Chapter 9

I decisively cut off all financial ties with that Michelin Three-Star restaurant.

The vice president didn't hesitate to submit his resignation, along with the entire core team.

They chose to follow me and start anew.

In just six months.

My new restaurant quickly rose to prominence with exceptional service and exquisite dishes.

We set a new industry standard.

Becoming the new darling of the culinary world.

Caleb Beniere's restaurant, however, fell into dire straits.

The departure of the core team and the broken capital chain left him struggling.

The ongoing fallout from the Chloe Valentine incident further tarnished the restaurant's reputation.

His career soon came to an end.

I heard he tried to start a business with that two hundred thousand.

But someone accustomed to a lavish life knew nothing about management.

Every investment ended in complete loss.

He quickly exhausted all his savings.

He couldn't even afford the most basic rent.

Later, Madeline Laurent told me about his current situation.

He was working as a waiter in a bar.

Every day, he forced a smile for customers he once looked down upon.

One day, he was recognized by a former acquaintance.

He was publicly humiliated.

Madeline softly asked me if I regretted it.

I shook my head.

I never regretted my decision.

I only hated that I didn't see through his disguise sooner.

Over a decade.

I tried to tame a greedy wolf into a docile sheep.

It was all in vain.

Nature is hard to change.

Now, I have a successful career and genuine friends.

I no longer live for anyone else.

No longer carry unnecessary burdens.

I have finally found myself.

On a sunny afternoon.

Madeline and I enjoyed afternoon tea in the garden of the new restaurant.

A man in a delivery uniform stopped his electric scooter at the entrance.

He took off his helmet.

Revealing a haggard face.

It was Caleb Beniere.

His eyes flickered when he saw me.

A mix of shame and resentment.

Finally turning into numbness.

He didn't approach.

Just glanced at me from afar.

Then hurried into the neighboring building with his delivery box.

Sunlight fell on my shoulders.

Warm and pleasant.

I turned to Madeline with a slight smile.

"The weather is lovely today."

She smiled softly.

"Yes, it's never been better."

We both understood.

The shadow that had loomed over me for over a decade had finally lifted.

The road ahead was bright.

[The End]