Chapter 45

It was Freya's dish to be judged next. With feigned confidence, she appeared before the judges, a forced smile on her face to conceal her uneasiness.

“Freya Dominic, what have you prepared for us?” One of the judges spoke, Judge Cristina Santos.

“I made some pan-seared wagyu beef gyoza with truffle-ginger dipping sauce and microgreens salad”, she replied boldly, yet her heart pounded hard through her chest.

“Interesting. I hope the meal is just as delicious as it sounds”, Judge Donald Jefferson said firmly with a stern expression.

Freya nodded slightly, her feet turning cold instantly.

The judges' table fell silent as they took their first bites of Freya's dish. The air was thick with anticipation, the only sound was the soft clinking of utensils on plates.

Judge Donald closed his eyes, savoring the flavors. “Hmm, interesting combination”, he murmured, his expression unreadable.

Freya's heart leaped a little at the somewhat positive feedback on her dish.

Judge Frederick, a food critic