Mina (lowering her voice): “I’m working.”
Julian: “I know.”
Mina: “Then you also know what position you’re putting me in.”
Julian glanced around, finally noticing the audience. Then—without pushing closer, without flashing status—he reached out calmly.
Julian: “Give me the tray.”
Mina’s grip tightened.
Mina: “Sir, I can’t—if something spills—”
Julian: “Then it spills on me. I’m asking, not ordering.”
Mina stared at him.
Mina: “Why?”
Julian: “Because you said you’re working. And if I want to talk to you like a normal person, I can start by respecting that.”
Slowly, Mina released the tray.
Julian took it with both hands like it mattered.
He turned, tray level, and began walking.
At first, people assumed it was a stunt.
Julian stopped at the nearest table and did what Mina had been doing all night.
Julian (pleasantly): “Champagne?”
An executive blinked.
Executive #1: “Uh—Julian—what is this?”
Julian: “A refill.”
Executive #1: “No, I mean—why are you—”
Julian (flat): “Because she’s working.”
He moved on.
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