The Ruthless Critic's Verdict

The Palate Group is well-known in both the journalism and the culinary industry by writing food and beverage reviews that would either help restaurateurs gain fame, or could backfire if certain standards aren't achieved.

It has been in production for about fifteen years and was founded by Emmanuel Marchessi. It appears to be an accomplishment for those in the same profession, but not for the restaurant owners.

Ten years later, TPG finally made a decision to name one of their ruthless critics, Evangelia Fraulein, who has the title of being the World's Most Reviled Food Critic.

Fine dining restaurants are like her source of oxygen. She dines out twice a day but keeps it a secret. She travels great distances for her dinner and still remains focused on every detail.

She became unstoppable in her pursuit of closing down unworthy restaurants, just like how her father closed down the famous Le Iskandar, ten years ago.

But despite being a successful food critic, she refused to take her late father's legacy for unknown reasons.

The riveting clicking sounds of sharp stiletto heels echoes on a hard stone floor along the hallways of TPG building, captivating resonance. 

The signature footsteps that demanded their full attention were quickly determined to be coming from Eva who just arrived inside the meeting room with her editorial team.

"Report to me," she immediately commanded as she took a seat in the center of the conference table.

"The World Daily Magazine company requested for a collaboration with us from a week ago. They are asking if you could sample food from The Cavalry and write reviews about it?" Amanda Gracian, an associate editor from the editorial department, reported.

Media professionals from the newspaper and magazine sectors were all motivated to obtain the exclusive scoop from one of the most popular 5-star restaurants in the world that follows in the footsteps of Le Iskandar.

And they are willing to pay more just to have Eva associate with them.

"Did you let the restaurant know about this request?" she asked.

"Your reservation for tonight has been confirmed by the restaurant. At nine in the evening, they'll be anticipating your arrival," Edward Lewis, also an associate editor, announced.

Edward is Eva's personal secretary and her most trusted person. Just like when they were younger, he is dependable and entirely honest with her.

"Elise, have you forwarded me the email about The Cavalry?" Eva continued, directly looking at the person she called.

"I haven't yet, but I will—"

"To discern the future of the business that I could discuss in the articles, I need to be certain that I am familiar with both its past and present performances," she interrupted. "So, if you're planning to destroy our department's reputation, you better bring yourself to hell or I will bring hell to you."

Elise was left dumbfounded and felt insulted by her scathing statements.

"How about the one-on-one interview that you did with the chef, Hale?" Eva continued again.

"Well, I requested an exclusive interview with the chef, but he refused to grant any of my requests. So I spoke with the head waitress instead, and she provided some useful information…"

Hale noticed how his boss put on a resting bitch face and whenever she did that, his balls would start to shrink in fear.

He gulped nervously. "Am I yet to give you the result, boss?"

Eva's gaze continued to fixate on Hale as the entire room fell silent. Then, her hand abruptly lifted to the side, pointing at the door.

"Get the fuck out of my sight," she told him.

"Boss, I—"

"GET OUT!"

Everyone nearly jumped out of their seats at Eva's terrifying yell as Hale rushed out from the room. Then, she calmed herself by wiping her face with both of her hands.

"You are all dismissed as well. Edward, stay."

The remaining team members stood up and discreetly left the meeting room. Eva took some time before addressing her secretary.

"Edward," Eva sighed. "I'm counting on you to manage and lead the team without my involvement. So what caused this?"

In embarrassment, he casted a remorseful glance at the ground. "Forgive me."

"I'll be expecting to receive the files I need for tomorrow. Do you understand?"

"Yes, boss."

"Is there anything else?" she asked.

The secretary kindly put down what seemed to be an invitation card on the edge of Eva's desk.

"Please have a check on this one."

"What is this?"

"You are invited to attend the birthday party of TPG's new president tomorrow night," Edward replied. "It's also a welcoming party arranged by the board of directors."

"Was it really necessary for me to attend that nonsense? If they are welcoming the new president, then be my guest. I have more things to do than to celebrate a stranger's event," she said.

"Well, if I were to look at the scenario, choosing not to accept the invitation will likely perceive you as a weakling," Edward explained. "In primary, you are supposedly the successor of your father's legacy."

Eva was taken aback when she heard that statement. Yes. It was true. She was expected to be the president, but instead she is serving as the company's vice president and editorial department's editor-in-chief.

She returned the invitation card to Edward. "I'll let you handle this one."

"Me?"

"I don't suppose I've mentioned it to you yet, but I no longer want to get concerned with matters pertaining to my parents. That means, you will be the one to attend on my behalf."

Edward is absolutely baffled by the fact that she is leaving everything to him in regards to her late parents.

Does Eva truly despise the things that might trigger her memories regarding them?

At 9:00 in the evening, the ruthless critic's footsteps are slowly moving toward the white tiles of the restaurant's entrance, signaling that the moment for her verdict has finally arrived.

Eva was immediately drawn to the subdued lighting and tranquil music that had a wonderful, calming atmosphere.

The chief waitress greeted her and assisted her in taking off her wine-colored coat before putting it on a rack.

She was then directed to the reserved table, where she saw the flatware, such as the spoon and fork, and cutlery, all arranged in their proper places.

In the middle of bringing out her pen and jotter pad, setting them down slightly on her right side, one of the waiters presented her with the restaurant menu.

"I need to be left alone for a while. Thank you," Eva told them, which they immediately obeyed, and the waiters had dispersed.

"Chef, she's here." Barron Cavalry's attention was quickly drawn to what Marie, his restaurant's chief waitress, announced as she entered the kitchen.

From the inside, he hastily peeked out the door window and saw the enticing but adamant woman in a white double-button blazer dress, seated in front of the well-reserved table.

It was intimidating how she scrutinized each of the waiters as they catered to her specifications whilst she spread the clean table napkin above her lap.

And Barron knew that if she sensed even one mistake, it would be the end of their service. For good.

Barron returned to his brigade de cuisine and notified everyone's primary goal.

"Get her a glass of Chergausan Rouge and a piece of Chocolat Du Monde on a dessert plate right now," he said to one of his chefs.

Then, he approached Marie and instructed her to pay close attention to the finer points of the critic's orders, ensuring that everything was carried out correctly.

Marie hurried out of the kitchen, nodding assent. She proceeded calmly and professionally to Eva's table.

"Good evening. May I know if you are ready to order now?"

Eva spoke with her eyes fixed on the menu. "Yes, I am."

The critic closed the menu and turned her gaze toward Marie just as she was about to accept orders.

"Give me tonight's recommendation from the chef," she said.

"Recommendation?"

"Are you asking me to repeat what I said?" Eva sighed in disappointment. 

"I apologize, ma'am. I will let the chef know," Marie said.

She rushed back to the kitchen after taking the menu from the table and continuing to be courteous to the rude restaurant guest.

"She asks for the chef's recommendation!" 

Barron, who is in the middle of completing a set of orders at the pass, is the center of attention.

After sending it out, he summoned the head chef to help with the pass while he prepared Eva's request.

He'd been in the restaurant industry for three years and understood there was no room for mistakes now that someone who would soon be responsible for their doom had emerged.

After five minutes of food handling, he successfully placed the order from the pass and out of the kitchen. Eva's dinner was served at her table along with the special wine and chocolate from the restaurant.

"Here is the main course suggested by the chef," Marie remarked as she set the plate down on the table.

"What is this?" Eva took a glance at the food on the table.

"It's a beetroot cured salmon with wasabi," the chief waitress stated. "On your left is a glass of Chergausan Rouge wine and a piece of Chocolat Du Monde."

Eva sternly but gently pushed the wine glass away from her, leaving Marie perplexed.

"Who served the wine?" Eva asked.

One waiter stepped forward. "I served the wine, ma'am."

"How many ounces?"

"Pardon?"

"Kid," Eva called out to the young man. "You must not know who I am."

Marie decided to step in between the two, since Eva was getting impatient.

"Let me apologize on behalf of the service team. But, in order to address your concern, you have to let us know the problem."

"I've had enough nonsense talk. Get me the chef or whoever is authorized," Eva insisted.

Marie agreed and walked away from the table. She returned to the kitchen and alerted Barron of the situation.