LEGACY OF A BILLIONAIRE SON-IN-LAW

part 011

The rain had stopped by the time Leon arrived at La Belle Royale. The streetlights reflected off the wet pavement, and the restaurant glowed softly against the darkening sky. Leon’s footsteps echoed faintly as he crossed the sidewalk, stopping briefly to glance inside through the glass windows. The place was just as busy as always , tables full, waiters moving quickly, and the sound of clinking glasses drifting into the night air.

Leon stepped inside. The familiar warmth of the restaurant enveloped him, along with the rich smells of roasted chicken and freshly baked bread. The chandeliers hanging from the ceiling cast a golden light over the dining area, and gentle music played in the background.

His eyes scanned the room, but there was no sign of the Clara.

His sharp gaze flicked from table to table, searching for her – brown hair, green eyes, the timid look she always wore when working. Nothing. He glanced toward the bar and then to the entrance of the kitchen at the back.

Leon’s brows furrowed. He was sure she was supposed to be working tonight.

A waitress passed by, balancing a tray of drinks carefully as she moved between tables. Leon raised a hand slightly to stop her.

“Excuse me,” he said, his voice calm and steady.

The waitress stopped, turning to face him with a polite but cautious smile. “Yes, sir? How can I help you?”

Leon glanced around before speaking. “I’m looking for someone. A girl – brown hair, green eyes. Works here.” His eyes never left her face as he described Clara.

The waitress stiffened slightly. Her smile faltered for just a moment before she shook her head quickly. “I’m sorry, sir. I don’t know who you’re talking about,” she said, lowering her gaze.

Leon narrowed his eyes. She was lying. He could see it in the way she shifted her weight nervously.

“Are you sure?” Leon asked, his tone soft but firm.

The waitress nodded quickly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m sure,” she answered, turning to leave.

Leon watched her for a moment, then sighed. As he turned to walk away, a soft chime sounded in his ear – the system.

“Offer her a bribe. Three hundred dollars should be enough.”

Leon smirked slightly. Without hesitation, he slipped his hand into his jacket pocket and pulled out three crisp bills.

“Wait,” Leon said, holding the money just high enough for the waitress to see. “This is for your trouble.”

The waitress froze. Her eyes flicked nervously from the money to Leon’s face. For a moment, she hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. Then, she slowly stepped closer, lowering her voice.

“She’s in the kitchen,” the waitress whispered, barely loud enough to hear. “The manager… he’s been bothering her. She refused him, and now he makes things hard for her.”

Leon’s expression darkened slightly. He pressed the money into her hand and gave a small nod of thanks.

“Thank you,” Leon said, his voice calm but cold.

The waitress stepped back and hurried away.

Leon stood still for a moment, letting her words sink in. His jaw tightened. So, that was it. The manager had been harassing Clara, and because she stood her ground, she was being punished.

Leon’s eyes flicked toward the kitchen. Without a second thought, he began walking toward the back of the restaurant.

The entrance to the kitchen was marked by a swinging door. It creaked softly as he pushed it open, stepping into a narrow hallway lined with shelves and supplies. The faint smell of spices and oil lingered in the air.

As Leon walked further, the clatter of pots and pans echoed faintly from around the corner. He moved silently, his footsteps light against the tiled floor.

Then he heard it.

A soft sob.

Leon’s eyes narrowed. He followed the sound carefully, his fists clenching at his sides.

When he rounded the corner, he saw them.

Clara was pinned against the counter, struggling as the manager towered over her. His hand slid across her waist, and just as she tried to push him away, he smacked her hard on the backside.

Clara flinched, tears in her eyes. “Stop!” she cried, squirming to escape his grip.

“Don’t fight it,” the manager sneered, leaning closer.

“Clara!” Leon’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

The manager jerked his head up in surprise. Clara turned, wide-eyed and trembling.

Leon’s eyes locked onto the manager with cold fury. Without waiting another second, he strode forward, grabbing the man by the collar.

Crack!

Leon’s fist collided with the manager’s jaw, sending him sprawling across the floor. The impact echoed through the kitchen. Pots rattled, and Clara gasped.

Leon stood over the manager, eyes burning. “Touch her again, and I’ll break more than just your jaw,” he growled.

The manager groaned, clutching his face as he tried to sit up. Clara remained frozen, her eyes wide with shock.

Leon extended his hand to her. “Come on,” he said softly.

Clara hesitated, but eventually, she took his hand. Her fingers trembled in his grip.

As they walked toward the exit, the manager scrambled to his feet, shouting after them. “You can’t take her away! She owes me!”

Leon stopped in his tracks and glanced over his shoulder. “How much?” he asked coldly.

“Three thousand dollars,” the manager spat.

Leon pulled out his wallet, tossed a sleek black card onto the counter, and glared at the manager. “Charge whatever you think she owes.”

Without another word, Leon led Clara out of the kitchen.

The restaurant fell quiet as they emerged. Heads turned, and whispers filled the air. Women at nearby tables cast longing glances at Leon, admiring his sharp features and strength.

“Who is he?” someone whispered.

“He’s so… handsome,” another murmured.

Leon ignored the stares. As they stepped outside, he opened the passenger door to his car and helped Clara inside.

“Clara, are you okay?” Leon asked gently as he sat beside her.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she nodded, her shoulders shaking. But soon, she broke down, sobbing into her hands.

Leon rested his hand lightly on her shoulder, offering silent comfort.

“It’s over,” Leon said quietly, his voice steady. “He won’t bother you again.”

Clara wiped her eyes, glancing up at him with gratitude.

For the first time that night, she felt safe. She admired the saviour before her. No doubt she was beginning to feel secure around him.