Chapter 469

Chapter 469:

Carlton blinked and then looked at Leonidas. Seeing no objection, he shrugged and accepted it.

But instead of eating it, he handed the egg to Demi, who was starving. “Here. You can have it.”

“Really?” Demi’s eyes lit up with joy as her gaze flicked from the egg to Carlton.

Carlton studied Demi for a moment, his expression softening with something close to pity. “It’s not your fault they rated you that way. Daniel’s arrogance is the real problem here. Besides, giving this egg to you won’t break any rules.”

He glanced at the staff nearby. They stood by, uninterested, silently acknowledging his decision.

“Thank you, Carlton.” Demi accepted the egg with both hands. “You’re the only one who’s truly kind to me on this show. If there’s a chance, I’d really like to team up with you next time.”

“There will be,” Carlton replied, his smile warm and reassuring.

Inside, Demi sneered. Carlton, bless his gullible heart, was far too easy to fool. A sprinkle of feigned despair, and he’d handed her food like a knight in shining armor.

An egg might not be a feast, but it would silence the pangs of hunger—and dim the envy clawing at her every time she glanced at Janice and Stephen’s decadent spread.

Her gaze darted to Stephen, who remained utterly unfazed by her act. Carlton was the only one in the room who had been deceived by her.

“Ms. Edwards, Mr. White, tonight’s special—garlic roasted prawns,” the chef announced, placing two plates before Janice and Stephen with a flourish.

Janice tilted her head, inhaling the fragrant steam rising from the plate. “The prawns are incredibly fresh, and the seasoning is just perfect.”

“Impressive. You seem to know your way around food,” the chef responded, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

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“I’ve dabbled in culinary arts, but it’s been years since I cooked anything myself. If I’m wrong, I hope you’ll forgive me.” Janice offered a modest smile.

Leah fought the urge to groan. Janice had many skills. Among them, her culinary expertise was exceptional.

Even the most celebrated chefs paled next to her. She’d nearly won the coveted Top Chef title, only to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances.

“Ms. Edwards, you were absolutely spot on.” The chef’s face lit up with admiration. “Truth be told, this garlic roasted prawn is my attempt to replicate a dish crafted by a mysterious chef.”

“A mysterious chef?” Janice echoed, her brows lifting slightly as a flicker of recognition stirred within her.

“Yes! This chef once participated in a prestigious culinary competition and, with nothing more than a simple dish of garlic roasted prawns, defeated many renowned chefs. Her reputation became legendary. Sadly, she withdrew from the finals under mysterious circumstances. To honor her, I’ve worked tirelessly to recreate her masterpiece.”

Janice froze for a moment, the pieces clicking into place. She knew exactly who the chef was describing—it was her.

Years ago, on a whim, she had entered a competition brimming with world-class chefs.

To keep her identity hidden, she had donned a mask and earned the moniker of “the mysterious chef.”

A single dish of garlic roasted prawns had been enough to outshine the others and carry her to the finals.

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