He did not seem offended.

Instead, he smiled to himself.

Forty-two years ago, he had stood in almost the same place while the building was nothing more than a skeleton of steel and brick. He remembered carrying timber through unfinished hallways. He remembered arguing with electricians about wiring and staying awake until midnight because the restaurant’s original owner could not afford another day of delays.

Back then, Harris had been young, strong, and ambitious.

Brookdale House had been one of the first major projects completed by Whitmore Construction.

But that was a lifetime ago.

“Ready to order?”

The waitress standing beside him was Vanessa.

Harris looked up.