Chapter 319
When the Adler family found out he wanted to buy pastries, they were so furious they refused to sell him any fruit and vowed never to do so again
Layne Ochoa was mortified when he learned the answer, but refused to give up on the special ingredient. He knew that without it, the chefs from Seawise Pavilion would outdo him at the state banquet.
Determined not to disappoint, he resorted to assuming different identities, seeking help from friends, and even attempting to purchase the fruit elsewhere. However, the Adler family’s widespread warning thwarted his efforts, leaving no one willing to sell to him
No one wanted to offend the Adler family or risk bring blocked and losing access to their fruits. Since they could afford Adler’s produce, they were well–off enough not to take the risk. So, no one was willing to help Layne
He had no choice but to attend the state banquet, even though it meant using the fruit he couldn’t obtain. As the aroma of cooking wafted from the adjacent kitchen, he and his fellow chefs felt a growing sense of unease. The more enticing the smell, the worse they felt.
Faced with no other choice, they had to persevere. Just as pastries were served, Layne discreetly messaged someone at the banquet, requesting their help investigating the situation inside.
Both the people at Seawise Pavilion and those opposite were interested in what was happening inside, though for different reasons. News reached both sides almost simultaneously, eliciting reactions ranging from delight to worry.
Layne’s face fell when they saw the message. The guests loved the Seawise Pavilion’s pastries and even asked about their names, recipes, and Ingredients.
The pastries were a hit–almost all were devoured, even outshining the main courses. The visiting prince and his consort were so impressed that they requested to meet the chef, a true honor for the kitchen staff.
The piercing cheers of the Seawise Pavilion patrons next door, celebrating their victory, filled the air, but Layne suppressed his frustration and continued reading.
As Seawise Pavilion’s pastries were so exceptional, their pastries, as described in the following paragraph, received little attention.
Layne, who had always envied Seawise Pavilion’s success, couldn’t bear to witness their celebration. The cheers from the other side felt like a boastful taunt, driving him to confront them with his men.
Layne thought it was deeply unjust that Seawise Pavilion’s win felt hollow and lacking merit because they had an unfair advantage from the start. That was why Layne spoke to them so directly,
Layne seethed with resentment, convinced he could have achieved fame and fortune at the state banquet if only he had been given the same opportunity. His dreams of wealth and adoration were shattered, all because Seawise Pavilion had stolen what he believed was rightfully his
- ty. couldn’t
As his anger intensified, his eyes gradually reddened with hatred and jealousy Willie Sexton, unsettled and confused by this hostility, understand the reason for il
At previous state banquets, their pastries were often overlooked because foreign guests didn’t always share their palate. This year, however, the inclusion of fruit allowed their baking to shine genuinely.
Willie considered it briefly before replying, “Layne, we won’t use ordinary ingredients just to compete with you. If you’re serious about this competition, you should also buy some ingredients. That way, we can have a fair fight on a level playing field.”
Layne already suspected Willie was mocking him, and that comment just made it worse. He knew Grady Reese, the owner of Seawise Pavilion, was close to the Adler family.
Layne had his men watch the Pavilion, and they reported Richard frequently visited, bringing fresh fruit and requesting Grady make him various pastries
Grady, assisted by several apprentices, always meticulously prepared these treats. Richard would either take the pastries himself or have the staff deliver them
Layne felt uneasy after learning this and wondered if Grady had manipulated the situation. He thought, ‘Grady is so good at getting on proplex good side. Maybe he’s the one who convinced Mr. Adler to stop selling fruit to us. How spiteful! And he still dares to talk about faimesaf
He snarled, “Tell Grady to stop asking the Adlers to target us if he wants to discuss fairness!”
Willie’s face contorted in confusion as he asked, “Target what?” He wondered, Why is he mentioning the Adler family and claiming we’re targeting them‘ If anything. Layne is the one targeting us
Desjate knowing about his prior report to the authorities, Seawise Pavilion was more concerned with clearing their names than expressing anger
1/2
Chapter att
retaliated against him
rely fabricated, as they never re
Even Willie, unifaniker with tent we dat värele, korm Pichard was not someone they could manipulate. Despite his jovial demeanor and affection for
nu Pavilon, redeely nude restimated him.
thing
was unthinkable. W
Willie was about to explain, but then he saw
色
