Chapter 7
A few parents exchanged glances. When a police officer came over to collect evidence, Mrs. Thompson seized the opportunity,
pulling him aside as a witness.
“Sarah, let this officer witness our promise. If another lunch catering service opens, we’ll discuss it with you first and handle
things properly.”
Clever how she left herself room to maneuver without making any firm commitments.
I hesitated. “What about the money I refunded…”
“I’ll send it back right now,” Mrs. Thompson said quickly.
Since it wasn’t a huge sum, she transferred it immediately. The others followed suit, repaying what they owed.
Looking at the transfers, I didn’t accept right away. “Just to be clear–this is only repayment for the previous meals, nothing
else?”
Mrs. Thompson nodded eagerly. “Yes, exactly.”
I turned to the officer. “Sir, you heard that. This money is purely for past meals.”
He nodded, and I carefully verified each payment.
Mrs. Thompson smiled. “Once the kids recover, can we start sending them to you?”
I shook my head. “I agreed to take the repayment, but I never said I’d cook for your kids again. You’ll need to find someone else.”
Mrs. Thompson’s jaw dropped. “Emily, you…”
“What about me? After everything you’ve done, you think paying me back makes it all okay? No way. Even if I was desperate for business, I wouldn’t work with you people. Figure out your own.”
I turned and walked away, shutting my door firmly behind me.
The insults continued outside, but this time, they didn’t bother me. I felt lighter.
But their audacity knew no bounds. Trying to force my hand, they posted on Facebook that I’d abandoned their children to start
an office lunch catering service.
They claimed I only cared about profit from corporate clients, which was why I’d stopped the kids‘ service. Their posts painted me as heartless, leaving children without meals.
Just as the online hate was threatening my business, someone published a detailed account of everything–how they’d forced me to give refunds, supported Mrs. Peterson, and the tragic outcome.
The post even included my menu plans.
