Tony's POV
Thankfully, the evening ended without more drama. My worries about the Chairman? Apparently, unnecessary. He spent most of the night guzzling expensive cocktails like water and was eventually hauled out by Mr. Stephen Olsen and his personal assistant. I still don't know what really happened when I stumbled over Olsen. That shameless groping, the way his hand crept too close, fingers grazing where they shouldn't have… I shuddered just thinking about it. Maybe it was just some idiotic misunderstanding. Maybe I imagined it.
I took out my phone and immediately froze.
Thirty-four missed calls.
What the actual f*?!
Who in their right mind would blow up my phone like that? I never get this many calls, even on the busiest of days. I unlocked it: twenty-nine from Robbie, three from Chef Samuel, and two from Tanya.
Jesus, Robbie. He really lost his mind tonight, didn't he?
I felt my ears go warm, a faint blush creeping up my neck. Being fussed over like that… I wasn't used to it. It was kind of nice, actually.
"Diana, I'll be heading back now. Thanks for everything," I said, genuinely grateful. She'd covered for me more than she had to tonight.
As always, Diana gave me that stunning smile, but this time, there was warmth behind it. "Mention not. It was a pleasure working with you, Tony. Honestly, you've got a real knack for hosting."
I chuckled, waving her off. "Nah. Cooking's where I belong. Hosting's way too flashy for me. I just want a kitchen, some silence, and sharp knives."
"A shame," she said with mock sadness. "If we're ever short at a big event again, don't blame me if I throw your name in."
"Cruel," I laughed, shaking my head and making my way to the men's locker room. I changed quickly and headed toward the parking lot, pulling out my phone to call Robbie back.
Of course, before I could hit dial, my phone rang.
Robbie.
I answered, and immediately he was on me.
"Tony! Why the hell weren't you answering?! I've been going crazy over here!"
"Robbie," I said calmly, "I was working. You know we're not allowed to have phones with us in the kitchen or event hall. I'm totally fine. Relax."
"You could've left a message! I even tried Samuel and Tanya. No one knew anything. I nearly ditched my meeting with the board to come running. I couldn't—" he paused, breath heavy, "—I couldn't bear not knowing if you were okay."
I shook my head. This man, the CEO of one of the biggest hotel chains in the country, and still so stupidly wrapped up in me that he'd risk ditching a board meeting. I should be mad at him for being irresponsible, but instead, I felt warm inside. How ridiculous!
"Robbie, I've handled worse than this alone for years. I'm not that helpless," I said with a half-smile.
"But you're not alone anymore," he replied, voice firm. "And let's not kid ourselves, these problems only started because of me. So I need to take responsibility."
I smiled genuinely. Two months ago, I wouldn't have believed that this man who ran away from everything would willingly shoulder the weight of my world without blinking.
"I get it," I said softly. "Next time I'm in trouble, I'll call."
He exhaled, relieved. "Did… did Dad give you any trouble? I kept trying to call him. There was no response. So I called Mom."
Ah.
So that's why the Chairman didn't come after me tonight.
"She's out of the country," Robbie went on, "and I wouldn't usually bother her, but… she's the only one he doesn't ignore. I figured if she kept him busy, he wouldn't come looking for you. Did it work?"
I almost laughed.
Now it made sense. No wonder Ricardo looked like he'd swallowed glass all evening. That phone call must've been brutal. Probably the only thing that saved my ass tonight.
"You worried for nothing," I told him, smirking. "Your dad spent the whole evening drinking with his 'special guest.' Didn't even look my way."
"Special guest?" Robbie echoed. "Who?"
I frowned. Didn't he know? I opened my mouth to tell him—
"Tony?"
I turned.
Tanya.
"Oh, hey! Just a sec," I told Robbie quickly. "I'll talk to you later."
"Oh, something with Tanya?" he asked, distracted.
"Yeah. Big day for her." I smiled as I spoke and hung up.
Tanya stood there with the most obviously fake expression of innocence I'd ever seen, like she hadn't been eavesdropping.
"So," she started dramatically, "what's the big deal calling me out at almost 1 a.m.? I'm dead. My dad's been calling me nonstop."
"Hectic day," I agreed, motioning for her to follow me.
She trailed behind with a teasing grin in her voice. "By the way, the CEO called me a bunch. Wonder why… maybe he was worried about a certain someone?"
"Shut up," I groaned, cheeks heating again.
She giggled, full and bright, all fatigue momentarily forgotten. When we reached my car, she leaned on the side and narrowed her eyes. "You're acting shady. What are you looking for?"
I rummaged through the glove box, found what I needed, and turned toward her. She was busy scrolling on her phone when I stepped forward, holding out two small gift packages.
"Happy Birthday!"
Tanya blinked. "You—you remembered?"
"Of course. For four years, we've worked together. How could I forget?"
She took the packages, small and unassuming, and her eyes glistened. She wasn't the type to get emotional over gifts, but I guess today had drained her more than she let on.
"Thank you, Tony," she said quietly.
"You always said you wanted to spend your birthday with family, right? So I talked to Chef Boris. You're off duty tomorrow. Go spend it with them."
I didn't expect her to hug me, especially not a full-body, tight, desperate hug like she needed it more than anything. "Thank you so much," she whispered.
I held her for a moment, one hand gently on her back. "Happy birthday, Tanya. I hope all your dreams come true."
She nodded against my shoulder, repeating a soft, heartfelt, "Thank you."