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

Chapter 53: The Beautiful Chef

From inside the two-carat conference room, every guest of Clayton Brown and Annie Davis had been sighing in gratification with the food in front of them.

Starting with a plate of shrimp taco bites as their appetizer canape, they were all amused by the wonderful combination! A single shrimp was placed on top of a generous amount of guacamole, and beneath it was a taco shell just over an inch size.

They all felt the three pieces of which that were on their plates were not enough.

When the salads were served, more compliments were given to the surprisingly new flavor of the green dish.

At the table where the engaged couple sat, Annie Davis could not help but observe, "I don't remember the salad to have watermelon on it. Do you, Clay?"

After swallowing down his salad, Clayton answered, "No, even the sauce seems different. It tasted more... creamy and just a little sweet. They probably made some changes, but I like it."

"Oh, it's actually a good contrast to the earlier dish," remarked a good friend from the Brown family, Belinda Lopez. She was a columnist at the Braeton Daily and also known as a food critic.

Belinda had formed a good relationship with the Browns within the last four years since the paper's feature of the Brown Family, the growing Military Lineage of Braeton City.

"Hmmmm... It gives me the impression that I am eating a fruit salad instead of greens," added Belinda.

"I'm sure children will appreciate this. It's a good twist," said Catherine Davis, who was sitting next to Annie.

"It's wonderful, isn't it, Belinda," expressed Matilda. She was also at the same table as Clayton and Annie, seated next to General Winfield Davis.

The ten-seater round tables composed four of the Davises, Clayton's direct family; his parents and his sister, Belinda, and Stella, Matilda's caregiver.

Minutes passed, and everyone was already done with their salads. The next dish they heavenly consumed was a classic creamy pumpkin soup with garlic bread crunched on top.

Matilda thought the soup was exactly how Sarah and Samantha would cook it. As she savored the scent of the soup, Matilda said, "Brings me back memories."

Almost six years had passed and even Clayton thought so himself. He frowned and remarked, "Yes, the... the soup seems familiar tasting. I mean, pumpkin soups are generally the same, but it's creamier this time and you can taste the ginger."

Winfield Davis spoke for the first time, "Anyone can cook this way if cooking is their passion... I suppose."

He looked at Matilda and saw how his mother shook her head at him. He denied the familiarity, but he knew well. The soup also brought him back memories. After all, this was his former wife's favorite soup to prepare in their home.

Everything the guests at that point had expressed was nothing but delight.

When the scallops were served, all the more they were elated.

"Hmmmm... crunchy cheesy crumbs on the outside and everything just melts in your mouth!" Remarked Belinda. She had her eyes closed while chowing down her food.

After finishing a piece of the sea scallop, Belinda complimented the engaged couple, "You certainly chose the best venue for your engagement party. I assume you'll be having your wedding here too?"

Annie and Clayton looked at each other with a smile. It was Annie who answered, "Yes, we are. We have already made a down-payment, booking their second-biggest ballroom."

The rest of the meals were served and Belinda only had praises to say.

Alas, following the delectable avocado ice cream dessert, Belinda, the columnist said, "This is probably the most enjoyable meal I have had in years!" She smiled pleasantly at the engaged couple and added, "Sitting here in nearly three hours was just so entertaining and pleasing to my palate!"

Knowing this was her granddaughter's work, a wide grin easily became painted on Matilda's face. She suggested, "You should write about your dining experience here in this hotel."

"Yes, that is a good idea, Belinda," echoed Clayton's mother, Ingrid Brown. "Also, don't forget to include my son's upcoming wedding with the General's daughter, Annie Davis!"

"Yes, since this hotel is owned by the Wright family, maybe we can gain favor from them as well," suggested Clayton's father, Clinton Brown. "They are, after all, the richest family in the city."

Clinton leaned over to his son and suggested, "To be in favor of the Wrights meant to be in the right connections. We can have the business community support your rise in the Military ranks."

While Matilda smirked at the words of the Browns, inwardly mocking their words, the General only leaned back and suggested, "Or you can work hard and achieve success even without connections, Clayton."

"Ah, yes, General. Indeed," Clayton was quick to acknowledge, not wanting to offend his highest command.

"I certainly would want to acknowledge my dining experience in this hotel! In fact, it would be much better if we meet the chef personally, don't you think so?" Belinda suggested to everyone with eyes gleaming.

"Yes! That's also a good idea," Ingrid Brown answered.

"I agree!" Catherine Davis had the same words to say.

Belinda was so thrilled with the idea of meeting the chef that she also asked the other tables about their experience. Everyone in that conference room had the same pleasant words to report about the dishes.

They all wanted to meet the chef that made it all possible. Hence, they requested this from the hotel staff that was present from inside the two-carat conference room.

Minutes passed. The food and beverage manager came to meet the Browns, specifically at the engaged couple's shared table. She said, "Sorry for the wait, our beautiful executive chef is still giving last-minute directives to our kitchen staff before leaving her station."

"Our fine dining restaurant is still serving meals, you see. But she will be on her way to see you," explained the F&B manager.

"A female Chef? Beautiful, you say?" Asked Belinda eagerly.

"Yes, she is so beautiful. She has the face of an angel - as pretty as a daisy. Most of the female staff here at the hotel are jealous of her grace and charm," remarked the manager. "And! She is our executive chef!"

The food and beverage manager was about to say more about Samantha, especially her connections with the Wrights, but soon enough the door to the two-carat conference room opened, and came in was the First Diamond Hotel's executive chef.

All eyes were on the woman wearing a black chef's uniform, walking in with her glossy and wavy golden hair. Her blue eyes twinkled as she smiled, making her way to the VIP table of the room.

Her face was so small and adorable, she looked like a doll.

A few of the guests, especially those who were in the military, immediately recognized her.

Jaws were dropping, and sighs could be heard across the venue.

When the executive Chef stood in front of the VIP table, the F&B manager introduced, "Everyone, this is Chef Sam, the executive chef of The First Diamond Hotel. She is the person who gave your exquisite dining experience tonight!"

Samantha forced a smile. Despite faking it, her elegance shown through. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

She slightly bowed her head in different directions and greeted, "Good evening, valued guests. I'm Chef Sam. Thank you for dining with us tonight. I hope that you had enjoyed your meals as much as my team and I have delighted in preparing them for you."

Looking straight into the eyes of Clayton Brown, she added, "Mr. Brown and Miss Davis, congratulations on your engagement and your upcoming marriage. Thank you for choosing The First Diamond Hotel for your gathering venue."

"Beautiful! Beautiful!" Complimented Belinda Lopez. She placed a hand on her own chin and remarked, "The food is not only delicious, but the person who made the dishes is just so beautiful! What a beautiful Chef you are, Chef Sam!"

Belinda quickly turned to the Browns and added, "Don't you think so?"

A clear frown became painted on Annie's face, but before she could react, a few more of their valued guests gave the same compliments. They appreciated Samantha's skills in preparing delicious meals as well as her dignified face.

Meanwhile, Samantha's gaze fixed on Clayton and everyone saw how the current Commander of the military arms, Clayton Brown, slightly flushed. He put a fist on his mouth and coughed before answering on behalf of his family, "Ah, yes... Yes, she is beautiful."