She accepted because of the look in Victor's eyes.
He wasn't offering money.
He was offering humiliation.
He wanted to watch her fail.
Naomi had spent years learning that some battles were not worth fighting.
This one was.
She placed her order pad on the table.
“All right.”
Victor smiled.
“All right what?”
“I accept your bet.”
The room became silent.
Victor leaned back.
“Then let's hear it.”
Naomi turned toward Henry Lin.
For the first time that evening, she smiled.
She spoke in Mandarin.
“Mr. Lin, I apologize that this dinner has become uncomfortable. You came here to discuss an important investment, and I hope we can continue your conversation without allowing a misunderstanding to interfere with your evening.”
Henry Lin's expression changed.
His eyes widened.
Naomi continued.
“I also want you to know that the restaurant has prepared the private dining room upstairs if you would prefer a quieter place to continue your discussion.”
The older man's face broke into a smile.
He answered her in Mandarin.
Naomi replied immediately.
Victor's smile disappeared.
The other two guests joined the conversation.
Naomi answered every question.
She explained the menu.
She discussed the wine.
She clarified an ingredient that one guest was allergic to.
Then Henry Lin asked her something that had nothing to do with food.
Naomi's expression became serious.
She answered.
Henry Lin looked at Victor.
Then back at Naomi.
“Where did you learn Mandarin?” he asked in English.
Naomi smiled.
“My mother.”
Victor stared at her.
“You're actually fluent.”
Naomi looked at him.
“You offered one hundred thousand dollars.”
Victor shifted in his seat.
“Yes.”
“You'll pay it?”
He hesitated.
Then Henry Lin spoke.
“No.”
Everyone turned toward him.
Henry Lin looked at Victor.
“You will pay.”
Victor's jaw tightened.
Henry continued.
“A man should keep his word, especially when he offers money publicly.”
Victor reached for his phone.
“Fine.”
Naomi stood quietly.
Victor transferred the money.
The confirmation appeared on Naomi's phone.
One hundred thousand dollars.
For one sentence.
But Henry Lin wasn't looking at the money.
He was looking at Naomi.
“You have a business degree?” he asked.
Naomi nodded.
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“Stanford.”
Henry smiled.
“And you are working here?”
Naomi looked at her uniform.
“Yes.”
Henry nodded slowly.
“Why?”
Naomi looked toward Victor.
Then back at Henry.
“Because sometimes life makes you choose survival before ambition.”
The restaurant went quiet again.