THE ARROGANT CUSTOMER
657 Words
Chapter 2: The Arrogant Customer
Anna arrived at The Crown Table fifteen minutes early.
She stood in front of the mirror in the staff changing room, adjusting the simple black uniform she had been given.
It wasn't the kind of clothing she was used to wearing.
There was a time when Anna had closets filled with designer dresses, expensive shoes, and handbags that cost more than some people's monthly salaries.
Now, she was wearing a restaurant uniform.
And surprisingly, she didn't hate it.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
"This is temporary," she whispered.
She wasn't ashamed of working.
She was ashamed that her own father had made her feel like she was unwanted.
That thought made her jaw tighten.
No.
She wouldn't think about him today.
She had a job.
That was what mattered.
The morning passed quickly.
Anna learned how to arrange tables, serve customers, take orders, and handle the restaurant's reservation system.
She made mistakes.
Several of them.
But she learned quickly.
By noon, she was already moving around the restaurant with confidence.
"Table six needs their drinks."
Anna nodded.
"Coming."
She picked up the tray and walked toward the table.
A customer suddenly bumped into her.
The glass nearly slipped from her hand.
"Watch where you're going!" the woman snapped.
Anna steadied the tray.
"I'm sorry."
The woman rolled her eyes.
Anna walked away without arguing.
She remembered what she had promised the manager.
Remain professional.
But then someone called her from behind.
"You."
Anna turned.
A tall man stood near the entrance.
Black suit.
Expensive watch.
Cold expression.
He looked around the restaurant as if he owned the entire place.
Anna frowned.
"Yes?"
"Who is in charge here?"
"The manager."
"I want to speak with him."
"He isn't available right now."
The man's eyes narrowed.
"Then find him."
Anna stared at him.
There was something about his tone she didn't like.
"He's currently in a meeting."
"Then interrupt him."
Anna blinked.
"Excuse me?"
The man stepped closer.
"You heard me."
Anna folded her arms.
"And you heard me too. He's busy."
The man stared at her.
Nobody spoke to Michael like that.
Not employees.
Not business partners.
Not even people who hated him.
But this woman didn't seem to care who he was.
Michael looked at her name tag.
ANNA.
"You're new."
"Yes."
"Very new, apparently."
Anna's eyes narrowed.
"What exactly is that supposed to mean?"
"It means you don't know how this place works."
She gave him a polite smile.
"And apparently you don't know how to speak to people."
A few nearby employees immediately looked away.
Michael's jaw tightened.
"You should be careful."
Anna lifted an eyebrow.
"Is that a threat?"
"No."
He leaned slightly closer.
"It's advice."
"I didn't ask for it."
Michael stared at her for another second.
Then he walked away.
Anna watched him disappear toward the private dining area.
"What an arrogant man," she muttered.
One of the waitresses beside her looked terrified.
"Anna..."
"What?"
"Do you know who that was?"
Anna shrugged.
"Some rude customer."
The waitress stared at her.
"You really don't know?"
"Know what?"
Before the woman could answer, the manager rushed toward them.
His face had gone pale.
"Anna!"
She turned.
"Yes?"
"Come with me."
"Why?"
He lowered his voice.
"That man you just argued with..."
Anna sighed.
"If he's complaining about me, I can explain—"
"That's not the problem."
The manager glanced toward the private dining area.
"That's Michael."
Anna frowned.
"Michael who?"
The manager swallowed.
"Michael Anderson."
Her expression remained blank.
"And?"
The manager stared at her in disbelief.
"Michael Anderson—the owner of this restaurant."
Anna froze.
Her mouth slowly opened.
She turned toward the private dining area.
Through the glass doors, Michael was standing there.
And he was looking directly at her.
Their eyes met.
A slow, dangerous smile appeared on his face.
Anna's stomach dropped.
Oh no.
She had just insulted her boss.
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