2025-06-12 05:16:42That afternoon, the media storm only grew worse. Paparazzi camped outside L’Empire. Anonymous tipsters started sending emails to health departments. Two suppliers backed out. A fire inspection was suddenly moved forward—unscheduled, aggressive, and suspiciously thorough.
Dominique Beaumont didn’t need to shout to be heard. She moved like poison in perfume: unseen but fatal.“She’s trying to strangle us before we open,” Scarlett said as she reviewed their investor contracts with a sharp eye. “If any of this sticks, it could scare off the backers.”Louis stood at the window of his office above the restaurant, fists clenched. “She’s playing dirty.”Scarlett turned to him. “Then so do we.”Louis raised an eyebrow.“We fight her the same way we built this place,” she continued. “With fire, precision, and no damn fear.”The CounterattackScarlett contacted their legal team, launching a defamation suit against L’Observ
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Fire Under Pressure
> Vanessa had a refined knowledge of balance and luxury plating.Scarlett had raw instinct and explosive flavor pairings.They were opposites. Yet somehow, it worked.They plated three dishes for the mock tasting:1. Smoked Quail Egg Nest with Truffle Dust and Anchovy Foam2. Roasted Veal Tongue Carpaccio with Fennel Citrus Dust3. Molten Dark Chocolate Sphere with Passionfruit-Lavender CoreScarlett adjusted seasoning. Vanessa inspected spoon angles under spotlight.They didn’t speak. But their rivalry painted the room like static electricity.---Meanwhile… Dominique’s OfficeDominique sipped espresso as his assistant handed him a tabloid.“Louis Devereaux Spotted Late-Night with TWO Women Chefs – Kitchen Romance or PR Stunt?”He smirked. “Let them eat each other alive.”“Sir, should we proceed with the Michelin bribery case leak?”“Not yet. Let him sweat. We leak on the eve of his review.”Dominique’s eyes gleamed. “He wants Michelin? Let him bleed for it.”Back in the KitchenBy n
Mission Update ( Maintain 3-Star Michelin Status)
Mission Update:Maintain 3-Star Michelin Status Amidst ScandalChallenger: Chef Renjiro Hoshikawa (Japan’s Culinary Emperor)Time Left: 7 DaysRisk: Michelin Team Auditing L’Empire de LouisReward: +Skill Unlock / Prestige / System Bonus---The kitchen of L’Empire de Louis was quiet — too quiet.Until the envelope arrived.> INVITATION TO THE ULTIMATE TASTING DUELCHEF LOUIS vs CHEF RENJIRO – 7 DAYS FROM NOWVenue: Paris Michelin Test KitchenLouis's jaw tightened. Renjiro was known for perfection and cruelty, with a past grudge after Louis beat him in a culinary duel three years ago.Scarlett grabbed the envelope first. “He’s trying to take your stars. And once they're gone, your investors vanish.”Vanessa smiled from the corner. “Then let’s remind Renjiro that this time, he’s fighting against two women and one culinary god.”Scarlett gave her a sharp glance. “One of us actually has experience in real kitchens.”Vanessa laughed, but there was fire in her eyes. “And one of us actuall
System Awakens
The moment Scarlett placed her hand on Louis’s chest—comforting him after the stormy news—something invisible rippled through the air.[DING!]Wealth-Bond System ActivatedPartner: Scarlett AlbrechtEmotional Sync: 78%+€250,000 added to Hidden Asset Pool+Charisma Boost: Investor Influence +12%+Passive Skill Unlocked: Culinary Aura (Level 1)Louis froze.He heard the voice—not in his ears, but inside his mind. Smooth, cold, mechanical.> “Build your empire through genuine bonds. The stronger their belief in you, the richer you become.”His heartbeat thumped wildly. Was this a hallucination? Another trick from exhaustion?But then his phone buzzed.Transfer Notification: €250,000 received from anonymous investment stream.Scarlett didn’t notice the shift in his expression.“We’ll fight this, Louis. You’re not alone,” she said, holding his hand tighter.[Sync Level Increased: 81%]Something powerful had just begun. And Louis knew—this wasn’t coincidence.The next morning, Louis arrive
Sunday Morning with the Rain
Scarlett rarely allowed herself to disconnect. But after Louis’s monumental victory at Le Couteau Noir, and the whirlwind meetings with investors, she needed—they needed—a breath of air outside Valmont’s cutthroat pace.So, when Louis handed her an envelope marked “Pack light. Trust me.”—she raised a brow but obeyed.Two days later, they were in the countryside.Nestled in the lavender fields just outside Provence, the villa Louis had rented was rustic and private. Stone walls bathed in ivy, antique wood furniture, a small vineyard behind the house, and a private chef’s kitchen Scarlett immediately knew Louis would fall in love with.But Louis wasn’t thinking about kitchens.Not this weekend.He took her hand the moment they stepped inside. “No business. No Dominique. Just us.”Scarlett gave him a sly look. “I don’t know. I make a habit of mixing pleasure with business.”Louis smirked. “I plan to flip that equation.”---Saturday Morning – Barefoot & Burnt ToastScarlett woke to the s
Taste a Victory
That afternoon, the media storm only grew worse. Paparazzi camped outside L’Empire. Anonymous tipsters started sending emails to health departments. Two suppliers backed out. A fire inspection was suddenly moved forward—unscheduled, aggressive, and suspiciously thorough.Dominique Beaumont didn’t need to shout to be heard. She moved like poison in perfume: unseen but fatal.“She’s trying to strangle us before we open,” Scarlett said as she reviewed their investor contracts with a sharp eye. “If any of this sticks, it could scare off the backers.”Louis stood at the window of his office above the restaurant, fists clenched. “She’s playing dirty.”Scarlett turned to him. “Then so do we.”Louis raised an eyebrow.“We fight her the same way we built this place,” she continued. “With fire, precision, and no damn fear.”The CounterattackScarlett contacted their legal team, launching a defamation suit against L’Observ
The Taste of War
The soft opening had ended with an overwhelming success. The last guest had long gone, the team had wrapped up the final clean-up, and Valmont had gone quiet under the midnight sky.Inside L’Empire de Louis, only two people remained.Louis stood behind the now-silent kitchen counter, his sleeves rolled up, apron slung over his shoulder. Across from him, Scarlett sat on a barstool, barefoot, her heels abandoned on the floor beside her. Her emerald dress shimmered softly under the golden pendant lights, her hair slightly tousled from the long day."You look exhausted," Louis said, setting a bottle of red wine and two glasses on the counter.Scarlett smiled. "I should be. But I’m not. I think I’m… high on adrenaline."Louis poured the wine and slid a glass toward her. "Or maybe on pride. You were incredible tonight, Scarlett.""So were you." She took a sip, then leaned on the counter with her chin on her hand. "That cherry flambé? I think it stole more hearts than the duck confit."Louis
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