Chapter 0228


    Karl chuckles. The production assistant is waving her clipboard frantically, checking her watch like


    we’re about to count down to an explosion. Karl takes my hand and we run down the hall, bursting


    through the doors to the stage. The assistant gestures to where our station is, all the way on the other


    end. Composing ourselves, we walk stiffly onto the stage.


    As we walk into the blinding lights, I can see the other contestants—waiting, watching at their stations.


    Vanessa is watching from the judges’ stand, and for a moment I expect her to shake her head with


    disappointment. But instead, she shoots me a subtle wink and a thumbs-up. That alone is enough to


    make me feel more at ease.


    But then, just as we’re passing by the other stations, I hear it: Daniel’s voice, a venomous whisper that


    cuts through the air, low enough so only Karl and I can hear.


    “Just look at her,” Daniel mutters to his sous chef, not even attempting to be subtle about it. “She can’t


    even get her morning straight without her boyfriend stepping in. Honestly, she has no business being in


    a professional kitchen.”


    My face burns hot, a bristle of indignation bubbling beneath the surface of my skin. I feel Karl tense


    beside me, his eyes narrowing as he registers Daniel’s words.


    “I should say something,” he growls, ready to pounce, but I grab his arm and squeeze, signaling him to


    stand down.


    I can’t let Karl step in, not now. Not when it would only prove Daniel’s point that I’m just a homemaker


    with no ce in the kitchen, who needs a man to take care of business.


    “No,” I say firmly. “Just ignore her.”


    Karl shoots me a look as we approach our station. “And just let her trash-talk you? Again?”


    “I don’t need you to fight my battles Karl.”


    “I know you don’t, but—”


    “—but nothing,” I cut him off. “Now is not the time.”


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Karl’s eyes search mine for a moment before he finally nods, although I can still sense a stiffness in his


    posture. “Okay. Fine.”


    We navigate through the hectic energy of the room, sidestepping frantic production assistants and


    dodging camera operators with their massive rigs. As we make it to our station, I see Daniel nce my


    way, his lips stretching into a mean-spirited smirk.


    My heart sinks, but I don’t let it show. I straighten my posture, lift my chin, and sh a bright, defiant


    smile. I’ve worked too hard ande too far to let Daniel or anyone else shake my confidence.


    Karl leans into me as we stand by our cooking station, his words just for me. “You okay?”


    “Of course,” I say, the white lie sliding effortlessly off of my tongue. “Why wouldn’t I be?”


    But you know what else keeps me grounded, in a way that I never thought I would admit? New chapter


    avаble o? Drаmаnovels


    Karl’s presence beside me. And right now, more than ever, I’m d to have him by my side.


    “ces everyone!” the director yells, pointing us to our marks on the stage. The atmosphere is so thick


    with tension I feel like I could slice through it with a knife.


    “And we’re live in 3, 2, 1…”