The waitress froze the moment she heard my words. Her eyes widened, and I could feel her hesitation before she even spoke. Victor Hale. Just saying his name had changed the entire atmosphere in the room. I didn’t need to move an inch, yet the power of my presence was already doing its work.
She hurried off to fetch the manager, her steps quick, almost nervous. I watched her go, hand resting lightly on Faith’s shoulder, feeling the calm patience that came naturally to me. I didn’t rush. I didn’t need to. Everything moved exactly as I intended.
Moments later, the manager arrived, adjusting his tie as if it could somehow armor him against the tension radiating from me. “Good day, sir,” he said, voice tight.
“I need a table for next Friday,” I said plainly, steady as stone. No hesitation, n
