The luxurious restaurant, bathed in the golden glow of extravagant chandeliers, was a haven for the elite of the Middle East. The resplendent atmosphere mingled with the rich aromas of saffron and uda, creating an intoxicating ambiance. Amidst this opulence sat a powerful oil tycoon, a sheikh whose wealth was estimated at an astronomical $43 billion. Engulfed in fine dining and the gentle strains of live musicians, the air was filled with conversations buzzing in multiple languages, punctuated by the occasional clink of crystal glasses.
The waitress, a figure of grace and discretion, moved seamlessly through the room, attending to the guests with an air of quiet professionalism. Her calm gaze belied a complex backstory. Raised in the family of an erudite oriental scholar, she had mastered Arabic from childhood. Yet, a tragic turn of fate had brought her to Dubai, working double shifts to support her ailing mother after her father’s untimely demise.