Richard’s expression tightened.
“Sweetheart, this is an adult matter.”
Oliver moved closer to Hannah.
“Don’t make her go.”
Alexander watched his son cling to the waitress.
For almost a year, Oliver had barely spoken to anyone outside his family.
Now he was defending a stranger.
Alexander looked directly at Richard.
“Who authorized you to fire her?”
Richard hesitated.
“I manage the dining room, sir.”
“And does your management policy prohibit employees from comforting frightened children?”
“Of course not, but—”
“Then explain exactly what she did wrong.”
Richard opened his mouth.
Nothing came out.
Hannah lowered her eyes.
She could not afford to lose her job.
Her father was recovering from a stroke, and most of her salary went toward his care. She had already postponed nursing school twice because her family needed the money.
Richard knew that.
He had used it against her before.
“Mr. Bennett,” Richard said carefully, “I believe this is a misunderstanding.”
Alexander’s expression hardened.
“Then I suggest you stop making it worse.”
At that moment, a woman in an ivory evening gown appeared near the entrance.
Caroline Mercer.
She surveyed the scene with immediate displeasure.
“Alexander, what is going on?”
Oliver stiffened.
His fingers tightened around Hannah’s hand.
