As Hutton Maxwell walked briskly back to where his group stood, his sharp gaze assessing the expressions of each member. While Veronica, her aura both refined yet a bit nervous, followed closely behind him. As they arrived, the dynamic between the group shifted immediately.
Bob was the first to step forward, his polite demeanor as solid as ever. "Miss Veronica, it’s a pleasure to meet you again. You grace us with your presence." He bowed slightly, his voice filled with genuine respect.
Kenneth, ever the gentleman despite his rough exterior, followed suit. "Miss Veronica, it’s been a while. You look as radiant as always." He offered a warm smile, though it was clear he was a bit out of his depth around her elegance.
Veronica accepted their greetings with a composed nod, her eyes flickering with subtle amusement. "Thank you, gentlemen. It’s good to see you both again."
But as her gaze shifted to Vivian, the air grew noticeably colder. Vivian, standing with her arms crossed, didn’t move an inch. Her piercing stare met Veronica’s, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"I see you’re still feigning an act of innocence, Veronica."
The subtle edge in her tone didn’t go unnoticed, but Veronica only smirked, unfazed. "And you’re still as blunt as ever, Vivian. I suppose some things never change."
The tension between the two women was palpable, but before it could escalate, Ling Fei cut through the atmosphere with her indifference.
She stood to the side, leaning gracefully against a marble column, a delicate glass of red wine swirling in her hand. She didn’t so much as glance at Veronica, her attention entirely focused on the deep crimson liquid.
Ling Fei, in her usual composed manner, spoke without lifting her gaze. "Are we done with the pleasantries? Or are we delaying for a reason?"
Her words were soft but carried an unmistakable weight, as if she was subtly reminding everyone to keep their focus.
Hutton cleared his throat, stepping in to mediate before things got any more awkward. "Alright, that’s enough. We’ve got more pressing matters to attend to than personal rivalries."
His tone left no room for argument. Bob and Kenneth stepped back respectfully, while Vivian and Veronica exchanged one last sharp look before turning their attention elsewhere.
As for Ling Fei, she finished her wine in one elegant sip and set the glass down on a nearby tray, finally sparing a glance in Veronica’s direction as she spoke up.
"Welcome, Miss Veronica. Let’s hope your presence is as beneficial as Hutton seems to think it is."
Though her words were polite, there was an undertone of detachment that made it clear she wasn’t particularly invested in Veronica’s arrival.
Veronica smiled faintly, although she was a bit bothered by this question, but she didn’t allow it to surface on her body as she replied calmly. "I’ll do my best not to disappoint."
As the group fell into an uneasy silence, Hutton couldn’t help but feel a pang of exasperation. Balancing the strong personalities around him was proving to be just as challenging as the battles ahead.
Not long after, Hutton and the others suddenly decided to go into the grand hall. The grand building housing the ceremony was a marvel of architectural excellence, exuding both elegance and opulence. Tall, gilded pillars lined the entrance, their intricate carvings depicting scenes of culinary mastery and moments of historical triumph. The ceiling of the grand hall arched high above, adorned with dazzling chandeliers that cast a golden glow across the room. Walls of polished marble reflected the soft light, and large floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the cityscape illuminated by the evening sky.
The air inside was filled with a mix of refined chatter and the faint aroma of exquisite dishes being prepared in the background. Each table was draped with silk cloth, adorned with centerpieces of fresh flowers and delicate crystal vases. At the far end of the hall stood a grand stage, its backdrop a shimmering tapestry that bore the emblem of the prestigious U.S. Culinary Excellence Awards Ceremony, surrounded by laurels of gold.
As Hutton and his group entered, their presence was marked by curious glances and hushed murmurs. They moved with quiet confidence, taking in the grandeur of the event. But as Hutton scanned the room, his calm demeanor momentarily faltered when his eyes landed on faces that looks incredibly familiar among the crowd.
’The George and the Pedri family’ Hutton thought with a surprised look on his face.
To his left, seated at an ornate table near the center of the hall, was Philip George, the patriarch of the George family who was the one Hutton felt familiar towards since he is actually the illegitimate father to Lewin, accompanying him is his legitimate son Lucas George. The George family, proprietors of the Blue Haven restaurant, were known not only for their culinary prowess but also for their ruthlessness in eliminating competition. Philip’s cold, calculating gaze swept across the room, and Hutton instinctively knew he had been noticed.
Not far from them sat the Pedri family, their presence just as imposing. Antonio Pedri, a tall man with a sharp, angular face, exuded an aura of authority. His daughter, Selena Pedri, sat beside him, her expression icy yet poised, while Fernando whom Hutton had encountered in the Star City sat at the other side of Antonio. The Pedris, who based their operations in Star City, had long been a thorn in Hutton’s side, their underhanded tactics causing trouble for Green Clover in the past.
Hutton kept his composure, his face unreadable as his gaze lingered on the two families for a moment before he turned away.
Vivian, standing close to him, noticed his brief pause and leaned in slightly. "You saw them, didn’t you?"
Hutton nodded slightly, his tone calm but firm as he replied. "The Georges and the Pedris. I expected them to be here."
Bob, always vigilant, glanced in the direction Hutton had looked. "Should we be concerned?"
Hutton shook his head, his lips curling into a faint, confident smile. "No. Tonight isn’t about them. Let them play their games; we’re here for something bigger."
With that, he led the group further into the hall, weaving through the crowd with a quiet authority. They eventually found an unassuming yet well-placed table near the edge of the main floor.
As they settled into their seats, the tension among the group eased slightly, though the air remained charged with anticipation. Ling Fei, ever composed, observed the surroundings with mild interest, her sharp eyes taking note of every detail. Kenneth and Bob took their seats flanking Hutton, their expressions calm but alert.
Meanwhile, Vivian couldn’t help but glance back at the Georges and Pedris, her brows furrowed in suspicion. "They’re up to something, I can feel it."
Hutton leaned back in his chair, his hands resting casually on the table as he spoke in a low, reassuring tone. "Let them be. We’re not here to settle old scores. Tonight, we focus on our goals."
Despite his composed words, Hutton’s mind remained sharp, ready for whatever the evening might bring. The presence of his old enemies only served to fuel his determination to rise above the challenges ahead.
As the group settled into their seats, a sudden hush fell over the grand hall. The soft glow of the chandeliers dimmed, and a spotlight illuminated the grand stage. A figure emerged from behind the luxurious velvet curtains, her graceful stride drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
The host of the evening was an elegant woman in her late twenties, dressed in a sleek, sapphire-blue gown that shimmered under the light. Her auburn hair was styled impeccably, and her presence exuded both charm and authority.
But as her face became clear under the spotlight, Hutton, Vivian, and Ling Fei all froze in their seats. Their eyes widened in disbelief as they recognized the host.
It was none other than Rebecca Grey, their old friend and trusted friend, whom they hadn’t seen for quite some time now.
Rebecca stood confidently at the podium, her warm smile captivating the audience as she began her opening speech.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and culinary legends, welcome to the annual U.S. Culinary Awards Ceremony. Tonight, we celebrate not just the artistry of food but also the passion and dedication of those who bring life to the culinary world…"
Her voice was poised and professional, but to Hutton, Vivian, and Ling Fei, it was unmistakably the Rebecca they knew. The surprise on their faces was impossible to hide.
Vivian, unable to contain her astonishment, leaned toward Hutton and whispered sharply. "Is that… Rebecca?! What is she doing here?"
Hutton’s expression remained composed, though his eyes reflected his shock. "It’s definitely her. I didn’t expect this."
Ling Fei, usually composed and detached, lowered her glass of wine, her brows slightly furrowing. "So, she’s the host of this event? Interesting…"
As Rebecca continued her speech, memories of their past together surfaced in their minds. Rebecca is actually the only daughter of a second class family called the Darlington family that resides at the eastern part of the country.
Now, here she was, standing on one of the most prestigious stages in the culinary world, addressing the elite of the industry.
Rebecca’s eyes scanned the crowd as she spoke, her gaze briefly landing on the section where Hutton and his group were seated. For the slightest moment, her smile flickered into shock and something more personal—a subtle glimmer of recognition before she quickly averted her gaze as she continued.
New novel chapt𝒆rs are published on ƒгeewebnovёl.com.
"Tonight is not just about awards and accolades. It is about unity, ambition, and the shared love for the craft that brings us all together. So, without further ado, let us begin the evening!"
The hall erupted into polite applause, but at Hutton’s table, the atmosphere was charged with curiosity and anticipation.
Bob, noticing the tension among the group, leaned in slightly. "You all seem to know the host. Care to fill me in?"
Vivian waved him off impatiently, her eyes fixed on Rebecca. "We’ll explain later. This… this is something else."
Hutton leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze still on Rebecca as the ceremony moved forward. "Whatever path she took to get here, it looks like she’s done well for herself. But I have a feeling this isn’t just a coincidence."
Rebecca’s presence added an unexpected twist to the evening, leaving the group both intrigued and unsettled. For Hutton, it was yet another sign that tonight might hold surprises far beyond what any of them anticipated.