Lily carefully lifted the gold cardboard base holding the cake and placed it gently into the stranger's trembling hands.
"Take it," Lily whispered with a bright, earnest smile. "It's yours."
Chapter II: The Boss's Outrage
"You can't pay for customers!"
A harsh, booming voice cut through the cozy atmosphere of the bakery.
Storming out from the rear kitchen was Richard Vance, the franchise manager and shop owner. Dressed in a navy-blue shirt under a brown shop apron with a gold nameplate, Richard's face was flushed with annoyance.
"Company operational policy strictly forbids staff from giving handouts at the counter," Richard snapped, glaring at the old man's hands holding the cake before turning aggressively onto Lily.
"He just needed some help, Mr. Vance," Lily defended calmly. "It's my own tips, not the register's money."
Richard sneered, stepping closer and pointing an accusing finger at the exit door.
"I don't run a charity. You violated conduct protocol in front of paying clientele. You're fired. Take off the apron and get out right now."