Hope

The chef's grip tightened around Mia's neck, preventing her from breathing. His gaze burned with hatred, and his short breaths betrayed a rage that had been simmering for a long time.

— I don't know how you managed to seduce the most famous actor, but believe me, it changes nothing. You can shine as brightly as you want today, but you will never erase your origins.

Mia clenched her fists, struggling to free herself, but the chef's strength was relentless.

— You're nothing but trash, a mistake that doesn't deserve to be here, he spat with contempt.

Air was beginning to run out. Mia grimaced, trying to loosen his grip, but the man only tightened it further.

— Did you really think you could walk into my restaurant and criticize me as if we were equals?

His voice dripped with venom. Mia thrashed, but every movement seemed to drain more of her strength.

— You're nothing but a worthless nuisance, someone meant to be trampled by those who truly deserve to shine.

He looked at her with a cruel smile, his eyes brimming with satisfaction.

— I've always told you: people like you don't deserve to live.

Mia, her eyes filled with tears, glared at him with pure anger. Her body was at its limit, but she refused to look away.

— And if I were you… the chef added, his voice barely a whisper, I would end my own life. You're nothing but a cursed child.

At those words, Mia felt her heart clench painfully. She lowered her head, her lips trembling.

But suddenly, a brutal force yanked her from the chef's grasp. She collapsed onto the floor, gasping for air, as the man was sent flying from the impact of a violent punch.

The chef staggered before crashing to the ground.

— You bastard! a furious voice roared.

Mia weakly lifted her head.

Cid stood in front of her, fists clenched, his eyes blazing with fury.

— How dare you do this to her?! he thundered.

The chef, still dazed, wiped the corner of his mouth before looking up with a glare filled with resentment.

— You're making a mistake. You don't know who she really is! That girl is a fraud! She doesn't belong here!

— No, you're the one who doesn't understand, Cid shot back, his voice filled with restrained rage. I know her. I know exactly who she is.

He cast a quick glance at Mia, who was still struggling to catch her breath.

— Mia is far more than you think. She's strong. She's had to fight against people like you all her life… people who think their status gives them the right to crush others.

He took a menacing step forward.

— Just because you own a restaurant doesn't mean you're at the top of the world. Look at yourself… A pathetic man who attacks a defenseless woman, all because he's offended.

The chef clenched his teeth, his fists trembling with rage.

— Do you really think your money gives you all the power? Cid continued. You're nothing. Not a great chef, not a respectable man. Just a coward.

He pointed an accusing finger at him.

— Between you and Mia… she's worth a thousand times more than you. She has courage. She has dignity. And you? You're just a monster.

A heavy silence filled the room.

Mia, still on the floor, felt her heart tighten again, but this time… it was different.

Cid's words struck her deep inside.

Her gaze wavered, a tear rolling down her cheek. Slowly, she lifted her head, meeting Cid's eyes. For the first time in a long while, she felt something she thought she had lost.

Hope.

The chef, however, seemed shaken. He lowered his eyes for a moment, as if realizing the weight of Cid's words. But soon, his expression hardened again.

— Fine, he said bitterly. I'll file a complaint for assault.

Cid raised an eyebrow before smirking… amused.

He slowly pulled out his phone and turned the screen toward the chef.

The display showed a video.

It clearly captured the chef pinning Mia against the wall, his eyes filled with hatred as she struggled in vain.

The chef instantly paled.

— We'll see who has the last word in this story, Cid declared with a cold smile.

The man didn't reply. His face bore the expression of a defeated man.

Cid put away his phone and turned to Mia. He knelt down and extended a hand.

— Come.

Mia stared at him for a moment, her vision still hazy… then, slowly, she placed her trembling hand in his.

Cid helped her up, holding her gently.

Without another word, they left the restaurant together.