Page 93 of Save Me

Yes, the business existed before I began working here once I moved to Williamsport. But the Black Opal didn’t reach new levels until my uncle made me manager three years before his death.

“You didn’t build—”

“And the help of those closest to me,” I finish like he wasn’t talking. “So, walking into your half-empty restaurant during peak dinner hours was the first giveaway that something was off.”

“Many of our staff had the flu that week. We had to shut down half of our kitchen, and for that reason, we turned away many of our guests.”

“Right, that’s what you told them at the Global Group. Luckily, I’m the type who likes to do my research. So I went back a week later. Same sad story. I didn’t stay for dinner. Like most of your customers over the years.”

Blackmon’s business has been on the decline for at least the past two years. It’s no doubt due to his cheapskate ways.

His face erupts into one of pure rage.

“Fuck you! I helped your uncle build this business.” He jabs a finger in my direction. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be here now. I’m still a paying member of this damn club, and when I tell everyone about this, it’s you who’s going to need to do damage control.”

At that precise moment, Jersey walks in. She looks Blackmon over before dismissing him with a look.

“Are we ready?” she asks.

I nod.

“Excellent. Mr. Blackmon, this is your contract with the Black Opal.” She holds it up for his inspection. Then she rips it in half. “I’m certain you’re aware of our club’s policy to rescind membership at any time for any reason.”

He opens his mouth to say something.

“Though the contract does state we reserve the right to keep your annual fee, we’re being generous with you.” She holds up a check. “This is a check for fifteen thousand dollars. We kept five K since we’re a few months into the year. You understand, right?”

She continues without pausing. “Thank you for everything you’ve done in the past, but your services, especially your membership, are no longer needed,” she finishes, not sounding apologetic.

“Who the hell are you?” he demands to know.

“Someone whose father wouldn’t appreciate you speaking to in that tone.” Her eyes narrow.

“Father?” Blackmon looks her over. His eyebrows raise as if seeing her for the first time. “Hae?”

Her face tightens. “I go by Jersey these days.”

Hae Kim is Jersey’s real name, but only her parents have called her that since she was a teen.

“You’ve used my father’s name for too long to have access to the other members of this club. That ends today.”

She glances over at me. “I’ll get security.”

I peer at my watch. “It’s about that time. I have a few calls to make and more work to do. There’s no need to continue wasting time on this matter.”

Blackmon remains so outraged for a few seconds that he can’t even speak. Jersey places Blackmon’s check on the glass table and makes her exit, and a minute later, two security guards enter.

“Don’t forget about resigning from the Global Group,” I tell him. “Get it done within the week unless you want your secrets revealed.”

“You won’t get away with this,” he says as he swipes his check from the table. Even as he’s being escorted out by security, he continues talking. “You will regret this. The secrets I know will bury you and this fucking club.”

I don’t pay him any attention as he’s shown the door. However, his statement sends off a slight alarm bell. I’ve wondered why my uncle never severed the business relationship with Blackmon, and his threat just made it seem as if there’s something that I’m not aware of. I don’t like not knowing the details of my business.

I pull out my cell and give Taehyun a call.

“It’s done,” I tell him as soon as he answers.

“Jersey just texted me,” he confirms.

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