The entire restaurant was now a silent stage, every patron an eager audience member awaiting the next act of this unexpected drama. I smiled gently at Chef Antoine, my loyal general in this culinary kingdom I had crafted. He was asking me for my next move, his question an acknowledgment of my sovereignty in this realm.
“Thank you, Chef Antoine,” I replied, my voice soft yet commanding. “Please prepare a special dish for our guests at Table 12. Something truly unforgettable. I trust your judgment.”
Chef Antoine nodded, a subtle smile playing on his lips. He returned to the kitchen with the grace of a maestro preparing for a grand symphony. The air was thick with anticipation, a palpable tension that made every clink of glass and rustle of cloth seem amplified.
