The representative pointed out weaknesses and suggested changes, including a visible correction deadline and a written acknowledgment when a dispute was received.

Sofia accepted the revisions without trying to defend the first draft.

That response mattered to Tessa because Victor had always treated corrections as attacks on his authority.

She called Lily that evening and described the meeting.

Lily was glad the staff had received at least some overdue wages, but she wondered whether the changes would survive after public attention faded.

Tessa said she wondered the same thing and intended to keep her own records regardless.

Lily asked whether the restaurant was still serving the cinnamon pie that had been the kitchen’s most popular dessert.

Tessa laughed and said the pie was now made from the written recipe because nobody wanted Victor returning to claim it was a proprietary secret.

For a few minutes, they talked about ordinary recipes and annoying customers instead of legal documents.

Lily missed that part of the job more than she expected.

CHAPTER 22: THE WRONG KIND OF HELP

A wealthy local businessman named Douglas Venn contacted Lily with an offer to sponsor a new restaurant under her name.

He said the story of a waitress fired for generosity had made her a recognizable face and that recognition could be turned into a profitable brand.

He proposed a quick-service burger shop called Lily’s Table and suggested holding a televised opening within thirty days.

Lily asked whether he expected her to manage the business or simply appear in advertising.

Douglas said investors would handle the difficult operations while she supplied the authenticity that customers loved.

He offered an advance larger than any amount Lily had earned in a year.

The figure made her heart race because it could pay her mother’s medical bills and cover Noah’s education expenses.

She asked for a draft agreement and gave it to Amina.

The contract granted Douglas exclusive rights to use Lily’s name, image, and personal story for ten years.

It also allowed investors to approve her public statements about Harbor Table and barred her from criticizing partner businesses.

Amina pointed out that the agreement could limit Lily’s ability to speak about the very event that made the proposed restaurant attractive to investors.

Lily read the terms again and felt embarrassed that she had been so tempted by the advance.

Amina told her there was nothing shameful about considering money when money could change a family’s circumstances.

The problem was understanding what she would have to surrender to receive it.