CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX - The Reconciliation

Victoria's eyes widened in shock. For a moment, Ella thought she might cause a scene, but then Lucas appeared, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. "What's going on here?" he asked, looking between Ella and Victoria. Victoria turned to him, her eyes filling with tears. "Oh, Lucas! I came to see you, and your... waitress was so terribly rude to me!" Lucas's brow furrowed. "Ella? What happened?" Ella felt a surge of hurt at Lucas's questioning tone. "I simply asked Victoria to come back later, as you were in a meeting. She refused to leave." Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Victoria, I think it's best if you go. We can talk another time." Victoria's face crumpled. "But Lucas..." "Please, Victoria," Lucas said firmly. "Not now." As Victoria stormed out, the restaurant slowly returned to its normal buzz of conversation. Ella, feeling humiliated and hurt, retreated to the kitchen. Later that night, as they closed up the restaurant, the tension between Ella