Chapter 3 - THE MAN WHO READ EVERY LIE
Matteo's office occupied the top floor of a waterfront building overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Isla almost turned around three times before reaching the elevator.
She wore her cleanest jeans.
A white blouse.
And the same worn shoes Curtis had mocked.
When the elevator doors opened, Gabriel greeted her.
“Mr. Rienzi is expecting you.”
He led her into an enormous office filled with sunlight.
Matteo stood beside the windows.
No bodyguards surrounded him.
No dramatic music played.
He simply turned when Gabriel entered.
Then smiled when he saw Isla.
You came.
She signed back.
You asked.
His smile widened.
They sat across from each other.
Matteo placed a tablet on the table.
He typed:
I heard your manager suspended you.
Isla nodded.
Yes.
Because of me?
She hesitated.
Because he wanted me embarrassed, and I wasn't.
Matteo's expression changed.
He has done this before?
Isla looked down.
Not to me alone.
She explained the humiliating assignments.
The missing tips.
The schedule changes.
The insults disguised as jokes.
Matteo listened without interrupting.
When she finished, he remained still for a long moment.
Then signed:
Would you like me to intervene?
Isla shook her head immediately.
No threats.
Matteo raised an eyebrow.
I didn't offer threats.
People are afraid of you.
His expression softened.
Are you?
She considered the question.
Then answered honestly.
Sometimes.
He looked away.
For the first time, she saw something like shame cross his face.
Matteo explained that he owned a minority interest in the restaurant's parent company through a legitimate investment fund.
Isla stared.
You own part of The Gilded Table?
Yes.
And Curtis doesn't know?
Apparently not.
She covered her mouth.
Matteo smiled.
He offered to have the company's human-resources department conduct an independent review of her suspension.
She agreed on one condition.
No special treatment.
Matteo nodded.
Fair treatment.
She smiled.
Exactly.
Before she left, Matteo handed her a folder.
Inside were several job listings.
Hospitality positions.
Administrative work.
A training program at a nonprofit serving deaf and hard-of-hearing adults.
Isla looked up.
What's this?
Options.
Why?
He signed slowly.
Because helping someone shouldn't mean making them dependent on you.
Isla stared at him.
For a moment, she couldn't find the right sign.
Then she whispered aloud, “Thank you.”
Matteo watched her lips.
May you like
And signed back:
You're welcome.
