Chapter 4

"Scarlett, what the hell are you doing making a scene here again?!"

Julian's angry voice boomed from behind. "Who gave you permission to stand here?"

"Julian, thank goodness you're here!"

Chloe rushed behind him, playing the frightened victim.

"Please talk some sense into her. Scarlett is telling everyone she invited Chef Harrison. He's going to be here any minute! If he overhears this nonsense..."

Enraged, Julian stepped forward and slapped me hard across the face.

"Shut your lying mouth! Chef Harrison came here because of Chloe’s reputation! How can you be so utterly shameless?!"

I held my stinging cheek, staring straight into his eyes. "Shameless? Julian, you still have no idea who actually built this restaurant, do you?"

"Who built it?"

Julian laughed mockingly. "You're not about to claim it was you, are you? Scarlett, you're nothing but a line cook. Stop trying to inflate your own worth."

"Julian is right, Scarlett!" Chloe piped up, her voice laced with venom. "I let it slide when you stole credit for my work before, but Chef Harrison’s visit is crucial to our future. I won't let you ruin it with your delusions."

Julian stepped up and raised his hand again, striking my other cheek.

"Petty, selfish bitch! Get on your knees and apologize to Chloe right now!"

My fists clenched tight. I caught the triumphant gleam dancing in Chloe's eyes.

"And if I refuse?"

"Then get the hell out! Get out of The Grand Mirage! I will blacklist you from this entire industry! You will never work in a kitchen again as long as you live!"

I raised an eyebrow, finding it almost hilarious. "Blacklist me?"

Julian took my reaction as a sign of defeat, his chest swelling with smug superiority.

"That's right! Scarlett, you are an expendable nobody, while Chloe has direct ties to a culinary legend! You'd better understand right now: without me, you're nothing!"

"Is that a promise?"

I let out a chilling laugh. "Julian, are you absolutely certain she’s the one with the connection to Chef Harrison? Are you sure you want to ruin me for her?"

"Damn right! If you apologize to Chloe right now, I might show mercy. But this time, you do it on your knees."

Julian stood tall, confident he held all the cards. Chloe sashayed over to me with a pitying smirk.

"I'm so sorry, Scarlett. It's Julian's call. I really can't go against his wishes."

Just as she finished speaking, a commanding, thunderous voice roared from the entrance.

"Who is making her kneel?! Who dares to make her kneel?!"

The crowd parted instantly in shock. Someone gasped out loud:

"Chef Harrison! The culinary master is here!"