Chapter 30: A cooking competition ?

" Why are my thinking about this too much ?" He asked himself.

He left the photo and went to gave a shower.

***

Romeo woke up to the warmth of the sunlight streaming through his windows, and he began his day as he always did - with a refreshing shower.

He dressed in his office attire, feeling a sense of routine wash over him.

As he made his way to the dining room, he noticed that only his dishes were set.

He frowned, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of his mother.

" Where's Mother?" he asked, his voice firm but curious.

The maid, who was busy pouring his coffee, hesitated before answering.

" Madam went back to the hospital, sir. She wanted to check on Trina and her mother."

Romeo's expression darkened, annoyance flashing across his face.

He didn't bother to respond, instead taking his seat and beginning to eat his breakfast.

But as he took his first bite, he noticed something off. The food didn't taste as sweet as it usually did.

He furrowed his brow, his eyes narrowing in distaste.

" What's going on with the food? It doesn't taste right," he said, his tone critical.

The old maid hesitated, her eyes darting nervously towards the kitchen.

"I-I'm sorry, sir. Trina usually prepares your breakfast, but she's not here today. The maids prepared it instead."

Romeo's eyes widened, surprise etched on his face.

He hadn't realized that Trina had been the one preparing his breakfast all this time.

Romeo pushed his chair back, his appetite suddenly gone.

He left the uneaten breakfast on the table, his mind preoccupied with the revelation that Trina had been the one preparing his meals.

Without a word, he stood up and walked out of the dining room, leaving the maid to wonder if she had said something wrong.

Romeo made his way to the garage, his keys already in hand.

He got into his car and started the engine, the sound of the purring motor a welcome distraction from his thoughts.

As he pulled out of the driveway, Romeo couldn't shake off the feeling that his life was somehow off-kilter.

He headed to work, hoping that the familiar routine of his job would help him clear his head.

——

Romeo settled into his office at Walter's Hotel, the familiar surroundings a comfort after the unsettling morning.

He began to sift through the stack of papers on his desk, his mind focused on the day's tasks.

Just as he was getting into the zone, his assistant, Wilson, knocked on the door and entered with a discreet smile.

"Sir, I have some news. We've received an application from a young girl named Bianca, who's interested in doing her internship here."

Romeo's eyebrows arched in interest. "Bianca, you say? Let me take a look."

Wilson handed him a file, which Romeo promptly opened and began to scan.

As he read through Bianca's resume and cover letter, his expression changed from curiosity to surprise.

"Well, well, well. She's certainly got an impressive background. What do you think, Wilson? Should we give her a chance?"

Wilson nodded enthusiastically. "I think she'd be a great fit, sir. And she's specifically requested to work under you."

Romeo's eyes narrowed, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Is that so? Well, I suppose I could use a new assistant. Let's bring her in and see what she's got."

" Okay sir.."

—-

Trina was from helping her mother gave a shower when Ryan got into the room.

She smiled warmly as she approached. "Good morning, darling. How's your mother doing today?"

Trina looked up, her eyes brightening with a warm smile.

"She's doing better, thank you for asking. The doctor says she's recovering well."

Ryan nodded, her expression pleased. "That's wonderful news. Now, I think it's time for you to get back home, Trina. You need to get ready for work."

Trina's eyebrows arched in surprise. "Work? But I thought..."

Ryan waved her hand dismissively. "No, no, darling. You need to get back to your routine. And besides, I'll be here with Meble all day. You can focus on your job."

Trina nodded, a look of determination crossing her face. "Okay, I'll get going."

With a quick hug and a kiss on Meble's cheek, Trina gathered her things and headed out of the hospital room.

She made her way back to the mansion, her mind already focused on the day ahead.

—-

Trina rushed into the restaurant, her apologies ready on her lips as she spotted the bustling activity.

Her employees were busy prepping for the lunch service, their movements swift and efficient.

She took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Despite her tardiness, everything seemed to be running smoothly.

As she made her way to her office, she noticed a young gentleman seated in one of the VIP restaurant's seat.

He was dressed in an expensive suit, his dark hair perfectly styled, and his eyes fixed intently on her.

Trina's curiosity was piqued when one of her employees came to her.

" Mrs Walter, That man has been here since morning. He says he needs to have a word with you." The young woman reported.

" Ooh" Trina realized and alshe approached him.

"Good morning sir.." She spoke and took a seat opposite him.

" Can I help you?" she asked, her tone polite but professional.

The young man gave a charming smile spreading across his face.

"Good morning, Mrs. Walter. I'm Alessandro. I've heard great things about your restaurant, and I must say, it's even more impressive than I expected."

Trina's eyes narrowed slightly, her mind racing with questions. What was Alessandro doing here? And what did he want?

But before she could ask any questions, Alessandro continued,

"I'm here to discuss a potential business opportunity. May I have a few minutes of your time?"

" Sure.." Trina paid more attention.

Alessandro's smile widened as he began to explain his purpose.

"I'm a nutritionist from AA Foodz, Mrs. Walter. We're a leading food and beverage company, and we're organizing a cooking competition to promote healthy eating."

Trina's interest was piqued, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"A cooking competition? That sounds intriguing."

Alessandro nodded, his enthusiasm evident.

"Yes, it is! We're inviting top chefs and restaurateurs from around the city to participate. And I'm here to extend an invitation to you, Mrs. Walter."

Trina's eyebrows arched in surprise. "Me? Why me?"

Alessandro's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled.

"Your restaurant has an excellent reputation for serving healthy, delicious meals. We believe your culinary expertise would be a great addition to our competition."

Trina's mind was racing with possibilities. A cooking competition could be just the thing to boost her restaurant's profile.

"I'm interested," she said finally, a slow smile spreading across her face. "Tell me more."

Alessandro got a business card from his pocket and gave it to her.