So when are we leaving?" Antonio asked impatiently. "Immediately". Courtney replied. Just then, the restaurant manager entered the VIP room. He looked quite surprised to see both in that position. Antonio read his face and immediately steps away from Courtney immediately, with his hands behind him. The manager's face was a mix of curiosity and suspicions. "Miss, is everything to your satisfaction?" he asked Courtney politely, offering a nervous smile. Courtney smiled back softly as she replied, "Yes, thank you. It was lovely. And now we're leaving." "I am pleased to hear that". He replied with a smile. "Diego," the manager called, "What are you doing here? You weren't supposed to be up here." Courtney had to intervene before Antonio could say anything. "Actually, I requested to see him earlier also, when I said we are going... I mean I am going with him... with Diego". The Manager was speechless for a second. He glanced at Antonio questionable. Antonio clearly looked agitated but trying to maintain control. He spoke calmly." I have to leave with her, sir." The manager furrowed his brow. "You can't just leave in the middle of a shift without notice. You know the rules, Diego." Courtney, sensing the tension, stepped in for Antonio once more. "He needs to come with me... For something important, that's all". The Manager was very worried and confused at the same time. "I am confused to know what this is all about, did he do something wrong? He is quite a respectful fellow. Our newest staff but very professional. You can talk to me about it." He said to Courtney. Courtney chuckled and waved a hand. "No ... No! There's no need for concern, at all. I'll ensure he's compensated for the time missed. There's a family matter we need to attend to. We are related so you see, no need to worry." "Family? Related?" The manager murmured and glanced from one person to another. They do have some kind of resemblance. He hesitated for a while, unsure of how to push back against such a wealthy and influential figure. Once again, he glanced between Antonio and Courtney before he finally gave a reluctant nod. "Alright, but we'll need to adjust the schedule later, Diego." "Yes sir," Antonio replied with a polite bow. Courtney burst into another loud unexpected laughter that made the men feel like clowns that just performed In front of her. "I am so sorry... It's just funny, he said yes sir... I am going to cry, this shit is hilarious". Antonio and the manager exchanged glances confused. Antonio wondered how someone as elegant as Courtney, be this can be a crack head especially when making fun of him. Do they do this to each other in the past? He waved it off. "You are embarrassing". He told Courtney. "Oh please, shut up!" Courtney replied cleaning her tears. Antonio sighed. "You just sighed? That's all you do? Now I can tell you all the curse word without being scared of you!" She laughed again. "Wow, she is one of a kind". The Manager said with interest. "Please, pardon her". He begged the manager. She burst into even a louder one, shaking the whole restaurant. Antonio slapped his forehead. The Manager was still very surprised at the chaotic interaction between them. "They are related for sure, they fight like siblings". He told himself. "Are you done? We have something urgent, that we need to attend to remember?" Antonio asked with a frown. "Oh yes, sorry about my laugh, it's just felt so weird". She replied. "We have to go now sir," Antonio bowed and turned to leave. "Wait for the lady! You fox!" Courtney snapped with a frown. "My apologies". Antonio replied softly. Courtney giggled clearly enjoying this moment then she turned to the manager and took out a cheque from her bag. "Manager...please take this as an appreciation for giving Antonio a chance to work even as a foreigner". She handed him the cheque. "Arigatou gozaimasu". She bowed in respect to Japanese culture and walked towards Antonio who was waiting at the door. The manager still puzzled at the spot. He watched as Antonio and Courtney walked out of the restaurant VIP room. Then slowly he looked down at the million dollar cheque in his hand. "I knew that boy was someone important". He smiled to himself and kissed the cheque. As Antonio and Courtney descended from the VIP section. Courtney's bodyguards even more jarring. They stood tall and imposing in their black suits, faces expressionless. But the moment they saw Antonio, their posture changed dramatically. Each one looked like they were side characters in a horror movie about to meet their end, seeing Antonio. They immediately folded their length into two with a low bow. "Young Master!" They bellowed in unison, their voices deep and reverberating across the restaurant floor. Antonio was startled by their voices including all the people in the room, only Courtney looked unfazed. The bodyguards remained that way, hands behind with such respect and fear that it sent shockwaves through the room. Every head in the restaurant turned toward them. Diners paused mid-bite, their eyes wide, as the eerie scene unfolded. Antonio froze, his confusion written plainly on his face. "What...?" he muttered under his breath, glancing at Courtney, who was watching the scene with a satisfied smile. "The Montero's guards still have royal ones who stood by me after everything that happened. They are few. They refused to bow to Damon and protected me as the only true Montero offspring, alive. To them, I am the heiress". She whispered to him. Witnessing the strange scene, gossips began immediately among the waiters and restaurant staff. "Did they just call him... 'Young Master'?" one of them murmured to another, eyes wide in disbelief. "Could it be he is some kind of important personality from his country?" another whispered. "I knew he had the celebrity aura, that's why women are very attracted to him, I saw his tattoos one time at the change room. He is a dangerous man". One of the male staffs, whispered. The room buzzed with speculation as more people tried to piece together what was happening. Courtney placed a gentle hand on Antonio's arm and leaned in, whispering, "They recognize you for whom you really are. Antonio Montero. That's why they gave you this honorable greeting." He looked at her, still baffled. "But I'm not that person anymore... I don't even know who they think I am." Courtney smiled knowingly, her eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. "It doesn't matter what you remember, Antonio. To them, you'll always be the heir of the Montero. And they'll treat you with the respect, fear that name and obey commands, no matter what it may be." Antonio swallowed. "So, what am I supposed to say to them? They are still bowing." He whispered back. Courtney smirked. "Well, the old Antonio would say...you are weak, and you didn't protect me when it mattered, shoot yourselves, I would like to watch you, groan and die. The last man standing will be my bitch for the night". Antonio looked at her in disappointment and disgust. "Don't look at me that's what you sound like". She shrugged. He drew a deep breath and faced the guards. "Thank you... Thank you for everything. Thank you for your Royalty, please arise. Most importantly, thank you for protecting her." Courtney was shocked for a second then her lips drew into a small smile. She felt her eyes wet and hugged him ignoring everyone in the place. "I love you, I can say that now, right? Cousin?" Antonio wrapped his hands around her. "You are annoying ". Courtney laughed. People in the restaurant were taking pictures of them and the blogs were on fire. Antonio Montero is back! As the bodyguards straightened, their eyes locked on Antonio in shock. "Thank you, Young Master Antonio!" Their voices roared again. Antonio felt a surge of unfamiliar power coursing through him He was no longer just Diego, the waiter. He was Antonio Montero, whether he remembered or not.