I put down my glass. “Let’s just say I’m closely involved.”
My mother laughed softly, a little tense.
“To be precise,” I continued calmly, “I am the founder of this restaurant, as well as several others.”
Silence fell.
“You mean…” Robert began.
“Yes,” I confirmed. “I founded the group to which Bella’s belongs.”
The way people looked at them changed. Surprise gave way to admiration.
“That’s remarkable,” said Robert. “What a trajectory!”
My mother remained silent for a moment, visibly moved.
The rest is on the next page
