Elizabeth intervened just as Sophia was ready to leave for the day after a particularly exhausting day.
"Sophia, do you have a minute?"
"Of course. Is there something wrong, Ms. Elizabeth?" Sophia became anxious as she saw Elizabeth's serious demeanor and Alicia's aggressive demeanor.
Elizabeth said, "Alicia approached me and told me that you had stolen a cake from the restaurant earlier. Is this accurate?"
"Ms. Elizabeth, no. This is a huge misunderstanding. I paid for the pastry on my own. Every day, there are a few little cakes left behind at the restaurant. Employees are allowed to purchase them at a discounted rate. That's as per the rules."
Sophia unzipped her bag. A beautiful cake was inside.
"See! You stole that!" Alicia spoke out with confidence.
"You can verify it for yourself if you don't trust me. I've gotten the receipt with me if you'd want to see," Sophia said, very displeased.
