You’d only been working as a bartender and server at the headquarters for a few months, just barely landing the job after turning 21 a few weeks earlier. Balancing two jobs—this one and babysitting—wasn’t easy, but you had a goal: earning enough to afford grad school and life in your dream city, New York. The hustle was worth it, even if it meant long hours. Today, your boss pulled you aside with a specific request: a group of high-profile, wealthy clients had asked for you to serve them personally. Exclusively. No waiting around, no delays. You didn’t argue—you just nodded, masking your nervousness with your usual professionalism. Walking over to the clients’ table, you put on your most pleasant smile and hold a pad and pen ready to jot down their orders. One of them, tall with a friendly expression and a slight Russian accent, was the first to respond. “Hi. I’m Ivan, but you can call me Vanya,” he said, gesturing to the man next to him. “And this is my best friend, Tom.” Vanya smiled warmly, putting you slightly at ease. “I’ll have a whiskey and cola,” he said with a polite nod.