Roland stared at Ethan for several seconds after hearing his strange reply. The disguised Ethan had spoken as though the manager would somehow confirm that he belonged at the table, yet everything about his appearance suggested the opposite. Roland finally pushed his chair back and raised his voice again. “Manager! How many times must I call before someone attends to me?”A waiter carrying two plates stopped nearby. Roland immediately pointed toward him. “You. Put those down and bring your manager here immediately. Tell him Dr. Roland Verda demands his presence at this table.”The waiter glanced nervously at Ethan before nodding. “Yes, sir. I will get him immediately.”The waiter hurried away, but not before throwing Ethan another uncertain glance. He had seen wealthy customers cause scenes before, yet something about the poorly dressed stranger made him hesitate.Roland noticed the look and frowned. “What are you staring at?”The waiter immediately lowered his head. “Nothing, sir.”

The manager swallowed. “Dr. Verda, I would strongly advise that we handle this situation with patience.”Roland stared at him. “I didn't ask for your advice.”“No, sir.”“Then call security.”The manager remained where he was.Roland's assistant noticed it too. “Did you not hear him?”“I heard him perfectly,” the manager replied.For several uncomfortable seconds, nobody moved. Roland looked from the manager to Ethan and felt his suspicion deepen. There was no longer any doubt in his mind that something about this situation was being kept from him.Roland leaned forward, his voice dropping. “You have been standing here for several minutes, yet you have done nothing. Why?”The manager kept his expression professional. “Because this situation is more complicated than it appears, sir.”Roland’s eyes narrowed. “Complicated for whom?”The manager hesitated, knowing that one careless answer could expose everything Ethan had arranged. “I am only asking you to allow me to handle this properly

Roland felt the attention of the restaurant pressing against him. “I do not answer criminal accusations from strangers who force themselves into private meetings.”Ethan leaned back slightly. “That sounds like a no.”Roland ignored him and addressed the officers instead. “You need to understand the political situation. I am a presidential candidate. My opponents have been so desperate to slow my campaign for weeks.”His assistant immediately supported him. “Sir, Mr. Verda is correct. This man refused repeated instructions to leave. His behavior seemed deliberate.”Roland nodded. “Exactly. Someone sent him here to create a scene. He knew people would recognize me. He wanted witnesses.”Ethan looked mildly interested. “Who do you think sent me?”“Probably one of my opponents,” Roland replied. “Perhaps several of them. What you are trying to do here is character assassination disguised as public concern.”Ethan’s expression remained calm. “And what about the patients?”Roland slammed one

Roland's face tightened the moment the FBI agent asked the question. He realized his mistake at once. Asking where the document came from had sounded far too much like recognition, and judging by the agent's expression, the man had noticed his mask fall off.“I recognize the type of document,” Roland said quickly. He withdrew his hand from the table and straightened his jacket. “Verda Medical Corporation produces thousands of financial records every month. Knowing what one looks like proves nothing.”The senior agent kept his eyes on him. “You didn't ask what the document was. You asked where we obtained this particular one.”Roland's irritation returned. “Don't put words in my mouth. I only recognized corporate paperwork, nothing more.”The agent slowly gathered the documents together. “Then choose your next words carefully, Dr. Verda. You may have an opportunity to explain all of this formally.”Roland forced a bitter smile. “Formally? You arrive at a public restaurant, surround me

Ethan slipped out of The Imperial Sapphire while Roland was still demanding answers inside. A private service corridor led him through the rear section of the building, far from the diners who had watched the confrontation. Once he reached the restricted exit, he removed the cheap glasses and false moustache that had helped complete his ordinary appearance.Several Tribunal soldiers were waiting beyond the door. Unlike the younger officers at the front entrance, every man here knew exactly who stood before them. Their postures straightened immediately as Ethan removed the worn jacket and handed it to one of his security officers.A senior Tribunal officer approached him. “Sir, Dr. Verda is being taken into custody. The FBI has secured the documents presented to him, and his legal representatives are being contacted.”Ethan looked back toward the building. “Make sure everything is done properly. I do not want anyone mistreating him simply because of what he has done.”The officer nodde