Chapter 12 - The Master's Kitchen
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By five o'clock in the afternoon, the tension inside the Mercer estate was thick enough to cut with a knife.
Evelyn had requested a formal dinner for four. She had unexpectedly invited Lord Harrison Vance—a legendary global investor, long-time family friend, and one of the primary shareholders in Mercer Global Holdings.
Inside the kitchen, Adrian was quietly preparing the main course: a complex, exquisitely crafted beef Wellington with a black truffle reduction.
Teresa watched him expertly sear the tenderloin, her eyes filled with worry. "Harrison Vance has known you since you were ten years old, Adrian. The moment he steps into the dining room, he’s going to recognize you."
"That's the point," Adrian said, brushing a glossy egg wash over the puff pastry. "It's time to pull the curtain."
Just then, the back door of the kitchen opened, and Maya walked in carrying a basket of fresh mint and edible flowers from the glasshouse.
"Here are the garnishes you asked for, Chef," Maya smiled, setting the basket on the counter. She noticed the incredible aroma filling the room. "Wow... that smells like a Michelin-starred restaurant."
Adrian turned to look at her, his expression softening instantly. "Maya... thank you."
Maya blinked, noticing the intensity in his gaze. "For the mint?"
"For treating me like a human being," Adrian said softly. "No matter what happens tonight... I want you to know that the time I spent talking to you under the willow tree was the most real moment I've had in years."
Maya looked at him, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "Adrian... you're talking like you're leaving."
May you like
"Not leaving," Adrian smiled gently. "Just dropping a mask."
Before Maya could ask what he meant, Vanessa’s voice boomed down the service corridor. "Cook! Lord Vance has arrived! Serve the appetizers immediately!"
