Part 3Noodle Extortion

As Fiona spoke, tears streamed down her face, making her look innocent and utterly pitiful. It was a masterclass in manipulation.

But I was confused. I had made it crystal clear: if her boss confirmed the price and made it public for all customers, I would pay. How was I the one making things difficult for her? Right now, it felt like she was the one deliberately cornering me.

Nick's brow was furrowed in a deep frown. He looked at Fiona with an expression that looked suspiciously like… pity? Was I seeing things?

He pulled out his phone and started to scan the QR code at the register. "Alright, I'll pay. This is so embarrassing. Why do you have to pick on a young girl like that!"

I slapped my hand over the code, pushing his phone away.

"Why should you? This isn't over until her boss comes out here and clarifies the price!"

I was the one being wronged. If he paid, it would be an admission of my guilt, painting me as the bully. I glared at Nick, furious. I couldn't believe he didn't understand that.

Nick’s face grew darker, his patience worn thin. He met my gaze. "Yara, stop making a scene."

A chill went through me. With those words, he had officially taken the side of the person who was trying to hurt me.

"Fine. Fine. This is my problem. You stay out of it."

My voice was ice. I turned away from him, my silence a clear statement.

Suddenly, Fiona broke. She wiped her tears away with the back of her hands, her voice rising in a furious shout. "You ate the food and you won't pay! Have you no shame? You just want to bully a poor waitress, is that it?"

She took a dramatic breath. "Fine! Have your free meal! I'll pay for it myself, alright?!"

That did it. The other customers couldn't stay silent any longer. A chorus of condemnation rose around me.

"It's not easy for a young waitress. You ate, you pay. Why make things hard for her?"

"Exactly! You're being completely unreasonable. This place is clean, the food is good, the portions are generous, and the prices are fair. How dare you call them a scam?"

"Just pay the girl! She's been running around serving everyone, and you're bullying her? That's just awful."

"Right? If you don't have money, don't eat out. It's simple."

"She looks so well-dressed and put-together. You really can't judge a book by its cover."