He opened his mouth,
then shut it.
I turned to the servers. “Please pack whatever food is appropriate for you and your staff to take. The rest can be donated tonight if possible. You’ll all be paid in full, with an additional bonus for the inconvenience.”
The head caterer nodded quickly, relief crossing her face.
My mother stepped away from the table. “Daniel, you can’t just dismiss everyone like this.”
“It’s my house.”
Her eyes flashed. For one second, the polished mask slipped, and I saw something cold beneath it.
Then she softened her voice. “Son, you’re tired. You’ve had a long flight. Let’s not make decisions while emotions are high.”
I had heard that tone before.
It was the tone she used when she wanted obedience dressed up as concern.
“I’m not tired,” I said. “For the first time in years, I’m awake.”
