Everyone turned their heads to see Benjamin walking in, hands in his pockets, exuding an air of arrogant dominance.


    Vicky’s first reaction was, “Wait… isn’t that the guy who ordered the ‘fat–after–one–sip‘ coffee earlier?”


    Wendy didn’t know why Benjamin had shown up out of nowhere. Nick, the store manager, and Sydney didn’t recognize him and had no idea who this man was.


    Sydney, on the other hand, was immediately smitten. A handsome guy like that walking in? She was practically fantasizing about getting his number.


    Benjamin stopped in front of them and looked directly at Nick. “On what grounds are you firing her?”


    Nick nced him up and down, unsure who this man was. He assumed Wendy had brought in someone to speak on her behalf. “Sir, I’m handling apanyint. This really doesn’t concern you-”


    “How does it not? You’re firing this chubby girl. Do you even know what the consequences of that are?”


    Nick looked more confused than ever. Before he could speak, Benjamin continued, “If <i>you </i>fire her, who’s going to make my coffee? You don’t get it–I only drink coffee made by her.”


    Nick waspletely thrown off. “Sir, the employee in question vitedpany policy by offending a customer. I’m simply enforcing the rules—”


    “Who gave you that right? Who do you think you are? I say the one who should be fired is you!”


    Benjamin’s voice was cold and firm, his tone leaving no room for argument. Nick was momentarily stunned, exchanging nces with the store manager and others.


    Sydney was taken aback. Was this man seriously defending Wendy? What was going on between them?


    Nick tried again. “It’s a customerint-”


    “Whatint?” Benjamin snapped. “You mean this ugly woman’sint?”


    Sydney’s face turned pale in disbelief. Did he just call her ugly?


    Wendy almost burst outughing. Trust Benjamin to make drama look like theater.


    Benjamin gave Sydney a once–over, then scoffed. “With a face like that, you really shouldn’t be walking around scaring people. You started this mess–throwing coffee at people–and then expected her to smile at you? Are you delusional? With that face? You should go look in a mirror–if it doesn’t crack.”


    “You–1”


    Sydney raised her hand to point at him furiously, but Benjamin swatted it away.


    “You what? Nose all crooked and still out here looking for fights? You need a shrink more than atte. Want me to schedule your psych evaluation?”


    Sydney was so mortified she looked like she was about to spit blood. She couldn’t win the argument and now had her insecurities publicly aired.


    She clutched her nose, stomped her feet, and ran out of the café crying.


    Wendy couldn’t help but admire Benjamin’s sharp tongue. The man was a master at verbalbat.


    Benjamin then turned his re on Nick. “And you–what’s your deal? You trying to pick a fight, or are you just suicidal? If you weren’t so old, I’d kick your ass across the street.”


    “Sir, how could you say something like that–” Nick stammered, overwhelmed andpletely unable to handle this unexpected


    situation.


    “What, I can’t say that? I’m the customer. Customers are always right, remember? If I say something, you’re supposed to smile and take it. Got that?”


    He’d just thrown Nick’s own words back in his face, word for word. Nick stood there flushed with shame, speechless.


    The situation had gotten so awkward, the store manager didn’t know how to step in.


    Just then, a group of people entered through the front door.


    Nick saw a familiar face and lit up with hope–it was Kanyx, the vice president from HQ. “Kanyx! Perfect timing–we’re dealing with a difficult customer here.”


    He was hoping to use Kanyx to pressure Benjamin, but the woman walked straight past him and bowed respectfully to Benjamin.


    “Mr. Benjamin, apologies for the dy.”


    Everyone’s jaw dropped.


    Kanyx was being that respectful to him?


    Even calling him by his first name?


    Benjamin stayed rxed, his gaze mocking as he looked at Nick. “Have that bald idiot pack his things and leave. I don’t want to see


    him for another second.”


    “Yes, Mr. Benjamin,”


    Kanyx turned to Nick. “Nick, as of now, you are terminated. Please return to headquarters to settle your departure.”


    Nick felt the world crumble around him.


    He was the one getting fired?


    “No, no, no, please, Kanyx! 1–I can’t lose this job! I have a family to feed!”


    “Begging won’t help. This is Benjamin’s decision. Perhaps you weren’t aware–he’s the new CEO of our parentpany.”


    What?


    Nick froze.


    He’d just insulted and tried to fire the new CEO’s woman?


    Q


    3?3 61%2


    +20)


    It felt like thunder cracked through his skull–he swayed on his feet, then copsed with a loud thud.


    Kanyx frowned and waved to the others. “Take him out of here.”


    Order restored, Benjamin nced at Wendy and barked, “Back to work–all of you. Especially you, little chub. Anyone cks off, I’ll deduct their pay.”


    He strolled out of the café like nothing had happened.


    Wendy was fuming.


    Because she worked here, he’d bought the entire coffee chain?


    Who the hell does that?


    She called Caitlin, ranting on the phone.


    Caitlin couldn’t stopughing. “Honestly, not a bad oue. Benjamin’s mouth might be vicious, but the man clearly has your back. Since you can’t get rid of him, why not just ept it?”


    After hanging up, Caitlin returned to The Vanderbilt Family residence to spend time with the kids.


    From Faith and Quincy, she learned that the kids had recently participated in the regional martial arts tryouts—and Bruce had made it through to the finals.


    “Wow, Bruce, that’s amazing! Mommy and Daddy will both be there to cheer you on at the finals!”


    She ruffled his hair affectionately.


    Howard, on the other hand, looked a little down. “Mommy, I didn’t pass the tryouts…”


    Caitlin pulled her eldest into her arms and said gently, “That’s okay, sweetheart. What matters is that you tried. Bruce is great at martial arts, and you’re amazing at ying the piano. Everyone has their own strengths. I’m proud of all of you.”


    Howard smiled again. “Okay, Mommy. I’ll practice harder! When is Federicoing back to teach me?”


    “Very soon,” she reassured him.


    She spent the entire afternoon ying games with the kids, filling the house withughter until Sebastian returned from outside.


    Caitlin nced at the time and said, “It’s almost time. Let’s get ready for the awards ceremony.”


    But Sebastian looked serious. His brows were furrowed as he met her gaze.


    “Cai


    Carlos,”


    I


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