Chapter 17 - RORY’S MOTHER GETS A CHOICELeah considered leaving Kane House.
Even after repayment.
Even after David.
The place carried too much.
Vincent told her:
“You can stay.”
She nodded.
“You can leave.”
She looked surprised.
“And if I leave?”
“Your records reflect good standing.”
“Reference?”
“Accurate.”
“No retaliation?”
“No.”
She studied him.
“Why are you telling me?”
“Because staying only matters if leaving is safe.”
Leah smiled faintly.
That sentence sounded like something she might say.
She stayed.
Not forever promised.
For now.
Cora promoted her to senior server months later.
Not because of Rory.
Leah had strong guest reviews.
Excellent shift reliability despite the payroll crisis.
Training experience.
She earned it.
When Vincent congratulated her, Leah said:
“I know.”
He laughed.
Good.
May you like
No gratitude performance.
Just work.
Related Stories
Chapter 18 - THE TRIALDavid’s case did not become a dramatic courtroom television event.
Chapter 19 - VINCENT’S APOLOGYVincent asked employees to attend a meeting.
Chapter 20 - THE NEW MANAGER’S FIRST TESTCora Bell’s first real test came five months later.
Chapter 21 - RORY’S PURPLE CRAYONRory turned six.
Chapter 22 - VINCENT WITHOUT THE TABLEVincent changed too.
Chapter 23 - THE LAST PURPLE STARTen years after a four-and-a-half-year-old girl walked past seven men and asked Vincent Kane why her mother was not being paid, Rory returned to Kane House.
