Chapter 613

Kevin nodded, “Understood.”

On the cruise ship, a grand banquet was underway. The dance floor shimmered with people in glamorous dresses. Among the guests were famous celebrities and top models. Everyone mingled, their laughter mixing with the clink of glasses and the distant sound of ocean waves.

In the kitchen, Madelyn demonstrated her exceptional skills, particularly with desserts. At the beginning of her job, she could not speak any French. But her culinary talent earned her the position. It was a lifeline; she could have been left struggling, even homeless. Although her primary role was waiting tables, she also assisted with cooking. She dedicated time to learning French during her breaks, becoming fluent over time.

Hugue, the head chef, looked at Madelyn appreciatively. “I’m so grateful for you. I can’t imagine handling this place without your help.”

With a humble smile, Madelyn took a metal tray from him, saying, “Every chance to earn counts.”

Even though she did not have much, Madelyn consistently donated a large part of her monthly savings to an orphanage, always anonymously.

Lila came in to collect the prepared desserts. “It’s packed today. Many guests can’t get enough of the walnut cake you made; they keep asking for more. Madelyn, I really don’t want to go back out.”

Madelyn was kneading dough, dressed in a black waitress outfit with an apron, “Just give me a few more minutes.”

As Zach stepped onto the cruise ship, heads turned in his direction. A man with a distinctive golden beard came forward, a woman in an elegant dress and lace–trimmed hat accompanying him. “You’ve kept us waiting. Mr. Jardin,” the man said.

Taking a glass of red wine from a waiter, Zach toasted the couple, “Better late than never,” he said, offering a sly grin.

Eric Girard, the banquet’s host and a well–known count from France, introduced, “This is my daughter, Alice. She returned from Ostalija when she heard you’d attend. I think you two should chat.”

“I look forward to it, Father,” Alice said.

Alice’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Zach, clearly impressed by him. Seeing this, Eric discreetly moved away to let the two converse. Drawing nearer, Alice softly grasped Zach’s hand, her feelings for him apparent in her eyes.

On the ship’s deck, Alice frowned at the snack in front of her, “I ordered two.”

The waiter said, “I’m sorry, Miss Girard. We ran out. Yours was the last one.”

“I want to speak to the chef.”

“Right away, Miss Girard.”

In the kitchen, Lila approached Madelyn excitedly, “Someone’s asking for the chef who made the walnut cake. Think of the tip!”

Madelyn paused from her cleaning, looking unsure, “I don’t think I should go out there. Hugue, can you handle it?”

Lila looked confused, “But they want the chef.”

Madelyn smiled reassuringly, “Hugue knows just as much about that cake as I do. I taught him, after all.”