Brett denied everything until Owen came in voluntarily and admitted that Brett had been targeting Tessa since the night Salvatore first requested her. Carla confirmed the original prank and said Brett had worried Tessa told Salvatore their names.
The truth was smaller than the rumors Brett had invented around it.
He had not been afraid Salvatore would hurt him.
He had been furious that Tessa had walked into a situation designed to make her look foolish and come out respected.
Victor suspended him pending review.
Brett exploded.
He accused Tessa of using Salvatore’s name to intimidate everyone. He said she had become untouchable because a dangerous man liked watching her hands.
Tessa listened until he finished.
Then she said, “Salvatore never asked management for anything. I did this with your tickets, your schedule changes, and your handwriting.”
Brett looked at Victor.
Victor nodded.
For once, there was no powerful outsider to blame.
Brett had built his own evidence.
He was dismissed two days later for falsifying service information and creating a safety risk with an allergy note. Carla received a formal warning for participating in the first prank. Owen received one too, but his apology and cooperation mattered.
Tessa did not feel victorious.
She felt tired.
That Thursday, Salvatore noticed before she signed a greeting.
Bad week? he asked.
Tessa considered pretending otherwise.
Then she told him what happened.
His hands became very still.
You should have told me.
“So you could frighten him?”
If necessary.
She stared at him.
A beat passed.
Then Salvatore added, Or I could have recommended documenting everything, which you already did.
Tessa laughed despite herself.
He signed, You think I solve every problem with fear.
“You admitted fear can be useful.”
