### Chapter 30: The Arrival of Authority “Come here.” Ethan seized Janet’s wrist, drawing her closer, his voice dripping with an intensity that sent a shiver through her. “Stay away from him. Look at that man over there. Aren’t you afraid he might strike you?” Janet’s eyes blazed with indignation, a storm of fury surging within her. “They are wrong! Their service was appalling, and they treated us with such rudeness! Why should I waste my hard-earned money here?” His gaze met hers, and in that moment, Ethan’s lips curled into a reassuring smile as he gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Leave it to me,” he murmured, before redirecting his attention to the manager standing before them, his expression transforming into a mask of stone. “I want to see your boss. Right now.” The manager, seasoned and wary from his years in the restaurant business, sensed that Ethan was no ordinary patron. The man exuded an aura of authority that could easily be mistaken for a film star or a young heir from an affluent family—if it weren’t for the shabby clothes that clung to him. Yet, the manager, with his sharp instincts, recognized him as a potential troublemaker. With a haughty snort, he met Ethan’s demand with disdain. “And who do you think you are? My boss isn’t going to come here on your whims.” “Believe what you want,” Ethan replied, his voice calm yet ominous. “But if he doesn’t show up, I’ll ensure this restaurant is shut down by tomorrow.” The manager’s bravado faltered as the underlying threat in Ethan’s words settled around them like a dense fog. Sweat trickled down his forehead as he stammered, “Just wait and see. Our boss will show you what happens to troublemakers.” Moments later, the manager returned, this time accompanied by the owner of the restaurant. The moment their eyes met, the owner’s complexion drained of color. His heart raced, and his legs felt weak; the realization dawned upon him—that they had deeply offended someone of significant standing. “Boss, these two are the ones causing chaos. We should call the police…” the manager began, but was abruptly silenced by a furious shout. “Shut up!” The owner’s voice echoed through the tense air, his teeth clenched as he shot daggers at both the manager and the waitresses. “Apologize to our guests. Right now!” “Boss, we—” The manager faltered, exchanging frantic glances with the waitstaff. They had expected the owner to back them up, to secure their positions against this perceived threat. Instead, to their horror, he was demanding they apologize. Wiping the sweat from his brow, the owner took a deep breath, steadying himself to address the staff. “Have I not taught you that guests are akin to gods? They come to us seeking an exceptional experience—what are you doing here?” Fear rippled through the manager and the waitresses. They dropped to their knees, hands pressed together in a show of contrition. “We’re sorry! We never meant to insult you. Please accept our sincerest apologies!” Ethan, however, remained unimpressed. With an air of calm detachment, he poured himself a glass of water, seemingly indifferent to their pleas. Janet felt a mix of confusion and concern, eyeing Ethan as he steadily faced the owner. “Is this how a restaurant owned by the Larson Group treats its guests?” he questioned, his jaw tightening with barely contained menace. The owner’s eyes widened in understanding, and he glared at the trio before him, rage and embarrassment coiling within him. “That’s enough! All three of you are fired!” Turning back toward Ethan, the owner’s demeanor shifted instantly to one of humility. “I apologize on behalf of my staff. You may stay as long as you wish—no one will disturb you. Your meal is on the house. Order anything you desire.” The tension in the room began to dissipate, replaced by an air of tentative resolution, as Ethan leaned back, his piercing gaze softening ever so slightly, leaving Janet wondering just how deep the ripples of this encounter would go.