Chapter 52

The waiter chimed in sympathetically, "Mr. Cooper didn't ask for a menu. He just said the first two dishes were great and wanted two more from the same chef." Claire let out a laugh of disbelief, sharp and cold. She turned to the waiter, eyes frosty. "So you just ignored the other guests and brought the food here, thinking cozying up to Mr. Cooper might get you somewhere?" "Why are you being so harsh?" the waiter snapped, clearly annoyed. She might've been thinking the same thing, but getting called out in front of Nelson like that hit a nerve. Claire scoffed, losing interest in arguing. She knew another word might just start a full-on scene. Balancing a bowl of soup in one hand, she moved fast and took the tray from the waiter's hands in one smooth, quick move—before anyone could react. Then, calm as ever, she looked at Nelson. "Sorry, Mr. Cooper. Those dishes were reserved by the guests next door, so I can't let you have them. If the two on your table aren't enough, feel free to call