Claraara’s neighbors froze like statues. Somebody dropped a plastic bowl and it cracked on the ground.
Claraara’s brain refused to understand the words.
“Manager,” she whispered.
Martins nodded. “Manager.”
Claraara’s eyes filled with tears. Not because she was happy yet, but because she was confused and scared.
“Sir… I—I don’t understand,” she said. “I’m just a waitress.”
Martins’ voice became firm. “You are a good person, and good people deserve help too.”
Claraara shook her head fast, fear rising in her chest.
“But my boss, Maria… she won’t allow it. She hates me.”
Martins’ eyes narrowed slightly. “Maria.”
Claraara nodded, almost pleading. “She treats me like I’m nothing. She insults me in front of customers. Sometimes she even—”
Claraara stopped herself.
Martins’ face hardened. “You don’t need permission from Maria,” he said. “Blue Palm is my restaurant.”
Claraara’s hands began to shake.
This felt too big, too sudden—like a dream that could turn into a nightmare at any moment.
Martins turned slightly and opened the back door of the SUV.
“Enter the car,” he said.
Claraara blinked. “Enter?”
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