?Chapter 1146:


    With a thoughtful nod, Brenna took the menu and began scanning it for options. Isabe peeked out cautiously from the kitchen. Of all people, she hadn’t expected to run into Brenna.


    It was so humiliating.


    The idea of Brenna catching her in such a humble job made her want to vanish. She clung to the hope that Brenna would eat quickly and leave.


    Out in the dining area, waiters and waitresses rushed around as orders piled up. Isabe was the only one who was not working.


    The manager noticed and said sharply, “Why are you not working? Can’t you see everyone is drowning in work? If you do not want to work, you can resign right now!”


    Cornered, Isabe said in a pleading voice, “Please, sir. Someone I know is here. Can I stay in the back and do something else instead for now? I’m begging you.”


    Frustration simmered in the manager’s eyes. With the dining room nearly at capacity, waiters rushed back and forth, darting between the kitchen and the dining area. He wished he could split himself in two just to help them. His finger jabbed toward the dining area.


    “Just look—this is our busiest hour! We pride ourselves on providing an exclusive dining experience, and our customers are exacting. wless service is non-negotiable. You are new here and already not cooperating? Like I told you before, if you’re not up for the job, you’re free to go. We don’t keep ckers around.”


    Isabe got the message loud and clear. She treasured this job—waitressing was exhausting, sure, but the pay was decent, and every shift brought her into contact with the city’s wealthy elite. Money wasn’t her only motivation; she was here hoping to meet the right man.


    She was well aware of her own charms, confident that sooner orter, someone important would be interested in her.


    Nervously, Isabe pointed to Brenna’s table. “Sir, see those three? The pretty woman is a rtive of mine. My family used to have money, and I’d rather she not find out I’m working here, I’m begging you…”<fnf78a> This text is hosted at find~novel</fnf78a>


    “No exceptions,” the manager snapped. “Either get to work or resign. Plenty of people would jump at your job. This is peak time, and you’re making things difficult for me. How am I supposed to run a ce with someone like you as an employee?” His patience was at its end.


    Tears stung Isabe’s eyes. She’d always looked down on Brenna, and the thought of Brenna seeing her like this was mortifying.


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    “Get a move on!” the manager shouted again. “Can’t you see the restaurant is packed? More customers just walked in. Go serve the group that just arrived.” Isabe’s stomach dropped as she recognized the new customers: Rosie, Tina, and Judy. Her thoughts scrambled. Just two weeks ago, she and Rosie had had a fallout when she had refused to date an older, wealthy man Rosie had picked out for her. Outraged, Rosie had taken back everything she had given her, including previous payments, her apartment, and monthly allowances. Even Mack had felt the consequences, losing his perks and his spot at thepany.


    With no money, Isabe and Ruby were barely scraping by. Only Mack’s savings from his time at Rosie’s firm kept them afloat, and that was disappearing fast. Isabe’s pride had taken a back seat to necessity; she’d had no choice but to find work.


    Now, Rosie certainly despised her. Isabe knew trouble wasing if she approached their table.


    As a male colleague rushed past, Isabe caught his sleeve, nearly sending his tray falling. He shot her a re and hissed, “Have you lost your mind?” She quickly released him and said, “Sorry, really sorry. Can you help me out here? I know those women. Please, could you take their table? I can’t let them see me working here.”


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