Mommy, Where's Daddy? The Forsaken Daughter's Return

Chapter 59: The Christmas Bonus

The afternoon was another quiet time for the kitchen. So Samantha took the chance to discuss with her team the upcoming grand opening of the hotel. They were two weeks away and like as she did with their regular dishes; she wanted to make some slight modifications to the planned courses.

Since they did not have any orders at three in the afternoon, nor were the reservations in the evening that significant, they tested on her alterations, cooking the required dishes according to Samantha's adjustments.

The Pearl Diamond Restaurant was made closed for their own food tasting and discussion over the dishes.

"Hmmm... This is just heaven," remarked Anthony. "Wonder why I never tried it this way!"

"I love the mix seafood dish!" Remarked Jane. "I did not think it was possible to use lemon leaves as an added aroma!"

Samantha chuckled and said to them, "Sometimes, you learn things as you cook for your child."

Matteo, on the other hand, was the one to first taste the set of sea urchin scrambled eggs. He was silent as he chewed down the creamy dish.

Everyone waited for his approval so they all fell silent.

Matteo cleared his throat and drank a glass of water. He said, "The idea of having scrambled eggs as an appetizer appalls me." He looked down at the dish before adding, "But it's fucking good."

Claps could be heard across the restaurant and Jane cheered, "Chef Matteo and Chef Sam agreed!"

It left Samantha smiling, and while Matteo did not smile at all. He at least expressed, "the changes are good."

When everyone dispersed back into their stations, Samantha took the chance to speak to Matteo in person.

It would seem to Samantha that he remained in the restaurant on purpose. Before she could say another word, Matteo said, "When I heard that you did not have any Michelin Star experience, I frowned. You lacked that experience to turn this restaurant into a refined one."

Matteo sighed and told, "But I will not deny that your views and your passion for food make you unique. Still, I think you need more experience in managing the kitchen. You can't suddenly take over the kitchen just because your kitchen staff turned rebellious. It would have been more practical of you to threaten us for suspension or getting fired."

"Is it? And then what? Look for new chefs to train two weeks before the grand opening?" Samantha pointed out. "I get that I may not have the sternness expected of a leader that everyone is used to... coming from you, but ... I know that I have the heart."

"My ways will be different," Samantha added. "Sure, I thought about it. Even my husband suggested letting you go, but I want to make practical decisions."

"And with your experience, Matteo, I could really use your help." Samantha sighed and expressed, "More than just a career for myself, I don't want to let my husband down."

She did not know why, but she became teary-eyed as she expressed, "He brought me and my kids so much joy and contentment. So I want to make him proud. Aside from doing this for myself, I want him to be successful in the hospitality industry."

"So more than just being your boss, as a wife of your highest boss, I am also asking for your help. Work with me and let's bring fame to this hotel through the food that we make." Samantha extended her hand to Matteo and suggested, "We don't have to be friends, but we could... at least work harmoniously... Is that a deal?"

For a second, Matteo, with his rigid expression, his grey eyes, and his well-defined face, gawked at Samantha's hand. He gasped just before he reached for her hand and he said, "Fine, but I want to be off on Saturdays."

"Works well for me. I prefer Sundays as my off," Samantha answered.

"If Mr. Wright wants to take this restaurant to a Michelin level, he needs to hire more chefs," suggested Matteo.

Samantha raised a finger and told, "I agree, but not right now. I will, however, put up a request to hire more and so they can be ready, once our restaurants become busier."

Matteo nodded. He let go of Samantha's hand and said, "And about Deana. I can try, but she... she has a mind of her own."

With a smile, Samantha answered, "Thank you, Chef Matteo... Let's prepare for dinner service now."

Just as Samantha got up, Matteo implied, "You must love your husband."

He himself got up from his seat and added, "By the way you talk about him and you think... about him."

Biting her lip, Samantha flushed. She answered, "Yes... I - I do." Her smile further beamed as she told, "Rarely do we find the one we truly love, right? I feel so blessed."

Samantha did not really think she would wind up admitting her true and deepest feelings without Ethan around, but she just felt it was the most suitable answer to say.

Last night, she was still deciding how much her feelings for Ethan were growing, but somehow, a big part of her had already secretly decided.

She took a quick break, going back to the locker area, and muttered as she grabbed her phone. She said, "Maybe I really do... already love, Ethan."

Samantha sent her husband a quick text which said, "Honey, I miss you already. Can't wait to see you tonight."

***

Back at the Wright Diamond Corporation, Ethan Wright was drowned with work, having a discussion with John and a few of his directors. It was his third meeting of the day.

He had his usual meticulous look on as he was speaking, "We'll need to visit Laton City next week and see how the investment is going. In the meantime - "

Ethan's words were halted, hearing "Girl In The Mirror as his ringtone."

John and Ethan's executives turned to him in shock. Even Ethan was alarmed by the sudden tone of his mobile.

He cleared his throat and sneered as he took out his phone from his pocket.

It was a call from Kenzie. Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

He had placed new sim cards on their tablet just recently so both Kyle and Kenzie could call him at their convenience. He answered it with hesitation, "Sweetheart, what is it? I'm in a meeting."

"Okay. I will." Putting down the phone, Ethan turned to his assistant and told, "Kenzie wants those... creamy donuts."

"Right, I got that Mr. Wright. I'll buy them after the meeting," Answered John.

As Ethan shook his head and realized his children had messed with his ringtone. He recalled how he handed his mobile to Kyle during their dinner at the old Wright Family mansion. Instead of being upset, he was impressed by how his son made the changes so swiftly.

Nonetheless, he found it cute. It was, at least, a unique ringtone that will certainly catch his attention.

While everyone at the conference table was stunned by the CEO, suddenly taking calls in the middle of the meeting, another tone came about from Ethan's phone.

"Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful..." It was another sweet song that apparently indicated any call or text coming from his wife.

Yet again, he was dumbfounded. Ethan opened his phone and saw the text coming from Samantha. His lips curved into a smile, reading her message, "Honey, I miss you already. Can't wait to see you tonight."

He caressed his chin, just gawking at his phone. For seconds, he remained silent, delighting in the words seen on the screen. When he returned to his senses he declared, "I am announcing an increase to your Christmas bonus!"

He turned to John and said, "Have HR increase the Christmas bonus by 5%."

"Rea -really boss?" John Garcia probed with eyes widening.

"Yes, really," Ethan answered, smiling as he answered Samantha's text.

John Garcia was so pleased with the outcome of that meeting and he knew... it was thanks to the new Mrs. Wright. He silently said to himself, 'Thank you heavens for taking us to Monroe City!'