Slowly, deliberately, Naomi reached out. She did not pick up the check. Instead, she placed her fingertips on the edge of the slip of paper and slid it smoothly across the linen, stopping directly in front of Henry Lin.
"Mr. Lin," Naomi said in calm, clear English so that everyone in the restaurant could hear. "This restaurant partners with the Bay Area Community Food Bank to provide meals for underprivileged families and shelter housing across Oakland and San Francisco. I would be deeply honored if you would accept this check on behalf of your delegation and oversee its transfer as a charitable donation in your company's name."
Henry Lin looked at the check, then looked up at Naomi. A brilliant, genuine smile spread across his weathered face. "It would be our absolute privilege, Miss Carter," he said softly.
Victor Hale stared in absolute disbelief. His eyes bulged as he realized what had just happened. He had not only been publicly exposed and outmaneuvered by a server he had tried to humiliate; his own money had just been handed over to charity in front of the very men he was trying to impress.
"You can't do that!" Victor shouted, half-rising from his chair. "That check was meant for you!"
"And it was mine to do with as I pleased, Mr. Hale," Naomi replied coolly. She picked up her order pad, placed it neatly under her arm, and looked Victor straight in the eye. "Now, if you will excuse me, my shift is over."
Henry Lin turned to Victor, his expression instantly changing from warmth to absolute coldness. "Mr. Hale," Lin said crisply in English. "Our dinner is concluded. My company has no interest in partnering with a man whose soul is as empty as your manners. Good evening."