A poor boy shouted, “Don’t eat that!” The millionaire wouldn’t have listened if he hadn’t seen it himself…

The silence in the room grew heavy, like the calm before a storm. Guests at nearby tables froze, unsure how to react. Some thought it was a misunderstanding; others sensed something serious unfolding. The restaurant manager whispered nervously with the waitstaff, trying to figure out what to do. William sat motionless, studying Jake. The boy breathed heavily but stood tall.

“What’s your name?” William asked calmly.

“Jake, sir,” the boy replied.

“Where do you live?”

“Now? Nowhere. Sometimes in a shelter. Sometimes on the street.”

Emily sighed irritably.

“This is a farce, William. Are you really listening to some homeless kid? He’s probably trying to get on video or scam money. It’s obvious!”

William turned to her slowly.

“Why are you so sure of his motives?”

Emily tensed.

“Because I’m not stupid! He just accused me of… of attempted murder! Do you hear what he’s saying?”

“I hear. And I hear how you’re trying to deflect.”

He turned to the waiter.

“Where’s the soup my wife offered me?”

“Still on the table, sir. We haven’t cleared it.”

“Good. I want it tested. Call the police, health inspectors, whoever— but I want answers. And I want it documented. No one leaves until then.”

Emily shot to her feet.

“You can’t be serious!”

“I’m very serious.”

The restaurant staff, stunned by the turn of events, sprang into action. Someone was already calling the police. Jake stood between a security guard and William, his heart hammering. For the first time, an adult had listened to him. It was strange and terrifying.

“What exactly did you see, Jake?” William asked, his voice steady…