From inside the two-carat conference room, every guest of Clayton Brown and Annie Davis had been sighing in gratification with the food in front of them.
Starting with a plate of shrimp taco bites as their appetizer canape, they were all amused by the wonderful combination! A single shrimp was placed on top of a generous amount of guacamole, and beneath it was a taco shell just over an inch size.
They all felt the three pieces of which that were on their plates were not enough.
When the salads were served, more compliments were given to the surprisingly new flavor of the green dish.
At the table where the engaged couple sat, Annie Davis could not help but observe, "I don't remember the salad to have watermelon on it. Do you, Clay?"
After swallowing down his salad, Clayton answered, "No, even the sauce seems different. It tasted more... creamy and just a little sweet. They probably made some changes, but I like it."
"O
Hearing the name of Clayton Brown and Annie, her stepsister, Samantha contemplated going to the two-carat conference room.She instantly paled at the idea of seeing her stepmother and stepsister. All the more, seeing her father. However, what pushed her to present herself was the convincing of the F&B Manager. She was told, "This would be very good publicity for the hotel, Chef Sam, and I'm sure the boss would love it!""You seem like you are hesitating, Chef Sam." From one corner of the kitchen, Chef Matteo remained to study Samantha's movements. He could not help but probe, seeing the reluctance in Samantha's expression.Samantha cleared her throat and replied, "It's just that... I am not used to speaking in front of a crowd, but I suppose... it's also part of my job."She forced a smile and added, "Let me just give additional instructions to the chefs and I'll be right behind you.""I'll see you at the two-carat conference room,
A wave of jealousy filled Annie Davis' heart.She just heard Ethan Wright call Samantha his wife, and it shocked her beyond words.She had met Ethan Wright on two occasions while attending special events with her adoptive father, General Winfield Davis.However, this tall and handsome man never batted an eye for her. Yet, here he was standing in front of their table, calling Samantha his wife?!'No!' Her head was yelling in denial!At first, the possibility that Samantha was still after Clayton fueled her displeasure, recalling how much she adored Clayton in the past.Annie successfully managed to win Clayton over and she had already considered herself triumphant for having taken the attention that was given to Samantha, but now... why did it feel like she was still a loser in comparison to her stepsister?!Annie Davis's insides were screaming with envy!She clearly noticed how Ethan Wright was giving her and
"Did you know about Samantha getting involved with the Wrights?" General Winfield Davis asked Matilda as she was being rested by her caregiver to bed. "Are they really married?"He purposely came to his mother's room to talk about the daughter that he had forgotten."Winfield, how long has it been since you did not care for your own daughter - your flesh and blood! Why start now?" Matilda asked in return. "If you really want to know... why not speak to your own daughter?""Mother, does Ethan know of Samantha's past?" Winfield Davis tried to probe again, but Matilda did not answer. "If they are married, how come both of them were not wearing any wedding rings?"It was a specific instruction coming from Ethan, not to let the General and his new family know the truth about Samantha and Ethan until they were ready to present themselves to them. Thus, Matilda could only go around in a circle and create a lie."I don't know. Go ask her yourse
[WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MATURE CONTENTS, NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNG READERS]Samantha was feeling the chill around the room, hearing the rain still pouring outside the mansion, but it wasn't the only thing she sensed.She noticed how big hands were all over her bare skin, going under her sleeping dress and how she received pecks on her face and neck.Her eyes fluttered open and saw her half-naked husband putting his arms under her body. She whispered, "Ethan? What are you doing?""Shhhh... Waking you up," the man said while gradually lifting Samantha with his arms. "Don't worry, I placed pillows around the kids."Samantha only had a second to look, observing her twins still dozing off on the bed with pillows around them.Looking back at her husband, she asked, "Where are you taking me?"With tightening eyes, Ethan softly answered, "To the bathroom.""What? What time is it? Why are we going to the bathroom?" Sama
Samantha reported to work at seven in the morning. She wanted to observe the breakfast service at the hotel, aiding Anthony, her sous chef that day.As she enforced new dishes and imposed new rules in her kitchen, she was at least satisfied how her executive sous chef had begun his work without complaining.The only catch was, he was giving her a silent treatment. Still, Samantha thought the fact that Matteo was back to work meant he accepted defeat. She now only had to win his friendship.With the exception of one sous chef named Deana, everyone was back to work.Deana, the bitter and number one follower of Matteo, called in sick that day. Thankfully, it was not such a busy day.Being a Tuesday, the rest of the morning was somewhat quiet. At eleven in the morning, Samantha found herself yawning from inside the kitchen.She then thought about her husband and so she leaned back on one side of the wall, just
The afternoon was another quiet time for the kitchen. So Samantha took the chance to discuss with her team the upcoming grand opening of the hotel. They were two weeks away and like as she did with their regular dishes; she wanted to make some slight modifications to the planned courses.Since they did not have any orders at three in the afternoon, nor were the reservations in the evening that significant, they tested on her alterations, cooking the required dishes according to Samantha's adjustments.The Pearl Diamond Restaurant was made closed for their own food tasting and discussion over the dishes."Hmmm... This is just heaven," remarked Anthony. "Wonder why I never tried it this way!""I love the mix seafood dish!" Remarked Jane. "I did not think it was possible to use lemon leaves as an added aroma!"Samantha chuckled and said to them, "Sometimes, you learn things as you cook for your child."Matteo, on the other han
The middle of the week was surprisingly busier for the hotel. Both restaurants of the First Diamond Hotel were packed with guests.It was thanks to Belinda Lopez's feature of the hotel on a Wednesday morning that reservations came through in the afternoon and in the evening itself.On a Thursday night, The Pearl Diamond Restaurant was crowded!Samantha wound up coming home very late in the evening that day, fulfilling the very last order, not wanting to leave her team on their very first rewarding night.Entering the master bedroom, Samantha greeted her husband, "Hey there, handsome.""Hmmm. Is it normal for the wife to come home much later than her husband?" Ethan answered while putting aside his laptop.Samantha chuckled and climbed right next to him on the bed. She, herself, warranted for a kiss, crashing into his arms and lips.That prompted Ethan to wrap his arms around Samantha and caressing her angelic f
"Chef Sam, someone... is here to see you," said one of the servers of the Pearl Diamond Restaurant on a Friday afternoon.Samantha was just about to finish the lunch service with her team when she was informed of a visitor so formally. She frowned and asked, "Is it, my husband?""No, Chef... It's General Davis," said the food attendant. "What should I say?"Feeling her heart racing, Samantha paled at the name of her father. She repeatedly flickered her eyes for seconds. Only after seeing the strange expression coming from the food attendant and some kitchen staff did she say, "Ummm... Why don't you bring him to the lobby lounge and I'll follow.""Yes, Chef Sam.""You okay?" Matteo asked, seeing her expression. "What's with you and the military? You had the same scared expression when you went to see the Brown couple."Turning to Matteo, Samantha answered, "Ummm... It's a long story. Do you mind taking over?""Of course," said Ma