Money could buy a private jet, a penthouse overlooking the Manhattan skyline, and a table at one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city.

Dominic Pierce looked like he had been struck by lightning.

The silence that followed Victor’s laughter was heavy, suffocating, and absolute. Every eyes in Le Rêve was glued to Table 4. Wealthy patrons at nearby tables were leaning over, pretending to sip their champagne while hanging on every word.

"You..." Dominic stammered in English, his face turning from ash-white to a deep, burning crimson. "You speak..."

"Fluently, Mr. Pierce," Cassidy replied in crisp, perfect English, her voice smooth and devoid of any malice—which made the victory infinitely more brutal. "Along with French, Ukrainian, and German. Now, would you like me to take your order, or would you prefer a few more minutes to consult your grammar dictionary?"

Victor burst into another hearty laugh, leaning back in his leather seat and shaking his head. Natalia, who had not smiled once since entering the establishment, permitted herself a small, amused smirk as she picked up her wine glass.

"She has you, my friend," Victor said, his heavy accent thick with genuine amusement. "She has you completely."

Dominic’s jaw clutched so tightly that a muscle pulsed violently near his ear. His hand trembled as he gripped his linen napkin. His grand power move—the public humiliation of a server designed to show his absolute dominance—had exploded in his face in the most humiliating way possible.

"Get the manager," Dominic rasped out, his voice shaking with pure, unadulterated rage. "Get him over here right now."

Cassidy didn't move an inch. "I don't need to fetch him, Mr. Pierce. He's already behind you."

Simon rushed over, his shoes clicking nervously on the polished hardwood floors. He looked back and forth between the billionaire tech executive whose face was practically glowing red with fury and the waitress who stood looking like a diplomat accepting a routine briefing.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Pierce?" Simon asked quickly, sweating through his custom suit.

"Fire her," Dominic spat out, pointing a trembling finger at Cassidy. "Fire her right this second! She just insulted me! She threatened me! She's hostile!"

Simon blinked, looking at Cassidy in shock. "Cassidy? I..."

Before Simon could apologize or attempt to smooth things over, Victor raised a massive, thick-ringed hand. The air in the room shifted instantly. Victor’s voice lowered, carrying the terrifying, calm authority of someone who controlled energy grids and industrial shipping fleets.

"If you fire this woman," Victor said slowly in English, looking directly at Simon, "my associates and I will leave immediately. And I will personally buy this building by midnight tomorrow, close this restaurant down, and turn it into a private gym for my security staff."

Simon gasped, turning completely pale.

"Victor, you can't be serious!" Dominic snapped, sitting up straight. "She’s a waitress! She disrespected me in front of you!"

"No, Dominic," Victor countered, his cold grey eyes locking onto the billionaire. "You disrespected yourself. You tried to use a language you barely understand to bully someone you assumed was weak. You showed bad manners, bad judgment, and weak character. In my country, a man who acts like that cannot be trusted with a multi-billion-dollar logistics network."

Natalia set her glass down with a quiet clink. She spoke in English for the first time, her voice low and elegant. "The young lady displayed intellect, restraint, and exceptional fluency under pressure. Qualities you have failed to demonstrate all evening, Mr. Pierce."

Dominic sat back as if he had been slapped across the face.

Cassidy stood tall, keeping her hands crossed neatly in front of her. She didn't gloat. She didn't smile. She simply remained the most composed person in the room.

"Now," Victor said, turning his broad shoulders toward Cassidy with genuine warmth. "My dear, please forget his order. Tell me, what does the chef prepare best tonight?"

"The pan-seared Chilean sea bass with black truffle emulsion is exceptional tonight, sir," Cassidy replied without missing a beat. "Paired with roasted heirloom vegetables."

"Magnificent," Victor smiled. "Bring three plates of that. And another bottle of this excellent Margaux. And please... have a seat."

Cassidy paused. "Sir?"

"Join us," Victor insisted, gesturing to the empty chair at the table. "I have been trying to find a decent translator for our American operations for six months. I think I just found her."