Billionaire's captive Heart

spoons against porcelain cups, and the soft hiss of the espresso machine. Yet, none of it registered for Lila. She found herself staring blankly at the customers. Some smiled warmly as they s

lack coffee!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with irritation. Lila blinked in surprise. "I'm so sorry, ma'am. Let me make you another one." Though the woman's complaint seemed unwarranted, Lila wasn't one to argue with a customer-at least, not at first. She moved swiftly to remake the drink, pouring the espresso and steaming the milk to the exact texture needed. Surely, this one would be right. Once again, she set the cup in front of the woman. "I hope this one is better for you, ma'am." The woman eyed her suspiciously before lifting the cup to her lips for another sip. This time, her reaction was instant-and far more dramatic. "What is this?! Are you trying to ruin my day?" the woman barked, slamming the cup down so hard that some of the foam splashed over the edge. "I've had enough of your incompetence! Is it so hard to make a decent coffee? A child could do better than you!" The café grew quiet. Lila could feel the eyes of other customers turning toward the counter, curious and entertained by the unfolding drama. Her chest tightened, heat rising to her cheeks. Incompetence? Her? The insult cut deeper than she expected. Lila prided herself on her work, on her ability to craft the perfect cup. Who did this woman think she was? Lila's temper, usually kept in check, began to flare. "Ma'am, with all due respect, I make the best coffee in this city," Lila said through clenched teeth, her voice low but steady. "Maybe the problem isn't the coffee, but your attitude." The woman gasped, her face contorting into an expression of disbelief. "Excuse me? How dare you speak to me like that! You should be grateful I even stepped into this pitiful café!" Lila's patience snapped. "Grateful? For what? For being insulted over and over again? I've been polite, I've made your order twice, and yet nothing seems to please you. Maybe you should learn to show a little gratitude yourself!" The woman's face turned red with fury, and just as she opened her mouth to unleash another tirade, the manager stepped forward. His face was taut with barely restrained anger as he glanced between Lila and the fuming customer. "Lila, step into the back. Now," he ordered, his voice cold. "But she-" Lila started, but the manager cut her off with a sharp gesture. "Now."