The voice of Sebastian Father grew sharper, laced with growing irritation.
"One thing is certain. I want compensation! As fast as possible!"

"Huh? Compensation? For what? Didn’t I already say… I was also a victim of Sylvia’s actions, Sir!" Sarah, visibly shocked, nearly shouted in response.

"That’s not my concern! What matters is that I want compensation for what Sylvia did to me!" Sebastian Father shouting.

"Absolutely not! That’s no longer my responsibility! You’re barking up the wrong tree!" Sarah replied, trying hard to keep her emotions in check.

I clenched my hands nervously. Why was this whole situation getting more and more complicated? Just as the tension in the room peaked, suddenly my phone vibrated. It must be Sebastian! Panic surged through me as I reached for my phone, which continued to buzz insistently. Without answering, I swiped to reject the call—it *was* Sebastian.

"This *is* your responsibility! As the owner of Wonderland, you should be held accountable for the losses I’ve suffered!" The tycoon was still being pushy, refusing to back down.

"Listen carefully, Sir. I’ve already explained at the beginning of this conversation—Sylvia is no longer affiliated with Wonderland. She left without notice, she broke her contract, and she’s not my responsibility anymore—not personally, not professionally!"

*Good job, Sarah!* I silently cheered. Sebastian’s father clearly didn’t like hearing Sarah stand up for herself. That damn Sylvia! How could she cause such a mess and leave Sarah and Wonderland to deal with the fallout? Even though Sarah had managed to move on from Sylvia’s sudden disappearance, I could feel her frustration boiling again. Fania, who was fairly new at Wonderland, also knew a bit about the Sylvia situation. Her face reflected growing annoyance with the tycoon too.

"Hah! Excuses!" the man scoffed. "Let me tell you something—I’m an important person! If I speak up, this shady little business of yours will be done for!"

I wanted to scream at him. *Shady business*, he said? Then why the hell was he a regular customer here?! What a self-important old man!

Sarah took a deep breath. I could tell she was doing everything she could to stay calm.
"Alright then, if you really think this place is shady, why are you demanding compensation from me? You're the one looking for Sylvia—why take it out on me? That makes no sense."

"Exactly why I'm here!" he growled. "I came not only to track down that damn Sylvia, but to demand my compensation!"

"You’ve been going on and on about compensation. How much do you want?" Sarah said, finally opening a slim folder with her checkbook inside.

The tycoon burst into mocking laughter.
"Do you think I’m *that* poor, huh? Listen carefully—I'm not here for *money*. I’m here to demand compensation… for the woman I married just a month ago!"

Sarah, Fania, and I all furrowed our brows in confusion. What the hell was he talking about?

"Wait a minute… I don’t understand what you mean. Please explain what you just said."

"Are you pretending to be clueless, or are you just that naive?" he sneered, laughing in a way that clearly insulted Sarah. I didn’t know if I should shout back at this middle-aged man or just sit there in disbelief.

Sarah cleared her throat and subtly motioned for Fania and me to stay calm.

"I want *her* to replace Sylvia!" he suddenly stood up and pointed—*right at me*. His eyes were blazing with fury.

"What?! Are you serious?! You can’t just point at someone and demand they replace her!" Sarah snapped, unable to hold her anger any longer.

"I said… I want *her* to take Sylvia’s place!" he shouted again, adamant.

Sarah remained seated for a second longer, but I could see her face turning red with emotion. Then she stood, slow and deliberate, the tension thick in the air.

As for me… honestly? My brain had completely shut down. My knees felt like jelly the moment the tycoon pointed at me and shouted. I was stunned. I wanted to disappear. Fania, sitting beside me, looked just as horrified. She nervously bounced her foot under the table. Poor girl. She must be terrified. I glanced at her, concerned.

*God help me,* I thought. *How can I be worried about someone else right now? Focus, El!*

"NO WAY! THAT’S COMPLETELY OUT OF THE QUESTION!" Sarah now stood tall, staring down the tycoon. His two bodyguards, who had been by the couch, suddenly stepped forward, as if Sarah’s refusal had physically wounded their boss.

"Why not? What’s the difference? You’re all the same—products. Isn’t it normal for a customer to demand compensation when a product is faulty?" The tycoon’s words were like poison, each syllable more degrading than the last. Sarah had clearly had enough.

"If you continue to insult and disrespect us, I suggest you and your guards *leave* right now," Sarah said coldly, pointing toward the door.

The tycoon was caught off guard. Clearly, he hadn’t expected Sarah to stand her ground.
"You… You dare kick me out?" he glared, his eyes bulging in rage. "Do you even know who I am?! I’m powerful! I can destroy you if I want!"

"Oh, so now you’re threatening to bankrupt me?" Sarah laughed coldly. Fania and I exchanged nervous glances but said nothing. This was not a battle we could interrupt.

"You think I’m afraid of your threats? You’re mistaken if you think that’ll work on me!"

Sebastian’s father clenched his jaw, breathing heavily through his nose.
"Unbelievable! What’s wrong with simply replacing her? And now you dare challenge me?"

"Leave on your own, or I’ll have security escort you out," Sarah said firmly.

"You ungrateful little—how *dare* you refuse my request and now try to throw me out? Fine. This is your last chance. If you don’t give me what I want, I’ll make you pay. You’ll see!"

"No need to wait," Sarah replied calmly, her face serious. "Go ahead. Let’s see what kind of payback you have in mind."

***