The phone rang for what felt like an eternity, but Penelope didn't dare to reach for it.

Eventually, the ringing ceased.

Emily let out a cold chuckle and pocketed her phone.

This farce had dragged on long enough.

She stood up. "Penelope, this is our first meeting. I'm giving you a chance, so make the most of it."

With that, she walked straight to the counter. "Hello, I'd like to settle the bill."

The waiter responded quickly. "Yes, ma'am. Your total is seventy-four dollars."

Emily smiled ...