Chapter 3 Invitation Accepted

Joseph glanced at me and nodded at Melanie. The circuit was repaired, and he had something else to tend to. He hopped into a car and drove off.

Melanie saw him off, her eyes blazing with jealousy and rage. This was not what she had in mind. I was not supposed to survive the fire, let alone get to know a business legend. If looks could kill, I'd be dead.

I met her gaze. The woman was a spoiled princess who waited for everyone to tend to her every single need. The last time we met was a few days ago. Now she had circles under her eyes. Running a steakhouse was killing her.

Calmly, I asked, "So, to what do I owe the pleasure, Melanie? What do you want?"

Fury possessed her, and her eyes went red. She was going to say something, but her phone rang. She checked it out. Her employees.

A drunk customer was causing a scene at the shop, and they needed her to handle them. "You're useless! I didn't hire you people to stand around! Fuck it, fine. I'm coming back!" she roared at her employees.

She hung up in a huff and drove off, but before that, she made sure she shot me a look filled with venom and hatred.

Melanie's birthday party came up soon enough.

Our father was proudly showing off Melanie in the hall. "She's a good daughter. The girl took over her grandmother's steakhouse just to spend more time with me. I couldn't be prouder."

Then, a commotion rippled through the hall. The guests were staring at the newcomer at the entrance in shock. Discussion filled the air.

"That's the legendary Joseph Quigley!"

"Yeah! What's he doing here?"

"They say he lives a low-profile life. Not even the reporters could get a clear photo of him!"

"How'd the Shaws hook up with Quigley Group?"

Joseph scanned the place elegantly and walked up to me. "It's been a while, Eve. How's work?"

I smiled. "It's going well, Mr. Quigley. Thanks for asking."

My parents stopped showing off Melanie and approached us in a hurry. My father was staring at Joseph, then he stood up straighter and said with total politeness, "Hello, Mr. Quigley. I'm Yvonne's father. I didn't realize you were coming. Sorry if the reception's not up to your standards."

Joseph smiled. "Hello, Mr. Shaw. I had a little accident at my homestay a few days ago. Thanks to Yvonne, we managed to avert a crisis. I'm here to talk about her future at my company. You don't get talent like her every day. I'd love for her to work for me."

My mother's eyes were wide as saucers. She could not believe a legendary man would pay attention to me.

My father froze up like a statue. Then, he simpered.

"Oh, she's honored that you're paying her any attention at all. And this is my eldest, Melanie. She's always been the smarter one. And a lot less problematic than her sister. If she can work for you, she'll create a lot more value!"

I was listening to the whole exchange, and my heart sank lower with every word. Melanie was always the golden child. My father always thought she was better than me.

Joseph looked at Melanie for a moment. Calmly, he said, "I heard she got into a fight with her customer a few days ago, and the cops were involved. I dabble in F&B myself, so here's a word of advice for Melanie. F&B's first priority is peaceful resolution and customer satisfaction. You have a lot to learn."

Melanie looked awkward and humiliated. She held her hand up to the wound on her face stiffly.

The woman stormed right into the steakhouse like someone ready to fight. She argued with the customer right away, and the argument turned into a fight. Of course. A princess who'd been spoiled her whole life would never understand that the customer was always right.