SPEND OR DIE: THE GOURMET WEALTH SYSTEM

Plates clattered, spoons rattled and water splattered right beside Killan but he ignored it, a futile attempt by his second greatest rival Sean to rile him up, knowing that the CEO is closeby— his sworn nemesis.

“This batch wouldn’t clean itself up, Killan.” Sean yelled holding up a dirty soup bowl.

“You can tell this is the last batch Sean, you can as well join in if you want.”

Sean snorted, hating Killan’s assumed arrogance. His usual competitive attitude overcame his mindset, despite the promotion as the kitchen head he had just been honored with, he couldn’t silence the whispers among other chefs of who actually deserves the honor—Killian Quinn of course.

The best chef at KTS kitchen, the second best internationally renowned restaurant in the whole of Los Angeles. Destiny probably was wrong by interchangeably leading the top chef into an unexpected demotion of the lowest order in the kitchen or was it Sean’s hatred backed by a bigger force, the CEO’s approval.

“I will leave you to it, at least, those sturdy muscles should be put to better use than impressing the assistant chefs.”

Sean walked away feeling the opposite of what he wanted. Killan’s silence to his bullying attempts was more annoying than the fact that his handsome features always draw attention to him leaving Sean none, every female wants to associate with chef Killian and the CEO wasn’t immune to it either,

When her advances were refused by Killian, admiration turned to hate and his career was doomed.

The ringing sound of his phone cut across the room. Killian dropped the tea cup he was washing, removed his gloves, cleaned his wet hands on the linen apron he had on. He reached for the inner pocket and retrieved his phone. He looked at the screen and his heart thumped loudly.

This isn’t good news

He thought as he stared intently at the caller identity, it was none other than his boss, the CEO of KTS kitchen, Amanda Black. Killian knew he wasn’t in the mood for one of her usual attempts to get him to kiss her. His hand shook slightly at the memory.

“You are ignoring my calls now Killan?”

What the fuck!

Killian turned around stiffly and his blue eyes landed on Amanda’s pair of amber ones, she gave him a devilish smile and raised up her phone to face him.

“My apologies Mrs Black, I was about to pick up when……”

“Save your sob story Killian, come to my office now.” Amanda said rudely.

She was a woman of influence in her late forties, she had gotten married to a foreign ambassador to stretch her wings and that has absolutely worked in her favor taking her business to the next level, as if that wasn’t enough, Amanda’s thirst for younger men kept her fixated on Killian and two of her personal gym trainers.

“I will have to refuse ma’am.” Killian responded at last finally finding his voice.

Amanda paused, dropped her left arm by her side and balled it to a fist. Killan waited for her to throw him a punch but it never happened, she just smiled softly through her teeth.

“It is fine, finish up with the dishes, check in with my secretary later, she will deliver my order to you.”

Amanda walked away without another word and Killan felt a sense of relief as he let out a sigh , he had thought she would insist but she didn’t, a clear sign that she was finally giving up seducing him. Killian looked down at the phone in his hand, the screen came to light and the wallpaper surfaced,

A picture of himself and Martha, his loving wife. They had a lovely smile on their faces and they held their hands together to form the heart-shaped figure. Having a good paying job and a loving home was more than enough for a man like Killian. He didn’t need much, he was never that ambitious. Despite the bullying and challenges at work, he was well paid which makes up for the ill treatment.

Killian dropped his phone in his apron pocket and continued with doing the last batch of the dishes. A few minutes later, he looked around him, satisfied that the kitchen was now in order, he removed his hand gloves and rinsed his hand before moving towards the storage shelf. He inserted a small key into the keyhole and turned it over twice.

It made a clicking sound and the shelf drew open. Two airtight containers sat at the top of the shelf. Killian retrieved the two, opened them and tasted the contents. He smiled happily as he had successfully fermented the ginger root without it losing its structure, flavor and texture. The second container was a semi-liquid which was a combination of four different kinds of root vegetables, the blend had also fermented perfectly well.

Killian rushed back to the dish rack and retrieved a clean plate, he scooped little quantities from the containers and mixed then thoroughly, now was the time for the hard part,

Their reaction to heat and final taste bud when blended in a carbohydrate dense food without caramelization taking effect. Killan switched on the gas cooker and placed the mixed blend on it under low heat. He went towards the refrigerator and returned with a plate of parboiled pasta. He poured into a pot and added the warm blend into it, he stirred it for a few seconds and when he finally switched off the heat, he made a silent prayer.

This should be it!

When he tasted it, it was it!

Killan had finally cracked the code of the original carb—Unified. He made a recipe that defies all odds in the culinary world. Killian felt his first teardrop and the second. He cleaned his face and packed up the rest of the food. Martha needed to hear this, he thought desperately imagining her hugging him endlessly— this could be the perfect breakthrough she had spent years praying for.

It was time to go home!

Killian spiraled out of the kitchen with his lunch box filled up. He was about strolling past the reception area when he walked past the CEO’s secretary who gave him a disgusted look.

“You are being laid off Killian, here is the letter that backs it up, have it before you dash off or should I email it to you?”

No emotions! No empathy! She handed it to him enthusiastically, of course, what else is expected of Sean’s secret mistress. Reluctantly Killian accepted it and walked out of KTS kitchen without arguing. Pleading his case was useless, the CEO had given up on seducing him and she had totally turned a blind eye to his talent, it doesn’t matter as long as he has someone else that believes in him, his wife Martha.

Killian made for his car and drove home at full speed. Martha was standing on the front porch making a call when he pulled over at the house garage. He put a smile on his face as he stared at her slightly bulged stomach, the pair of bootcut jeans she had on did nothing to hide her four months pregnancy. Martha dropped her call and rushed towards his direction. Killian scooped her into his arms and kissed her.

“I have got a surprise for you and our little champ.” He whispered softly.

She dropped down from his arm and Killan made for his car passenger seat, retrieving his lunchbox. Martha’s expression turned sour but she didn’t question him. They walked hand in hand into their apartment and there he scooped out some of the pasta, fed it to Martha excitedly.

“What do you think?” He questioned excitedly.

“Oh my goodness! You finally cracked it this time Killian, this is perfect.” Martha jumped out of excitement and hugged him.

“Babe, now is the time we storm the world with our recipe, with this, we are going to make it big this time Martha.”

“This is amazing! What did you do differently this time honey?”

“Don’t worry, I will show you everything after I take a shower.” Killian kissed Martha on the lip and made for the restroom.

Martha picked up the spoon and hurriedly munched on the rest of the pasta. Her phone chimed and she checked it out, she read through the text, smiled cockily and typed back hastily.

The fool finally cracked it babe, all that is left is get him to spill it, soon enough babe, you will be the best chef in the world, i will be right there by your side in the spotlight.