The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Accepting The Apology

The manager of the Flavor Restaurant retrieved a deep red card from the pocket of his tailored jacket and presented it to Brenna with both hands, his posture respectful. “Miss, due to our restaurant’s oversight, we have caused you unnecessary trouble. As a token of our apology, we’d like to offer you this complimentary dining card. With this, you may dine here three times for free, with no limit on the amount. Please, we insist that you accept it.”

Brenna eyed the card for a moment. She had already made up her mind–she wouldn’t be returning here to dine again. The poor service had ruined her experience, and she had no interest in revisiting a place that treated customers so poorly.

Before Brenna could respond, Rosie let out a short laugh and said rather arrogantly, “Brenna, just take it. Do you know how exclusive this place is? Flavor Restaurant isn’t for just anyone. You’ve never been here before, have you? This card will let you indulge like today three more times. What a steal!”

Sensing the mockery in Rosie’s words, Brenna turned to her, a smirk playing on her lips. “You think the service here is good? Personally, I found it rather lacking I’d prefer a food stall on the street,” she said.

The manager’s expression stiffened, but he maintained his polite demeanor, his hands still outstretched, the card unmoving.

The waitress beside him looked equally tense. The Flavor Restaurant prided itself on its impeccable service, yet she had single–handedly ruined a guest’s experience. If Brenna refused to forgive her, she might very well lose

her job.

Panic flashed across the waitress‘ face as she suddenly stepped forward and said to Brenna, “Miss, I beg you to accept it. I was wrong to treat you so poorly. Please accept my sincere apology! If you don’t accept this card, I could lose my job. I’m a single mother with a five–year–old son. I have a mortgage and bills to pay. I can’t afford to be fired. Please, forgive me!”

Brenna studied the woman for a moment, her expression unreadable, before turning to the manager. She then reached out and took the card, giving it a slight flick between her fingers. “Anyone can use this to dine here three times for free?” she asked.

The manager and waitress exhaled in relief as soon as she accepted it. The manager quickly nodded, his tone respectful. “Yes, Miss. No matter how many dishes are ordered, it will be all on the house.”

nd

Brenna turned toward the entrance, her eyes landing on a middle–aged female cleaner sweeping beneath the relentless afternoon sun. Without hesitation, she stepped outside, exchanged a few words with the clea placed the card in her hands before returning inside.

She met the manager’s stunned gaze and spoke calmly. “I can forgive you and accept your apology, but I won’t be returning here to dine again. The card is useless to me. Can she come in and dine here?” She gestured

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Chapter 9 Accepting The Apology

toward the cleaner outside.

A hush fell over the room. The manager stiffened, caught off guard by her words. Even Ethan, who had remained composed all this time, looked slightly surprised.

Rosie, outright stunned, snapped, “Are you insane? You want a cleaner to dine at the Flavor Restaurant? Do you even understand how ridiculous that is? Even you barely match the standard of this place with the way you’re dressed, let alone her.”

Brenna wasn’t surprised by Rosie’s reaction. She knew that in Rosie’s mind, people belonged in strict categories

and were never to mix.

She turned to face the manager, her voice casual yet firm. “Since the card was given to me, it’s mine to do with as I please.”

She glanced at his name tag, which read Mylo Todd. She said, “Mr. Todd, if that cleaner comes in to dine, will she be served with the same quality service as your usual guests?”

Mylo hesitated. He believed Rosie had a point. Since its opening, the Flavor Restaurant had catered exclusively to the elite. They had never served a cleaner before.