Caroline leaned closer to me and lowered her voice, her tone now sharp and threatening.
“You are going to regret this, Jason will not be happy with you,” she whispered.
“I am not concerned about that,” I answered without hesitation.
Another guest picked up the invoice and read it carefully before reacting.
“Forty eight thousand dollars is not a small amount,” she said while raising her eyebrows in surprise.
Caroline quickly reached for the paper, but the woman held onto it firmly.
“This looks accurate based on what we have been served tonight,” the guest added.
Caroline’s composure began to crack as she realized the situation was slipping beyond her control.
“This is exaggerated and unnecessary,” she snapped while glaring at me. “She thinks she is running some major enterprise because she owns a restaurant.”
“It is not just a restaurant, it is my business,” I replied calmly. “And this is the second unpaid event you have hosted here this week.”
The words carried weight, and the room reacted immediately.
“Second event,” someone repeated in disbelief.
Denise stepped forward at that moment and spoke clearly.
“There was a private dinner four nights ago with thirty guests and no payment was ever made,” she confirmed.
Caroline turned toward her with visible anger.
“I do not answer to you,” she said sharply.
“You do not have to,” Denise replied calmly. “But the bill still exists and it must be paid.”
Caroline straightened her posture and tried to regain her composure.
“Fine, send the invoice to my office and my assistant will handle it,” she said dismissively.
I shook my head slowly.
“Payment is required tonight,” I said.
