Just employees, close friends, and a few longtime clients.
The club’s new security and billing procedures were firmly in place.
Marcus, the manager, greeted me at the entrance.
“Good evening, Ms. Rossi.”
I smiled.
“Evening, Marcus.”
He looked toward the event room.
“Everything is ready.”
Inside, my employees were laughing around beautifully decorated tables.
Music played softly.
Glasses clinked.
Someone had arranged white flowers near the windows.
My father stood beside the bar, talking with Rebecca.
For a moment, I simply watched.
This was what I’d spent twelve years building.
Not just an expensive company.
A place where talented people could do work they loved.
A business that supported families.
A dream that had survived more than I once thought possible.
Marcus approached quietly.
“Ms. Rossi, there’s something you might want.”
He handed me a small envelope.
Inside was a copy of the declined transaction receipt from the night Brandon tried purchasing the sapphire necklace.
