful. Composed. Adrian found himself quietly impressed. People often mistook kindness for weakness. Tonight… Ethan had proven otherwise. As Adrian prepared to leave, he passed the service station. Daniel stood beside Ethan, visibly calmer. “Thanks,” Daniel murmured. “I almost walked out.” Ethan shook his head. “Everyone makes mistakes.” “Even you?” Ethan laughed. “My first week here, I spilled soup on the manager’s shoes.” Daniel blinked. “You did?” “I wanted to disappear.” Daniel laughed for the first time that evening. The sound drew a small smile from Adrian. Not because of the joke… But because Ethan had turned someone’s worst moment into something they could laugh about. Outside, Luca opened the rear door of the sedan. “Everything alright, Boss?” Adrian looked back toward the restaurant. After a thoughtful silence, he answered. “Yes.” He paused. “…He’s remarkable.” Luca followed Adrian’s gaze toward the glowing windows of Le Château. He didn’t need to ask who Adrian meant. For the first time… He already knew. End of Chapter Seven

Free reading for new users

Scan code to download app

App Store Google Play

Facebookexpand_more