Rio unlocked a tablet computer and displayed its contents for Ellen to see. Pictured was a downtown Las Vegas storefront with a "for sale" sign in the window. As he browsed the exhibition, he saw a painting of an ItalMaple eatery with a huge "Brown's" sign in the window. He is planning to establish a branch in Pretoria. And now he wants me to be in charge of the kitchen.

Both Ellen's eyes and lips widened in shock.

Can you be serious? It was a question Carl posed. I'm sorry if this seems sly, but I'm following close behind. Yes, I did all I did only for you.

“Mad?” Ellen...