“Don’t eat that,” a poor small girl told a wealthy man in a restaurant. I saw your wife added something to it. He didn’t think she was real, but a few seconds later, the entire room froze in terror.
Emily had been considering finding something to eat and remaining warm earlier that day. She could be fortunate enough to come across a bit of bread. She made her way to a familiar spot—the rear of a restaurant where food was frequently discarded. She hoped that things may improve a bit because of the aroma of bread and fried meat.
She had made up her mind to go.
Emily pulled herself toward the rear parking area. Dumpsters always smelled like food scraps, and she knew this neighborhood. It was like a tiny glimmer of hope. She was a little happy despite her fatigue; perhaps she will find something today. She checked to make sure nobody was looking.
Children like her were frequently shouted at by the restaurant staff, who occasionally pushed them away. In order to dig through the rubbish in silence, Emily knelt down near one of the dumpsters and pulled her old hood over her face.
Emily’s fingers came into contact with old food, plastic, and moist paper. A few minutes later, she sensed a firm sensation. She took a tiny piece of bread out.
It was nearly whole and still wrapped. She exhaled in relief as her heart began to race. Something to satisfy her hunger at last.
Fearing that someone could see and steal it, she hastily tucked the bread inside her pocket. She was aware that other hungry children would steal it without hesitation. She glanced back at the garbage can, considering doing a little more searching because perhaps there was more.
Her joy, however, soon diminished. All of a sudden, she thought someone was observing her. She glanced toward the window of the restaurant.
In the crowded kitchen, shadows moved and a gentle yellow light glowed behind the glass. Emily remained motionless as she listened to footsteps and the clinking of crockery. She felt uneasy about it, but no one looked outside.
She stepped closer to take a look into the kitchen after noticing that the window was slightly open. The kitchen was spotless and well-lit.
Steaming pots were being handled by chefs wearing white aprons. Everything appeared normal at first, but Emily was uncomfortable. She pressed against the chilly wall and continued to observe.
The kitchen was bustling with activity inside. Waiters rushed by carrying trays, chefs prepared meals on counters, while chefs cooked over hot stoves. The air was filled with the sound of conversation and cooking. Emily couldn’t get rid of the weird feeling, even though it all seemed like a typical day.
A woman entered the kitchen abruptly. Emily saw her immediately.
In contrast to the staff’s simple attire, she wore a bright red dress. She strode confidently, her high heels clicking on the floor.
Victoria Adams, the wife of well-known industrialist Robert Adams, was the one. She had previously appeared in old, ripped magazines that Emily had discovered in the trash.
Emily stopped. Why someone like Victoria would be in a crowded, hot kitchen was beyond her comprehension. Places like these are typically avoided by wealthy individuals like her.
Victoria, however, didn’t appear to be out of place. With assurance, she approached a table where a chef was completing an elegant dish. Victoria glanced around to make sure no one was looking, and Emily watched.
Victoria swiftly grabbed a tiny vial from her purse as the chef moved aside to speak with a waitress. She opened it, catching the light on the dark glass.
Emily tried to see better by leaning in.
A few drips of dark liquid were gently put upon the food by Victoria. Her hands were steady and composed. Then, as if nothing had occurred, she closed the bottle, returned it to her purse, and left.
Her expression was placid, almost content. Emily felt a knot in her stomach.
She became aware that she had just witnessed a terrible scene.
It wasn’t an error.
Poison was what she had seen.
The food was poisoned by Victoria, and it wasn’t a joke.
With the perfectly cooked steak and garnish, the plate still had a lovely appearance, but Emily now realized it was risky.
“It’s poison,” she muttered, her heart icy.
Robert Adams turned to face the untidy young girl near his table. Her hair was knotted and her face was filthy, but her large green eyes were serious. She was probably no older than 10.
“Child, what are you saying?” he said softly.
Rich people continued to eat, speak, and drink champagne all around them.
Emily pointed to the plate with the expensive steak and repeated, “Your wife put poison in that food.” Through the kitchen window, I caught a glimpse of her. She made use of a tiny black bottle.
Victoria, who had just returned from the bathroom, caught Robert’s attention. As usual, she looked stunning, with her red dress fitting perfectly, makeup applied flawlessly, and a beautiful smile as she said hello to passersby.
Robert remarked, “I think you’re confused,” and gently pushed the girl away. “Before I call security, you should leave.”
Emily, however, did not move. She remained resolute, her hands clenched.
She pleaded, “Please.” “Avoid eating it. I witnessed her actions.
Victoria arrived at the table at that moment. She glanced at Emily for a second, and her smile stopped.
She forced herself to smile and inquired, “Who is this child?”
Robert responded, “A beggar,” but his tone sounded uncertain. He glanced at his wife from the plate.
Victoria waved to a waiter and said, “We should call security.” “It’s unbelievable that they allowed a homeless child to enter in this manner.”
Emily gave her a direct look.
She yelled, so that all around her might hear, “Why did you poison his food?”
There was silence in the room. One waiter came to a halt.
“What is this nonsense?” Victoria pretended to laugh as she spoke. “Tell her to go, Robert!”
But now Robert had a troubled expression on his face as he stared at his food.
Although their connection was more of a business arrangement than a romantic one, had Victoria truly attempted to poison him?
He slid his dish in her direction and suggested, “Perhaps we should switch plates.”
Pushing it back, Victoria answered, “Don’t be silly.” “You don’t really think a homeless kid is better than me?”
Robert moved the plate closer and replied, “Then eat it yourself.”
There was no sound at all in the restaurant.
Everyone was observing.
With a harsh voice and trembling hands, Victoria declared, “I’m not eating your steak.” “I ordered a salad already.”
Robert cut a piece and held it up to her with his fork, saying, “I insist.”
“Just a single taste. Prove to us that she is lying.
Victoria’s expression changed.
Her eyes filled with panic, and she went pale.
She resisted the bite and muttered, “Don’t be silly.”
Robert rose, tall and solemn.
“Victoria, how long have you been organizing this? For what duration have you desired my absence?
She screamed, “I have no idea what you’re talking about!” and got up so quickly that she toppled her chair.
A waitress caught Robert’s attention. Calmly, he said, “Call the police.” And be careful with this platter. It is proof.
Two men from adjacent tables stopped Victoria as she attempted to flee.
Later on, Emily would learn that one of them was the top inspector of the city, who happened to be dining there that evening.
Robert glanced at the girl, who was still standing trembling beside the table as the situation descended into turmoil.
“Child, what is your name?” He inquired.
“Emily,” she said in a whisper.
“Emily, do you have any family?” Robert inquired.
She gave a headshake.
“Not a single person?”
Once more, she shook her head.
Robert turned to face the young girl who, unbeknownst to him, had just saved his life. He produced his wallet and handed her all of his money along with a business card.
He remarked, “Emily, you’re really brave.” “Please visit this place first thing tomorrow. I believe I can provide you with something more valuable than picking through rubbish.
Emily sat at a booth in the same restaurant three years later, but this time she was a customer rather than a skulker.
Her hair, which had been disheveled, was now nicely tied up, and she wore a modest yet lovely frock.
From the other side of the table, Robert Adams, who had taken on the role of her legal guardian, grinned at her.
“Have I ever mentioned that I was raised in an orphanage?” he asked. “Perhaps that’s why I felt a connection with you that evening.”
Emily grinned. She enjoyed the story, even though she had heard it before.
Robert went on, “You did more than just save my life.” “You reminded me to look past people’s appearances and backgrounds and see them for who they truly are.”
Victoria Adams, who is currently incarcerated for attempting to kill her husband, was only a memory in a quiet corner of the restaurant.
Once looking among trash cans for food, Emily was now a top student at the city’s best school and would eventually become Robert’s business owner.
Robert used to say, “You never know where help will come from.”
“It sometimes comes from people the world doesn’t care about.”
Emily realized that everything had changed the night she decided to be brave rather than fearful as she surveyed the restaurant, which had previously been a place where she was not welcome, and the people who were now showing her respect and kindness.
