Emily's POV
It was a normal day at the restaurant, full of noise, clinking dishes, and people talking.I was running around, carrying plates with food, trying to keep a smile even though my feet were barely touching the floor.
My phone buzzed for the third time that day. I groaned. Probably another scam or my alarm reminding me to take a break. Like i had time for that.
Without looking, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and tossed it into the basket where we kept clothes for cleaning up spills.
"Order up for table six!" the chef shouted.
"I'm on it!"
I grabbed the plates and rushed back into the dining area. As I passed, the TV in the corner caught my attention. A reporter was speaking:
"Breaking news: Nathan Langston, CEO of Hills Inc., is accused of sexually harassing male employees. An anonymous source claims the billionaire threatened to ruin someone's career if they refused his advances."
I almost tripped. Nathan Langston? The Nathan Langston? He was practically invisible in the business world, a billionaire known for being cold and ruthless.
The reporter continued:"Speculation about Langston's sexuality has been around for years. The fact that he's never been seen with a woman only makes the allegations stronger."
A snort came from behind me. Jasmine, my best friend and fellow waitress, leaned on the counter with a tray in hand, her face showing disappointment.
"I can't believe it," she said. "Nathan Langston. Gay. And not just gay, psychotic."
I shrugged. "I'm more upset that people like him can live a good life."
She nodded, but before I could say more, one of the kitchen staff called out:"Emily, your phone is buzzing again. It's too noisy in here."
Sighing, I set my tray on the counter and crouched down to grab my phone from the basket. My breath caught as I saw the screen over 20 missed calls from Dad's nurse.
A jolt of panic surged through me, stealing my breath. With trembling hands I called her back. It took three rings before she picked up.
"Emily! Emily is that you? Please come to the hospital right away."
"What's going on? What happened?" My voice trembled.
"Some guys from a loan company came here looking for you. We locked your dad's room, but they're threatening everyone and won't leave. They even beat up the security guards."
Fear surged through me. My hands trembled…."I'm coming."
I ended the call and turned to leave, but Jasmine caught my arm."What's happening?"
"It's my dad. I need to go. I'll explain later."
"Okay." She quickly checked my tray. "This was for table thirteen, right? I'll take care of it."
I nodded and ran out of the restaurant, hailing a taxi as soon as I got outside. The trip to the hospital felt like forever. Every time the driver slowed, I yelled:
"Can't you go faster?"
When we got there, I practically threw the money at him and rushed into the hospital. I didn't stop at the front desk. I knew exactly where to go.
As I entered the male ward, I bumped into someone."Sorry," I mumbled, not looking up.
"It's okay, ma'am," a guy said, but I was already moving forward.
The sounds of shouting and crashing grew louder as I approached my dad's room.A crowd had gathered patients, nurses, and staff all talking in low voices. I pushed my way through until I saw what was causing the commotion.
Five big, strong men were at the door, pounding and yelling. They looked like they stepped out of a movie muscular and with cold, menancing looks. My legs gave out, and I dropped to my knees.
One of them looked at me and smiled."Well, well, if it isn't the daughter."
"Where's our money, huh?" another yelled. "You think you can keep hiding?"
"If you don't pay up, we'll take what we're owed starting with your old man's organs," another said.
"Please," I begged, my voice shaking. "Just give me until next week. I'll get you the money, I promise."
The biggest man in the group clearly their leader stepped forward and crouched in front of me.His face was cold and cruel. "Next week? That's what you said last time." He leaned in closer. "It's either his organs, your body, or my money."
Tears ran down my face as I whispered, "Please… I'm trying."
He stood up and shouted at his men. "Let's go. We've made our point."
As they left, he turned back to me. "You've got three days, girl. After that, no more mercy."
Standing up, I folded my hands and bowed my head. "I am so sorry for all this."
The crowd murmured as they walked away, and I felt another wave of shame hit me.A nurse rushed to open the door, and I stumbled inside.
Dad was on the bed, pale and still, connected to many machines.Two weeks ago, he had fallen into a coma after losing everything in a bad investment. My savings, his gambling money. It was all gone.
I sat beside him, crying silently. The noise outside didn't matter anymore.
The nurse came back, looking sorry. "Those men broke a lot of things. You should talk to the doctor about the damage."
"How much will it cost?" I asked, not lifting my eyes.
She hesitated. "Over a million dollars."
Her words knocked the air out of me. My chest felt tight, my hands were sweaty, and my head spun. I mumbled an excuse and ran out of the room, gasping for air when I reached the lobby.
A year ago, we lost everything our house, our business, even our dignity.I worked so hard, taking on jobs and selling art just to keep us from starving, but it wasn't enough.
And now this?
"Miss?"
I looked up, surprised.A man stood in front of me, his voice vaguely familiar.
His piercing gray eyes locked on mine, and for some reason, I couldn't breathe.