“On it,” he responds, jogging toward the pantry. He returns a few moments later,

and we swap places.

“Make sure to turn the duck and sear it evenly,” I call out as I begin to mix the

ingredients together to make the dough. “Use the red wine for moisture. Yeah,

just like that, perfect…”

When the buzzer blares, signaling the end of the round, I step back and take a

look at my dish.

It’s beautiful—each element perfectly executed, just like I rehearsed a million

times in my head. The plate practically glows under the stage lights, and I can’t

Enter title…

of pride course through

make their way around, forks poised,

Daniel’s station. He stands tall, his

high, as they taste her creation. My heart pounds in my

echoing my mounting anxiety.

they come to

ladies and gentlemen,” I say, pushing

en croûte. I incorporated

believe adds

nods approvingly, her eyes

second judge,

Logan—chef extraordinaire and owner of

renowned restaurants in the world. His

takes a

as he chews slowly,

then, a small grimace.

says, setting down

The black pepper isn’t hiding your

punch to the gut. The judges move on,

collapsing in on itself.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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