Chapter 25 - Dinner with the DevilDespite the suspension of her flagship restaurant, Sarah refused to hide in the shadows. The Marlowe House Culinary Foundation, her philanthropic pride and joy, was operating out of a separate industrial kitchen in Brooklyn, preparing thousands of meals for underprivileged schools.
Sarah was alone in the test kitchen late that evening, developing a new menu to keep her mind off the impending legal battles, when she heard the distinct clicking of expensive heels on the concrete floor.
"It smells divine," a voice echoed through the stainless-steel room. "But then again, you always were a brilliant cook, Sarah. It’s a shame your business acumen never quite caught up to your palate."
Sarah didn't flinch. She slowly set down her chef’s knife, wiped her hands on a towel, and turned around to face the intruder.
Celeste Arden stood in the doorway, wearing a designer pantsuit that screamed power and wealth. She looked remarkably untouched by her years in federal prison, her blonde hair perfectly coiffed, her posture arrogant and unyielding.
"You are trespassing on private property, Celeste," Sarah said, her voice remarkably calm. "And violating your parole terms by being within fifty feet of me."
"Parole is for common criminals," Celeste laughed smoothly, stepping further into the kitchen. "My legal team had those restrictions waived. I am completely free, Sarah. Free to walk, free to invest, and free to watch your little culinary empire crumble into ash."
"You poisoned my restaurant. You could have killed a woman."
"I simply highlighted a flaw in your operational security," Celeste countered, picking up a silver spoon and inspecting her reflection. "You stole Felix from me. You orchestrated my downfall. Did you really think I would rot in a cell while you lived happily ever after?"
"I didn't steal Felix. He chose to stop being a monster. Something you clearly never learned how to do."
Celeste’s eyes flashed with venom. She slammed the spoon onto the metal counter.
"Enjoy this kitchen while you can," Celeste hissed. "By next month, Vanguard Holdings will acquire the debt on this building. Julian Sterling is going to pave over this pathetic foundation and turn it into a luxury parking garage. You and Felix will have absolutely nothing."
"You’re just Odette’s puppet," Sarah fired back, hitting a nerve. "You think you are running this game, Celeste? You’re just the attack dog Julian Sterling let off the leash."
Celeste’s jaw tightened, a momentary flicker of insecurity crossing her eyes. But she quickly recovered, offering a chilling smile.
"Check your email, chef," Celeste whispered, turning toward the exit. "Your foundation’s top donors just received a very interesting tip about your financial ledgers. Have a wonderful night."
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As Celeste walked out, Sarah pulled out her phone. Her inbox was flooded with hundreds of notifications. Major sponsors were pulling their funding simultaneously. The attack was coming from all sides.
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