Sure enough, talent and passion were very important. Austin’s business was sure to do well since he ventured into the food and beverage industry. Fortunately, his business was thousands of miles away in Wiltspoon and could not affect the O'Connors's business. Otherwise, the food and beverage businesses they operated would suffer a complete defeat at the hands of such a formidable competitor.“It’s harder to lose weight than it is to gain it, you know.” Isabella glanced at the time and seeing that it was lunchtime, she turned off her computer. “You’re becoming more of a foodie now,” she remarked.“So what if I can eat the best food in the world every day? Everyone has to eat. Is there anyone who doesn’t like eating? Only a person who doesn’t eat and drink is weird,” Tati retorted before glancing at the time too. “Dominic and Austin must be arriving soon.”Isabella never went home for lunch as it was too much of a rush. Sometimes, she would have lunch at a five-star hotel they owned
Seeing Isabella’s smile, Tati knew her cousin misunderstood her again. She could not be bothered to explain. Her feelings for Austin were pure admiration. His cooking and desserts were truly to her liking. She was not the only one who enjoyed them, and that included Isabella.Isabella had not criticized Austin’s cooking since he started working two days ago. “Austin’s cooking style never changes, but the taste of his food is flawless. He’s my age, yet he has such mastery in cooking. I have to admit that he’s talented. Not only that, he’s still refining his recipes.”That was a rare compliment from Isabella, which was a sign of recognition for his cooking skills. “Dominic said that Austin’s luggage only had a few sets of clothes. The rest were cookbooks of various cuisines.”The flavors created by different cooks would vary even if the recipes were the same. Some dishes had great visuals and taste while some only looked great with flavors lacking.“Austin said he loved c
“Ms. Tati.”Austin and Dominic stood outside the office. They greeted Tati respectfully when the door opened. It was lunchtime in the company. The secretary was also heading downstairs to have lunch. Austin had used the kitchen in the cafeteria to prepare Isabella’s lunch. He had timed it perfectly so the food was delivered to the office a few minutes before lunchtime. That way, he could avoid the employees. He could also avoid disturbing Isabella from work. He and Dominic did require a few minutes to walk from the cafeteria and take the elevator to the top floor. “Hello, Dominic, Austin.”Tati moved aside and allowed them to enter. “We just finished working.”Dominic and Austin walked into the office. “Ms. Isabella.”They greeted Isabella before putting the thermal boxes down in the sofa area. They opened the boxes and placed the food on the table. Isabella walked over. “Please enjoy your meals, Ms. Isabella, Ms. Tati. Dominic and I will take our leave if you
“You don’t even have to exercise to maintain your figure, but that’s because you aren’t eating well.”Isabella would rather go hungry than eat something she did not like. How could she gain weight when she was stressed from work and not eating properly?“Isn’t Austin being attentive by letting you eat comfortably? The desserts he prepared for you aren’t your favorites, but that’s because you don’t have a preference. Nevertheless, he still made something that you’re willing to eat.“I compared the two boxes. Mine looks like it’s simply put together. Of course, the desserts made are intricate and delicious. However, it’s obvious which one was prepared with extra care.“We’ve been having extra time to rest during lunch these days. You aren’t even drinking that much coffee in the evenings anymore.”Isabella said, “Austin must’ve bribed you to put in a good word for him. What is he scheming?”“Of course not. How could he have bribed me when he just started working days ago? Call it
Austin mentioned that he owned a business and a few companies. Besides, his mien and looks made it evident that he was not an ordinary person. It was natural that Mr. and Mrs. O’Connor had ideas. They did not want Isabella to move to another country for marriage. She did not like it either. However, her parents would consider getting Austin to marry into their family out of desperation. “No. There’s no way Uncle Hadrian and Aunt Delphine would’ve asked me to say these words. Austin is newly employed. Everyone doesn’t know him well enough yet.”Tati smiled. “My imagination has been running wild from reading novels when I can’t sleep at night. I can’t help immersing myself into the storylines.”Isabella said, “If you still have difficulty falling asleep, it means that you aren’t busy enough. You shall be in charge of the project with Empire Group.”Tati replied, “I don’t want to take over that project, Isa. Miles Thornton is the project leader from Empire Group. We’ve been enemies
Miles used to bully Tati a lot in the past. That was also why she kept picking fights with him. Although they stopped fighting as adults, Tati would try to avoid Miles whenever she could. She utterly despised his smiley, charming eyes. Miles would always look at her with a grin. Some people might have thought that he liked her. “Okay.”Tati agreed resignedly. “Go back to your office and rest. We have a meeting later on.”Isabella passed the box of desserts to Tati. She said gently, “If Miles bullies you, I’ll get back at him for you when I’m back.”“He doesn’t pick fights with me now. Even if he does, I’ve never lost to him.”Upon remembering Tati’s ferocity back then, Isabella pretended to look worried and said, “How are you going to get married at this rate? It’s concerning.”Tati was speechless. “I only get rough with Miles. I’m an elegant and well-mannered young lady of the O’Connors when I’m with other people.“Anyway, you should rest while you can too, Isa. I’ll g
It turned out that Isabella was going on a business trip. Austin replied, “Okay, Ms. Isabella.”At that moment, Dominic said, “Aren’t you taking Austin with you, Ms. Isabella?”With her picky mouth, she would have difficulty finding food she could stomach during her trip. It would be better if she brought her private chef with her. Isabella had rarely gone on business trips in the past. She remained silent. Austin continued cleaning up quietly. He thought, ‘She’ll probably go hungry on business trips because of her picky mouth.’After considering the suggestion and thinking about her stomach, Isabella finally said, “Okay. Austin can go back and pack his luggage and be here again at 5:00 p.m. He’ll be coming with me on my business trip.“Don’t tell anyone, aside from my family, about Austin traveling with me, Dominic.”Isabella did not want others to spread rumors or criticize her for taking a young private chef on her business trip. Even if the entire Satbury knew she
Austin and Dominic had traveled to the company in the same car. On their way back, Austin asked Dominic, “Does Ms. Isabella usually stay in a hotel or her own property when she goes on business trips?”“She didn’t mention where she was going this time. If the location has one of our branch companies, she usually has a house there. It may not be big, but there are employees and daily necessities stocked.“If it’s just for a business meeting, Ms. Isabella will stay in a hotel. However, she’ll stay in the presidential suite so that cooking is possible.“You just have to pack everything you need for the trip. Ms. Isabella wouldn’t have decided to bring you along if you can’t cook there.”Austin thought about it and replied, “You’re right. I’ll start packing once I get back. I don’t have much to bring aside from some seasonings. I can get ingredients when we get there.”Bringing ingredients along on a business trip was inconvenient. However, Dominic reminded Austin, “The ingredient