Chapter 45

Victor’s POV

Daisy looks good in a dress. The blue sheath dress she was wearing fit too loosely, but it still showcases her gorgeous legs.

I should have asked her to wear her contacts. She really does look incredible without her glasses. It’s such an amazing transformation.

As I held the Lamborghini's door for her, she asked, “Where are we going?”

“We’re going to dinner,” I replied. “I made a reservation at Gray’s restaurant. I want to speak to Amy myself.”

I walked around the car and got behind the steering wheel. After starting the engine, I noticed Daisy was fidgeting with the hem of her dress. I knew that meant she was worried.

“What are you gonna say to Amy?” Daisy asked.

“I’m going to assure her that she is welcome at your ball,” I replied. “So you can stop worrying. I would never hurt your best friend’s feelings on purpose.”

That statement was mostly true. Although in the past, I have taken to task a few clumsy Beta waitresses, I wouldn’t deliberately say anything to upset a friend of Daisy’s.

Not to mention, Amy seemed like a timid little thing, and I didn’t want to be branded a bully. It didn’t suit my public image.

Mr. Gray must have been aware I was coming because when we arrived at the restaurant, we were seated at the best table in the house.

Our waitress took our drink orders and left menus. Daisy’s head was swiveling in every direction, most likely looking for Amy or Mr. Gray.

She seemed even more nervous since coming into the restaurant. It made me realize how exhausting it must be to suffer from anxiety like hers.

The waitress returned with our drinks and asked if we were ready to order.

“Daisy, do you know what you want?” I asked, but she seemed confused. “Do you know what you want to eat?”

Daisy quickly looked at the menu and said, Um … I …I’ll h …have the chicken.”

The poor girl was stuttering again. I needed to work quickly to put her at ease.

Before the waitress left, I told her to ask Chef Grey if he would come to our table and speak to me.

“I want you to hear everything I say to him and Amy,” I told her. “I’m going to fix this for you.”

“Thank you, Victor. But I don’t know if it can be fixed.”

“Maybe not, but I’ll do my best,” I said.

“You made several valid points yesterday when we were arguing,” I said while stirring my iced tea. I was staying clear of alcohol tonight. I wanted to control every word that came from my mouth.

The truth was, I didn't like how I looked through Daisy’s eyes, and I needed to redeem myself with her a bit.

“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings,” Daisy said. “I was just worried about my friend.”

“Nevertheless, I’ll try to be more open-minded and generous of spirit in the future.” I gave her a grin and waggled my eyebrows, and was rewarded with her laughter. “But I can’t guarantee my success.”

The waitress returned to our table with our order

As she placed our food in front of us, she said Chef Gray was busy, but he would try to come out to speak to me before I left.

I thanked her with a pleasant smile.

“It doesn’t seem that busy here right now,” Daisy said. “But maybe he’s short more than a dishwasher tonight.”

I nodded and began eating my steak. I was willing to wait, but I wasn’t leaving until I spoke to Chef Grey and Amy.

When the waitress brought my bill, I asked if Chef Grey was still busy.

“He’s still slammed,” the waitress replied. I could tell from the way she couldn’t meet my eyes that she was lying.

But I thanked her politely. The fact that the restaurant had been less than half full for the last half hour told me my suspicions were correct. He was avoiding me.

I placed money for the bill and a generous tip on the table and asked Daisy to follow me.

I led her through the swinging doors and into the kitchen. “Hello, Chef Grey,” I called out.

He was standing near a small table at the back of the room where Amy was eating something that looked delicious.

Amy saw us first, and her eyes widened. “Daisy! What are you two doing here?”

“I am here to talk to your father,” I replied. “We just ate dinner here, but the waitress said your dad was too busy to come out and talk to us.”

“Things just calmed down,” Chef Gray said. His red complexion was red from more than steam. “I thought I missed you.”

“I understand, but it’s vital that we speak,” I told him. “There has been a serious misunderstanding that I wish to correct.”

Chef Gray sat at the table. “If this is about Daisy’s birthday ball, I’m sorry, but Amy doesn’t want to attend.”

“May I ask why?” I asked. “The girls have been the best of friends for years. Daisy would truly miss her if she weren’t there.”

“Amy, we need to tell him the truth,” Chef Gray said.

He nodded to Victor and motioned for him to sit down. “Amy would attend the ball for Daisy's sake, but we have concerns about her safety and fear of exposing her to ridicule.”

“I understand,” Victor said. “But I can assure you that no one will ridicule or harm your daughter in any way.”

Amy’s mouth dropped open as Victor continued. “She will be attending the ball under my protection. No one will dare do anything to harm her.”

Chef Gray looked at the floor and digested what Victor said. Then he looked at Amy. “What do you think, Amy?”

I clasped my hands against my chest and waited for Amy’s decision.

She looked at me, then Victor, and then back at me before saying, “Yes. I want to go to Daisy’s ball.”

“Are you sure she’ll be protected?” Chef Gray asked. “She’s my only child and dear to me.”

“Why don’t you and Amy have dinner with us at Alex‘s home tomorrow night?” I suggested.

Chef Gray saw the hopeful expression on Amy’s face and said, “I guess I could arrange for someone to cover for me for a few hours.”

“Thank you, Dad,” Amy said. She got up from the table and, arm and arm, she and Daisy walked away, whispering to themselves.

“While I have you alone,” I said. “I wanted to discuss the renovations and future rent.”

“There’s not much to discuss,” Chef Gray said. “Doubling my rent will end my restaurant. I’ll lose everything.”

“I think you're correct, and I believe the amount previously suggested is unfair,” I said. “It will be adjusted to less than one third of that figure. It doesn’t make much sense to end a thriving business.”

A smile split the older man’s face. “Thank you, Mr. Klein. It’s very generous of you.”

“It’s just good business,” I replied. “A business that is out of business pays no rent at all.”

I thought more of Daisy‘s accusations about my attitude toward Betas. Perhaps there were ways for mutual cooperation that would benefit us all.

“You are very talented in the kitchen. I have a few suggestions that would help you turn a larger profit if you’d like to hear them.”

Our waitress walked into the room and handed Chef Gray a slip of paper. “This is for table three, and we just seated an eight-top,” she said.

“Perhaps we could speak tomorrow if you’re going to be at the Wilson’s for dinner,” Chef Gray said as he hurried to his stove.

“I’ll be there. See you then.”

I found Daisy helping Amy restock the waitress Station. She gave me a big smile.

“The restaurant is getting busy again, Daisy,” I said. Let’s get out of the way.”

Daisy and Amy hugged, and we left.

When we got outside, Daisy took my arm and smiled up into my face, and said, “Thank you, Victor.”

“You’re welcome.” I helped her into the car. “See, I told you I’m not such a bad guy.”

“You have your moments,” she said with a giggle.