My CEO 364

364 freaking Bread and Banken

364 Breaking Bread and Barriers (Winona)

The backyard is alive with laughter and chatter as the grill sizzles away. Jayden stands at the helm, flipping burgers, hot dogs, and skewers of vegetables, while Bobby and the girls dart around, helping where they can.

It's a beautiful scene-warm, welcoming. The large fire is burning well and there are many gathered around it. Some sitting on the many stumps provided as seats and some just standing near the warmth. Everyone is smiling and chatting. I'd gotten some of the bottles of rose from the main house cellar brought down. Not everyone likes beer.

Viktor walks over, holding a beer, his usual stoic expression softened. "I think you've won them over," he says in his deep, accented voice, gesturing toward the staff who are now mingling and laughing, clearly enjoying the meal. "Bobby has really outdone himself. I never would have expected it of him."

"Kids can surprise you if you don't limit them."

I glance around, taking it all in. The chefs have been cooking alongside Jayden who's demonstrated how to perfectly turn a hotdog and had them in peals of laughter.

Now they're sitting with the other staff, enjoying plates piled high with food.

Some of the gardeners have found themselves in charge of refilling the beer coolers, making sure no one's glass stays empty for long.

In fact there are staff here I've never seen before. Henry is tucked up in his pram sleeping like he's never slept before. It simply couldn't get more perfect. Bobby runs over with a grin. "Mom, they're going through the beer fast. Do we have more?"

I laugh. "I think we'll need to send for reinforcements. Maybe some wine too. Viktor, is there a secret stash here somewhere that isn't worth my first-born child?"

them bring bottles of rosé and

step in to support Jayden, our family. It doesn't go unnoticed. I know it's your

female staff chatting in French I decide to practice my rusty French skills. May as well

group with a smile. "Excusez-moi, mais.. je veux pratiquer... uh... parler Français

vous?"

warm smile, nods encouragingly. "Bien

travaille... avec... la vache?" I meant to say something about working with the team, but the

#25 BONUS

said you work with

mistake, throwing my hands up. "Okay, maybe French isn't my strong suit! But

laugh too, and the mood lightens even more. I feel a sense of camaraderie building- language barriers aside, we're all just

suis désolé," I add with a smile. "I meant to say 'team," not

younger women pats my arm. "C'est bien, madame.

breath, the laughter echoing around us making me feel at ease. "Maybe I should stick to English for now or I'll end up out in the fields with the animals,"

and I send a bottle to each of the small groups scattered around the yard. Making

smile warmly at the offering of wine, toasting us

But then, Hugo arrives.

before anyone else does, his tall, lean figure cutting a sharp contrast to the relaxed atmosphere. He strides

thoughts: This is not how

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