my bag as I took in the sight before me. The bakery was even more breathtaking in

ross the pristine glass windows. Inside, I could already see customers indulging in delicate pas

as it-the beginning of ev

f, I pushed ope

nt hit m

g around me like a warm embrace. It was the smell of perfection-the kind th

ury of stopping, thoug

hed the counter where a young woman in a crisp wh

g a polite smile. "I'm Laura

brown eyes scanning me quickly

ad pastry chef." She wiped her hands on a clean

eved by Elena's direct b

l give you a quick tour before

ving behind the polished, elegant storefront and st

n atmosphere

about refinement and sophistication

kneading dough, tempering chocolate. The air buzzed with the hum of industrial mi

yes l

here the ma

he hazelnut praline?" a voic

that, the spe

rce of the voice, and my

less-steel counter with an air of c

retti empire. The next in line to take over the l

rumoured to be a perfectionist, how he was said to be ruthless not just in the kitchen but also in

lso hotels, casinos, bars, companies in which he is set to

ention, however, was how effortles

amily crest embroidered on the sleeve, he looked like he belonged here. His dark hair was slightly tousled, as if he had run a fr

blue eyes l

e the n

question. More of a

n. "That's right

He let his gaze rake over me, as if trying

he starts today. She's the best we could find withi

sion didn't cha

no warmth i

He didn't even know me, ye

a polite smile, "it's gre

ed smirk at least that's what I think it looks like. I've heard rumors

t after a week," he muttered befor

could think of a response,

low voice. "He's always like th

not an outsider.

knowing look. "Try

Shawn's attitude to the back o

nting out where ingredients were stored, which ovens were the most

e, the energetic junior pastry chef who offered me a bright smile and an enthusiastic "Welcome to the

ss-steel counter near the large industrial ovens. "We rotate tasks, but since you're

y, already itchi

, who was barking instructio

le, but there was something in hi

his problem was, but

ave to pro